Curated OER
Reflections on Judicial Power - Part I
Students research the Constitutional provision for the Judicial branch of government. They examine different U.S. founder's positions on the relative strength of the judicial branch and act as a review court for Marbury vs. Madison.
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Identifying Risks at a Superfund Site
Students work together to discover the type of risks at Superfund sites. They examine how sites are found and where to report hazardous sites. They evaluate the activities of the government to protect its citizens.
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In His Own Words: James Madison On the Problem of Faction
Students are introduced to the writings of James Madison and explain why he is often called "The Father of the Constitution". Using primary source documents, they examine his view of the Bill of Rights and what he meant by faction. In...
National First Ladies' Library
Secretary of Commerce
Middle schoolers gain understanding of economic history of United States in twentieth century by examining role of Department of Commerce. Student groups each analyze one quarter of twentieth century by researching role of Department of...
Curated OER
Making Plans
Students gain an understanding of the U.S. Census. In this civic lesson plan, students use real-life problem-solving skills and census data to choose a site for new school.
Curated OER
Fourth Grade Social Studies
In this social studies worksheet, 4th graders answer multiple choice questions about wars, congress, colonies, and more. Students complete 25 questions.
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Teaching With Documents Lesson Plan: Sioux Treaty of 1868
Students study the Sioux and their lives in the Black Hills before 1868. They engage in a wide variety of cross-curricular activities which give them a good understanding of the Sioux culture.
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Seeking a Balance in International Trade: Pacific Rim Import-Export Transactions Activity
High schoolers role play as members of a company's import-export purchasing department attempting to develop a positive trade balance with a Pacific Rim nation. They create a company and research a trade nation in order to report to...
Curated OER
Cartoons for the Classroom: Between the Lines, National Debt
For this current events worksheet, students analyze a political cartoon about national debt and respond to 3 talking point questions.
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Declarations of Independence
Students examine what they know about American Indians past and present, then research key issues facing American Indian tribes today. To synthesize their learning, students write letters taking the perspective of an American Indian.
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The Cost of War
Students view a video clip about the cost of war. They discover what goes into paying for a war. They examine the need for a budget in the government. They read a news story about this topic as well.
Curated OER
Washington, D.C.
In this Washington, D.C. worksheet, students complete 6 pages of readings and questions about Washington, D.C. Included are general facts, geography, monuments, history, economy and people. There is a short text and 6 multiple choice...
Curated OER
Making an Appeal
Students make an appeal. In this making an appeal lesson students give characteristics of the Washington Supreme Court. Students examine public policy conflicts and present an appellate case.
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What Kind of Santa Claus You Are.
Students use a photograph analysis sheet to analyze primary sources (photographs) of the Great Depression in small groups. They then write a poem about kids in the Depression Era that reflects their comprehension of the period and...
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Civil Rights through Photographs
Students examine why racial tensions continued after laws were put into place to try and create equal treatment. For this two part Civil Rights lesson, students explored the causes of the movement through photography and a...
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Indian Removal: Does History Always Reflect progress?
Learners explore the idea that progress for some might not mean progress for all. In this Native American lesson, students recognize different viewpoints about historical events through the study of primary documents. Learners decipher...
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Caution: Do No Bleach!
Students explore coral reef bleaching. In this coral reef lesson, students identify the benefits of coral reefs and the 3 major treats to coral reefs. Students research how to lessen the threats and discuss the actions that need to be...
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Grandpa's Social Security
Students examine social security and how the process works at different ages.In this retirement instructional activity students determine how long a retired person has to live to get the same benefits at different ages.
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Alien Invasions
Students create an educational pamphlet on the origins, spread and impact of invasive plant species in their community.
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Children in the Fields
Fourth graders research Hispanic child labor in California's agricultural period. They create dioramas reflecting the lives of migrant farm workers and political cartoons as produce crate labels, They illustrate farm scenes and hold a...
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Water Works
Students investigate water use and what happens at a water treatment plant. They define and discuss key vocabulary terms, view a diagram of a water treatment plant, and conduct an experiment that simulates the water filtration process.
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Fourth Grade Social Studies
In this social studies worksheet, 4th graders complete multiple choice questions about the Constitution, natural resources, economics, and more. Students complete 25 multiple choice questions.
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Cartoons for the Classroom: Bill of Rights Day
For this current events worksheet, learners analyze a political cartoon about the Bill of Rights and respond to 3 talking point questions.
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A Campfire Conversation
Students examine point of view as it relates to public issues. In this point of view lesson, students become familiar with the point of view of John Muir and Theodore Roosevelt about the wilderness. Students debate if the...