Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Frederick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students discuss the significance of the announcement of the Emancipation Proclamation and the assassination of Lincoln. They analyze how historians use evidence and develop differing interpretations. Students examine historical bias and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Political Commercials: Leading or Misleading Voters

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers watch election commercials for a homework assignment. They analyze the commercials and create a commercial for a fictitious candidate using the techniques they observed.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Great Gatsby: Primary Sources from the Roaring Twenties

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers research the Roaring Twenties. In this 1920's America lesson, students analyze primary sources to develop an understanding of lifestyles and values of the era as they read F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Reaganomics Debate

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine the effectiveness of 'trickle down' economics. In this "Reaganomics" lesson, students use readings, analogies, discussion and debate to understand basic economic concepts. Students will analyze the what they think are...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A More Perfect Union: Women's Suffrage and the Constitution

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students reflect on the pros and cons of Women's Suffrage and it was viewed during the late 1800's.  In this history lesson, students will analyze documents on women's suffrage so that they can compare and contrast the rights of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Our Constitutional Connection Lesson 3: To Vote Or Not To Vote? That is the Question!

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students design colorful posters to "get out and vote" after studying the three amendments to the US Constitution that extend voting rights. They analyze the importance of voting to a healthy democracy.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Fahrenheit Follies

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders analyze the effects of sunlight on a glass of water by using the thermometer to measure its temperature. They predict and measure the difference between water outside in the sun and shade and inside. They role-play a game...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Great Debate

For Teachers 7th - 10th
Students watch tapes of televised presidential debates dating from 1960. They analyze debates and participate in mock debates.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Death and Taxes

For Teachers 9th - Higher Ed
Students explore the "death tax" and analyze statistical information about how the government taxes dead people. They research sources to determine the validity of a anti-tax group campaign and John McCain's claims about taxes. ...
Lesson Plan
PBS

Be the Press: Local Interviews, National News

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High school learners research an issue that is important to them and apply the research to write a newspaper article. After thoroughly researching their topic, students strengthen research, analyzation, and writing skills, by...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Resisting British Rule in America

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students examine the Sons of Liberty. In this instructional activity on British rule, students analyze terrorism vs. patriotism through a variety of different perspectives. This instructional activity includes instruction, assessment,...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Cartoons for the Classroom: Invasion of the Super Delegates

For Students 8th - 12th
In this current events worksheet, students analyze a political cartoon about the electoral college and superdelegates. Students then respond to 3 talking point questions.
Worksheet
Curated OER

Cartoons for the Classroom: Campaigns and Gas Pains

For Students 8th - 12th
In this current events worksheet, students analyze a political cartoon about gasoline prices and respond to 3 talking point questions.
Worksheet
Curated OER

Cartoons for the Classroom: Tooning into the Candidates - Fred Thompson

For Students 8th - 12th
In this current events worksheet, students analyze a political cartoon about about 2008 presidential candidate Fred Thompson. Students then respond to 2 short answer questions.
Worksheet
Curated OER

Cartoons for the Classroom: Tooning into the Candidates: Barack Obama

For Students 8th - 12th
In this current events worksheet, students analyze a political cartoon about Barak Obama and respond to 3 talking point questions.
Worksheet
Curated OER

Cartoons for the Classroom: The Competition of Ideas

For Students 8th - 12th
In this current events worksheet, students analyze political cartoons based on anti-American sentiments. Students respond to 4 talking point questions
Worksheet
Curated OER

Cartoons for the Classroom: Keep Current Through a Cartoonist's Commentary

For Students 8th - 12th
In this current events worksheet, students analyze political cartoons about the Middle East and American domestic issues. Students respond to 4 talking point questions.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Exit to the Left

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students share their own thoughts about the United States' involvement in Iraq. They read an article about what the Democrats would do if they were in charge. They develop a poll for members of their community to take and analyze the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Desmond Tutu

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders examine the contributions of Desmond Tutu and the history of apartheid in South Africa. They listen to the book "The Story of Ruby Bridges," listen to a lecture and analyze a timeline, conduct an interview, and participate...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A New Candidate for Animal Farm

For Teachers 10th - Higher Ed
Students create an advertising campaign in which a candidate from Animal Farm will run for an upcoming election. In this follow-up activity to George Orwell's Animal Farm lesson, students explore propaganda, rhetoric, and satire as they...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Hot Weather, Rain Mean Fewer Pumpkins

For Teachers 2nd - 6th
Students share their knowledge of pumpkins, then read a news article about how hot weather and rain are affecting the pumpkin crop. In this agriculture and current events instructional activity, the teacher introduces the article with a...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Cartoons for the Classroom: Herblock at 100

For Students 8th - 12th
In this current events worksheet, students analyze political cartoons by Herb Block and respond to 3 talking point questions.
Worksheet
Curated OER

Cartoons for the Classroom: Visual Idiom, A Lame Duck

For Students 8th - 12th
For this current events worksheet, students analyze a political cartoon about lame duck sessions and respond to 3 talking point questions.
Worksheet
Curated OER

Cartoons for the Classroom: Tooning into the Candidates, John Edwards

For Students 8th - 12th
In this current events instructional activity, students analyze a political cartoon about John Edwards and respond to 3 talking point questions.