Lesson Plan
Curated OER

It's in Your Pocket

For Teachers K - 4th
Learners examine American coins. In this American currency lesson, students study how American money came to be as well as the responsibilities of the U.S. Mint. Learners discover details regarding American coins and design their own coins.
Lesson Plan
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The Constitution: The Country's Rules

For Teachers 1st - 2nd
Students become aware of the Constitution and why it is important. In this early government lesson, students compare the Constitution to the class rules. They are both set in place so that we all stay safe and have fun. Students draw...
Lesson Plan
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Lesson Plan: U.S. Government

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students examine reasons for studying government. In this U.S. government instructional activity, students brainstorm the reasons for rules. Students draft their own class constitution in the style of the U.S. Constitution.
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Democracy: An Introduction.

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Students study the U.S. Constitutional System and how it compares with forms of democracy that developed in ancient Greece and Rome. They list and explain the requirements it takes to form a society to be considered a nation.
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Political Cartoons as Part of the Election Process

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students explore the impact of political cartoons on American elections. In this presidential elections lesson, students discuss the election process and then analyze political cartoons that were published during presidential elections....
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Bill of Rights: Rights and Responsibilities

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Students explore the Bill of Rights. In this U.S. Constitution lesson, students consider the individual liberties outlined in the Bill of Rights as they read the provided handouts and complete the provided worksheet activities.
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Our National Documents

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Students explore the significance of National Documents. In this National Documents lesson plan, students read handouts regarding the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights. Students complete the provided...
Lesson Plan
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Marching to the Beat of a Different Drum

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore the American dream. In this contemporary music lesson, students analyze the lyrics of songs by Neil Diamond, Bruce Springsteen, and David Massengill. Students create 3-D representations of the American dream and write...
Lesson Plan
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Fighting for Democracy, Fighting for Me

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore the contributions of African Americans, Japanese Americans, and Mexican Americans in World War II. For this World War II lesson, students research Internet and print sources regarding the...
Lesson Plan
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This Land is Ours

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students research and present their findings of the Native American's forced removal in the 19th century. In this Native American lesson plan, students read passages, write and reflect, and look on the internet for evidence of the Native...
Lesson Plan
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Redistricting: How Our Representatives Select Voters

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students examine the practice of redistricting. For this American politics lesson, students read the provided articles "The Gerrymander," and "Reforming the Gerrymander." Students respond to the provided discussion questions.
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Civil Liberties and War Powers: Korematsu v. United States

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders compare and contrast Supreme Court decisions dealing with the application of civil rights during times of war, with emphasis on discrimination and detention. Working in groups, 11th graders review cases and analyze how...
Lesson Plan
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Does My Hair Disrupt Your Learning

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students research the laws and policies for school dress codes in their school and others in their state or area and explore what others say about these policies. After research is complete, students divide into two teams to develop...
Lesson Plan
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State of Mind: Inventing the American Identity

For Teachers 7th - 10th
Students define national identity, explain importance of having national identity, describe America's national identity, work together and formulate class vision of what America's national identity is, identify United States symbols and...
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Perspectives of the American Revolutionary War

For Teachers 4th - 6th
e purpose of this unit is for students to understand the American Revolutionary War and evaluate different perspectives relative to causes and effects of the war. The concept of perspective is examined in the concept of decision making.
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CREATING THE CONSTITUTION

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Young scholars engage in a variety of activities aimed at strengthening comprehension of the Constitution. The activities are part of a layered curriculum and students create a portfolio for assessment.
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Building Awareness of the Japanese American Wartime Experience

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students research the Japanese American World War II Camp Experience. They discuss the experience in the context of civil rights and the Bill of Rights.
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The Bill of Rights and You

For Teachers 4th - 6th
The right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The lesson explains what the Bill of Rights is and how it applies to everyday life, like freedom of speech or the right to a jury trial. Young historians complete hands-on...
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Children and Family Law

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Learners examine children's rights and how laws can affect their education and daily life. Through the investigation of various cases, they assess how the best interests of children are either upheld or ignored and how the Constitution...
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Participating in Democracy

For Teachers 8th - 9th
Students analyze film clips in class. In this democracy lesson, students identify the differences between civil liberties, democracy and freedom. Students view a video regarding Japanese internment and answer study questions as well as...
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The Supremes

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers discuss steps cases go through to reach Supreme Court, examine Bill of Rights, and rank rights in order of importance to them. Students then research Supreme Court case dealing with one of first ten amendments, and write...
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The Gettysburg Address (1863): Defining the American Union

For Teachers 12th - Higher Ed
Students explore the Gettysburg Address. In this U. S. history lesson, students examine Abraham Lincoln's speech and it's themes of freedom, equality, and emancipation.
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Branches of Government

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students explore the three branches of government. In this government and U.S. history lesson, students listen to a story about a boy who attempts to sponsor a bill to ban cartoons. Students interview three teachers who each represent...
Lesson Plan
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Forced Assimilation

For Teachers 4th - 11th
Students identify ways that a society promotes assimilation and examine areas where it still occurs in our present culture. They assess the value of assimilation.