Students spend two classroom days contemplating and discussing the qualities of a leader and the definition of a hero. They read the story of Nathaniel Bowditch from the New Trade Winds Website and use it as a catalyst for discussions on...

Pupils evaluate the Kennedy Administration's involvement in the civil rights movement. In this Civil rights activity, students read and take notes from speeches connected to the historic March on Washington from the National Archives in...

Middle schoolers create an action plan based upon the results of the School Climate Survey. They implement the plan as demonstrated by a daily log of activity. They complete group and individual reflection and evaluation activities.

Students understand ideas about civic life and government. In this census lesson plan, students participate in a First We Count Reader's Theater and answer reading questions about the script in order to gain a better understanding of...

Students examine the function of presidential debates. In this civics lesson plan, students view segments of presidential and vice presidential debates. Students analyze the answers given in the debates and identify the platforms of the...

Students analyze data from the 2000 census to learn how the census works. For this civics lesson, students read a story to find out about the census, then use a map and census data to analyze changes. Lesson includes related resources...

Students analyze treaties made between the US government and Native American tribes. In this government lesson, students evaluate bias emotionally connect with what was gained and lost during the late 1700's. This is a 3 part lesson...

Middle schoolers consider their citizenship responsibilities in the world. In this philanthropy instructional activity, students define civic virtues as they consider how to be fair, just, and tolerant to promote human rights....

Learners are introduced to governmental and humanitarian responses to disasters. They research organizations such as FEMA and the Red Cross. They examine their local National Guard unit as well.

Students consider how free speech applies to journalistic practices in light of a legal case involving two reporters. They participate in a fishbowl discussion about journalism codes of ethics and write response papers.

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.

Learners watch a video and examine archival newspaper articles to study the different points of view about the building of the Brooklyn Bridge. They examine the impact the bridge had on those living in Brooklyn and Manhattan.

Tenth graders explore the importance of peace in society.  In this Global History lesson, 10th graders create a common vocabulary for the different elements that exist in a peaceful society.  Students discover the connections...

Students list the five best films of the year, in their opinion; brainstorm a list of criteria for a "good" film. They compare their own lists with the nominees in this year's Academy Awards; consider patterns in Academy Award winners of...

Twelfth graders examine the procedures and protections involved in processing an accused person through the criminal justice system. They view a Powerpoint presentation, conduct research, and write a paper describing a crime they have...

Students examine perspectives for and against the U.S. trade embargo on Cuba, develop a position on the embargo and articulate viewpoints in a public forum.

Students describe the impact of modern technology inventions on daily life. They create a graph of the class's favorite item of technology and draw a picture of their favorite piece of modern technology.

Young scholars 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.

Learners develop an awareness of citizenship and how it's defined globally. They explore the cultural diversity of different types of communities around the world. In addition, they assess the rights and responsibilities that are...

Young scholars listen to President Obama's speech, and discuss its meaning. In this President Obama lesson students learn about the president, about how to deliver a speech, and the ways they can make a difference. They create posters,...

Students understand some causes of the American Revolution. Students learn the viewpoints of the loyalists and the American Revolutionaries. Students learn a timeline of facts which they use to compare and contrast the views of the...

Students examine George Washington's Rules of Civility. In this George Washington lesson, students investigate how rules influence people, and the roles of citizens in America. Students will discuss and reword rules and work in...

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...

Students research the major events of the Vietnam War and construct a timeline. They do the same with the presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson or the 1960's. They act as an advisor to President Johnson to recommend a course of action...