Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Decolonization and Self-Determination

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars define and discuss colonialism and self-determination. After reading the European's view on the topic, they analyze a map of imperialism in 1914. They watch excerpts of a video and take notes on various United Nations...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Going by the Rules

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students examine George Washington's Rules of Civility. For 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...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Voting

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers investigate voter participation in the U.S. They watch and discuss a Bill Moyers video, complete a handout, and develop a plan to help a community overcome obstacles to voter participation.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Technology Blackout Day

For Teachers K - 2nd
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.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

US Policy In Somalia

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers investigate the US policy for the country of Somalia. They conduct research using a variety of resources. They locate the country and then discuss major geographical features of the areas. Students discuss the present US...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Follow the Marx

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Young scholars explore communism from historical and theoretical perspectives to present to fellow classmates at a teach-in. Each team of students be responsible for researching and presenting on one of the suggested topics in the activity.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Marching For Freedom

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students appreciate the sacrifices that people from across the country made to ensure that all citizens could exercise their constitutional right to vote. They access excellent websites and documents imbedded in this plan to guide their...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Citizen Journalism

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students examine the role of citizen journalism, freedom of the press, and the First Amendment. They analyze the results of an Internet survey, discuss the ethics of downloading copyrighted material on the Internet, and write a news story.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Lesson PlanThomas Jefferson's Library: Making the Case for a National Library

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students explore techniques of persuasive writing. In this persuasive writing lesson, students examine primary sources regarding the sale of Thomas Jefferson private library to Congress. Students write their own persuasive letters...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Establishing the Presidency

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Young scholars consider how George Washington influenced the presidency. In this presidential history worksheet, students discuss the precedents Washington set and analyze a letter that Washington sent to James Madison. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students examine readings and symbols to learn about the War of Independence and Thomas Jefferson. In this War of Independence instructional activity, students explore the role of Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration for Independence....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The constitution and The Bill of Rights

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Learners explore an Internet site that introduces the Framers, court cases, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights and even games and quizzes.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Darwinist Dogma?

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students debate whether teachers should be mandated to present theories challenging evolution in their classrooms. For homework, they write letters to their local school board expressing their own opinions.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Emergency Preparedness

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students 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.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Immigration Policy: Past and Present

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers examine the history of the United States' immigration policy. They identify events in history that changed policies regarding immigrants. They discuss new possible legislation as well.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Immigration 2004: Issues for the Presidential Election And a Sample Department of Justice Naturalization Test (can You Pass?)

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students read several handouts regarding immigration and naturalization. They complete the citizenship practice test and determine whether they would pass the naturalization test given to immigrants. They discuss how the issue of...
Lesson Plan
National First Ladies' Library

There's Only How Much? Rationing in World War II

For Teachers 2nd - 4th
Students discuss the idea of rationing as a restriction on the amount of something or the frequency with which something may be purchased or used in order to contribute to the greater good of the group which was what happened during...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Chinese Expulsion Act of 1880

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Young scholars examine the Chinese Expulsion Act of 1880. In this History lesson, students explore the issues of immigration and exclusion surrounding the Chinese Expulsion Act. Young scholars will use a variety of primary sources to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Immigration in America

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students use primary sources to study immigration. In this immigration lesson, students analyze photographs, posters, letters, and documents from Ellis Island. Students complete analysis worksheets as they evaluate the primary sources.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Understanding the Importance of the Declaration of Independence

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders examine the importance of the Declaration of Independence by using a variety of research sources and computer technology to obtain information. They internalize the thoughts, actions, and motives of the signers of the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Michigan Court System (Part 1) (Middle School)

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students identify the courts that make up the Michigan judicial system. They explore the responsibility of each court and diagram how cases move to the Supreme Court. They compare and contrast the different types of courts.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Michigan Judicial System Conclusion

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Learners identify the courts that make up Michigan's judicial system. They state the responsibilities of each court and diagram a flow chart of how a case moves to the Michigan Supreme Court. They participate in a quiz about the current...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Exploration of North America

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders examine some famous explorers who have helped to discover our country. They discuss explorers from three countries today. They are: Spain, Portugal, and England.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Procedures of the Court

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine the role of the Michigan Supreme Court. They diagram the procedure one must follow to bring a case before the Court. They discuss the order of business for oral arguments as well.