For many people, Barack Obama's presidency was the next step in Martin Luther King, Jr's dream of America's future. Explore the dreams of Americans past and present, as well as the young Americans in your class, with a set of activities...

Learners make a list of "modern day prophets" and explain how they have made considerable contributions toward the common good. They write a letter to a community leader in which they advocate the solution to a problem or issue in their...

Drug addiction, including prescription drug addiction, begins with a reason that's different for every user. High schoolers learn more about the reasons people begin abusing drugs with a set of videos and worksheets that discuss four...

Students compare and contrast the sex roles the portraits historically document to the meres of today. They make collages of marriage diptychs in terms of their own values, perceptions, and aspirations. They compare the portrait and...

Students explore the Aztec culture. In this world cultures instructional activity, students examine the concept of sacrifice and discuss when sacrifice is justified versus unnecessary. Students come up with a personal way to make a...

Seventh graders explore different forms of sacrifice.  In this World History lesson, 7th graders determine the reasons why people make sacrifices.  Students write a personal goal to make a small sacrifice. 

Students participate in a group simulation to negotiate their country's stance on climate change initiatives at the U.N. In this climate change lesson plan, students write statements and engage in negotiations to create climate change...

Was it the War against Northern Aggression or the War to Unify the Union? Scholars investigate the key battles and strategies of the American Civil War to determine just why the North was victorious in the end.

Students understand the sacrifices and problems in undoing an unfair situation. In this unfairness lesson, students discuss the reasons for the Montgomery Boycott and discuss worksheet and feelings about dealing with unfair situations.

Fifth graders discuss concepts of diversity, culture, and prejudice, gain understanding of harm caused by prejudice, and demonstrate ability to think critically and a desire to act morally.

Students understand the reasons people give to those less fortune. In this philanthropic lesson, students read Passing the Dream by Penny Caldwell. Students respond to the poem by making a list of things they would like to change...

Middle schoolers examine the motivations that prompted people to move westward during the 19th century. They take on the role of an average citizen and weigh the costs and benefits of making such a move and decide if they would have...

Explore Martin Luther King Jr.  Students listen to a speech given by Martin Luther King, and interpret his message. They discuss civil rights and how Martin Luther King Jr. exhibited good citizenship, then brainstorm ways in which...

Eleventh graders study the history of South Carolina during World War II.  For this American History lesson, 11th graders analyze the economic growth of this state through primary sources.  Students interpret many different...

Learners examine how families and peers influence their decision making.  In this addiction instructional activity students study the cycle of addiction to drugs and what can be done to prevent it. 

Students explore the concept of democracy. In this character education lesson, students discover enlightened self-interest and discuss a quote from Alexis de Tocqueville.

Students consider the role of average Americans in the Montgomery Bus Boycott. In this Civil Rights lesson, students listen to a lecture that outlines the details of the boycott. Students conduct further research about the people who led...

Students discuss and illustrate concepts of selflessness and selfishness. They identify any act of selflessness in a performed story. They also list examples of acts of selflessness that can improve the quality of life.

Students discover details regarding the signers of the Declaration of Independence. For this civics lesson, students read mini-biographies of some of the signers of the document. Students then create a model of one of the 10 signers.

Eleventh graders gain a sense of historical time and historical perspective as they study the massive campaign that the U.S. government launched to convince Americans to conserve, participate, and sacrifice. They study cencorship, and...

Students research and scope out the civil right's movement's use of nonviolent actions to achieve change and social justice. Students illustrate examples of how to use nonviolent citizenship skills. Students acquire with this lesson plan...

Learners read "The Gift of the Magi" and review the elements and theme in the story. In groups, students sketch another learners' outline on butcher paper. They use the body parts to relate the characteristics of Della and Jim. ...

Students participate in viewing The National Pastime, a film about Jackie Robinson's life. They discuss how Robinson was a hero and how they can learn from him. They work in groups using a graphic organizer to analyze Jackie Robinson...

Students explore aspects of the Vietnam War and how it relates to the heritage of America. In an attempt to understand the level of involvement, students analyze statistics from the Vietnam war. Students watch a video, read a book, and...