It's not really a small world after all! The 21st lesson of a 22-part series on American history researches the impact of globalization on the United States. Using photographic and written references materials, as well as video sources,...

Your young historians will discover the importance that citizenship education has played in the social progress of the United States as they learn about early efforts to discourage African Americans from voting in the 1960s.

Is a 1040EZ tax form really easy? Scholars investigate the complexities of the United States taxation system with an economics instructional activity. Using a wide variety of web sources, they interpret IRS taxation rules and regulations...

Even the most inspiring documents in American history had to go through a few drafts before they were ready for publication. Reinforce the importance of the writing process, as well as the collaborative nature of democracy, with an...

Who should have the power—individual states or the federal government? Scholars research the arguments of the Federalists and Anti-Federalists during the formation of the United States Constitution. Online resources, including a vast...

Eleventh graders analyze a chart comparing U.S. census data from 1850, 1880, 1900, and 1920. They read a handout summarizing immigration legislation from 1882-1996 and create a graph charting how open / closed U.S. immigration is over time.

You're never too young to learn about banking and personal finance. Use a set of seven banking lessons to teach middle schoolers about checking and savings accounts, interest rates, loans and credit cards, and safety deposit boxes.

With the coronavirus pausing many norms in American society, officials are trying to decide how to safely hold voting in the 2020 presidential election. Using curated video clips, including speeches from Congress, journalists, and...

Why was there a lack of confidence in the money and banking system of the early United States government? What historical events led to the establishment of the Federal Reserve System? Here you'll find reading materials and worksheets to...

We hear a lot about the importance of the rule of law, but most people do not really know what those words mean. The lesson is a webpage that defines the rule of law, explains why it is important in a democratic society and provides...

Learners are introduced to the roles and influence of technology and the media on American representative democracy. They examine the effects of the Internet on citizens' role in government and the role and effects of media on the...

Students examine the history of African American voting rights. In this voting rights lesson, students listen to a lecture on African American voting rights between the years 1890 and 1965. Students respond to discussion questions...

High schoolers are introduced to the experiences of various groups of Americans at home during WWII, highlighting race, gender, and ethnicity. They improve their ability to analyze and interpret historical documents and images.

Students explore government. In this decision making instructional activity, students discover the importance of majority rule in the passing of bills. They all participate in a class debate and practice the different forms of decision...

Young scholars create a presentation explaining how they can guard against identity theft. Prior to creating the presentation, students research identity theft: how it occurs, how to avoid it, what to do when someone thinks it has...

Looking in the cabinet can be fascinating! Examine the various departments of the Executive Cabinet in this group research project, which jigsaws so each small group has a different department and presents to the class. Groups create...

The Articles of Confederation sounds like one big, fancy title to middle schoolers. Here, scaffolded steps help to ease novices into understanding this all-important American document. Discussion questions, activity activities, and ideas...

Students create a video box about a Central American country. In this world history lesson, student research Central America and pick a country they want to investigate. They work in groups to create a video box that shows images about...

Students analyze Abraham Lincoln's view of the Civil War. In this American Civil War lesson, students read excerpts of Lincoln's speeches to determine whether he had a dual view of the war. Students respond to discussion questions about...

The Anasazi Indians of Mesa Verde are the focus of this art and social studies lesson plan. Working in pairs or groups of three, students utilize computers and go online to search for websites about the Anasazi. Students will choose two...

Students research government-run American Indian boarding schools. In this American Indian history lesson, students analyze primary documents to develop an understanding of the forced acculturation of American Indians through...

Young scholars examine Constitution and what it says about war-making power, contrast roles and responsibilities of executive and legislative branches of government when it comes to making war, become familiar with important 20th and...

Pupils examine American foreign policy. In this diplomacy lesson, students research Internet sources to identify and describe foreign policy events that have shaped the United States and examine the role of the United Nations.

Young scholars compare and contrast plans for government. In this government systems lesson, students compare and contrast the U.S. Constitution to the constitutions of selected countries using the provided checklist as a guide....