Young scholars examine the presidential election of 2000. In this American history lesson, students listen to their instructor lecture on the details of the 2000 election. Young scholars respond to discussion questions and participate in...

Pupils investigate the racism elements after the election of President Barack Obama. In this racism lesson, students read a recent article about 'post-racial' society. Pupils compile a list of achieving a post-racial society and devise a...

Ninth graders examine the origins and functions of political parties.  In this American Government lesson, 9th graders create a party platform to address political issues that are likely to arise during a national election. ...

Learners compare two First Ladies. In this American history lesson, students read speeches given by Barbara Bush and Hillary Rodham Clinton. Learners respond to questions about the speeches.

Eleventh graders explore the reasons for migration to California during the Gold Rush.  In this American History lesson, 11th graders read letters about the opportunities and obstacles people faced.  Students create a map of...

Young scholars explore muckraking. For this American history lesson, students listen to their instructor present a lecture regarding the details of Upton Sinclair's The Jungle. Young scholars respond to discussion questions pertaining to...

Young scholars determine how the Kennedy assassination impacted the United States and, more specifically, the Vietnam War. In this 20th century American history lesson, students read books and view video clips of the event and then write...

Young scholars read and response to the book, Abuela's Weave. In this African-American literature instructional activity, students discuss pre-reading questions, that focus on family traditions and make predictions about the text. Young...

Students read about the role of the president. In this US government lesson, students read about the role of the president as stated in the US Constitution. Students examine issues of presidential power and identify various checks and...

Students examine military maps and photos to better explain why an isolated battle on a remote island in Alaska alarmed the nation. They explain how the Japanese occupation and American recapture of Attu were significant in the history...

Madison was there! Scholars go on a journey to discover the person behind the founding father label as they explore James Madison's role in the formation of the United States government. The culmination is a writing assignment and...

In a single, soundly-designed class period, high schoolers define good character, think-pair-share about thought-provoking quotes on character (More options would enhance the discussion, worth searching online for other quotes to add.),...

Students investigate Woodrow Wilson's ideas for peace through the League of Nations. They examine how he attempted to encourage American support for the League and the opposition to it that was found in the Senate.

A group of citizens in North Canada has decided to leave their country, and they are asking for help in setting up an American-style democracy. Using a carefully structured activity, pupils lay out the principles in the American...

Students give examples to indicate how voting participation changed in the first half of the 19th century, and make connections between changes in voting participation and the results of the election of 1828.

Learners give examples to indicate how the franchise was extended and limited in the first half of the 19th century, and cite some differences in the newly enfranchised population that could affect the way they would vote.

Eleventh graders examine the Dust Bowl in American History.  In this US History lesson, 11th graders read a transcript on the Dust Bowl.  Students analyze a video on the Dust Bowl. 

The origins, goals, and struggles of the women's movement are the focus of a five-day series of lessons about the accomplishments of the movement and the continuing struggle for women's rights.

Students explore the debates over American slavery and the power of the American federal government for the first half of the 19th century and how the regional economies and political events produced a widening split between the states.

The US Constitution is the beginning of Americans' rights. Use a five-paragraph passage to give a brief history of the US Constitution. A great last minute addition to a lesson on Constitution Day.

Students read and analyze Franklin Delano Roosevelt's 1941 State of the Union Address. They listen to recordings of speeches by F.D.R., answer discussion questions, and participate in a debate.

Students determine the role of each branch of government in a system of checks and balances. They demonstrate the role of the judiciary in American government

Empty rhetoric in Washington timelessly inspires political cartoons. Examine this concept through an analysis handout, which features a cartoon by Pat Oliphant (archived work is linked for possible extension activities). Although this...