Curated OER
Checks and Balances: Japanese-American Incarceration
Learners examine the three branches of the Federal Government and their decision to place Japanese-Americans in camps during World War II. They analyze debates made by leaders during this time period.
Judicial Branch of California
Where We Fit In: The Judicial Branch
An interesting resource addresses the role of youth in civic participation and community events. It also explains the role of the justice system in creating boundaries and how citizens play a part in the judicial process. Pupils...
Teaching Tolerance
The True History of Voting Rights
Explore what voting rights really are in an intriguing lesson that explores the history of American voting. The resource examines the timeline of voting rights in the United States with group discussions, hands-on-activities, and...
Curated OER
The Problem with Profiling
Learners explore the issue of racial profiling and post their conclusions to a youth message board. They research the issue of racial profiling and post their thoughts to a message board.
Curated OER
Manners and Mores of Washington's America
Middle schoolers explore the social policies of early America. In this etiquette lesson, students read George Washington's "110 Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation." Middle schoolers identify expectations...
Judicial Branch of California
Faces of Citizenship: Jury Duty
An interesting middle school lesson focuses on the rights and responsibilities of citizens. Academics choose a civic project to complete, such as an oral history or photo essay. They then conduct interviews with members of the community...
DocsTeach
WWI Propaganda and Art
Uncle Sam wants you! During World War II, the US government and military created a propaganda campaign to gain public support. The activity uses primary documents such as photos to explain how and why the propaganda campaign was...
Curated OER
Protecting Your Identity--and Helping Other Protect Theirs
Students create a presentation explaining how they can guard against identity theft. Prior to creating the presentation, students research identity theft: how it occurs, how to avoid it, what to do when someone thinks it has happened to...
Curated OER
What is Democracy?
Students examine civic duties. For this citizenship lesson, students play an online game that requires them to consider the needs of their community. Students campaign for the issue they choose in the game.
Curated OER
Civics and Economics: The Occupation of Japan
Students compare the American political and economic systems to the Japanese systems. They interpret maps, tables, charts and political cartoons in analyzing the economic and political issues involved.
Curated OER
War Making: Executive and Legislative Powers
High schoolers examine Constitution and what it says about war-making power, contrast roles and responsibilities of executive and legislative branches of government when it comes to making war, become familiar with important 20th and...
Curated OER
The Need for Government—A Cinematic and Literary Perspective
Students examine the philosophy of government. In this types of government lesson, students explore literature and movie clips to determine the value of rules in lawless societies.
Curated OER
Turning Historical Descriptions into Causal Claims
Eleventh graders study different political processes. In this American Government lesson, 11th graders read narratives about different political processes. Students write a sentence in their own words describing the concepts.
Curated OER
Core Democratic Values of American Constitutional Democracy
Students describe the ideas found in the core democratic values. In groups, they design and create a brochure explaining how the values relate to other ideas that Americans accept as a nation. They share what they know with with...
Curated OER
Our National Documents
Students consider the significance of selected American documents. In this civics activity, students analyze excerpts of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
Curated OER
Social Studies: 9/11 Banners
Students explore the history of flags and design banners for their communities. their designs reflect sentiments shaped by the events of 9/11. In addition, they write phrases beginning with, "being an American means..." Students...
Curated OER
The Declaration of Independence
Students explore the Declaration of Independence. In this civics lesson, students read handouts regarding the document as well as the document itself. Students respond to discussion questions regarding the handout. Students then...
Curated OER
Strengthening Democracy In Latin America
Students consider how to strengthen democratic principles in Latin America. In this government systems instructional activity, students explore the challenges to democratic forms of government in Latin America as they examine primary...
Curated OER
Assignment Discovery Online Curriculum Right to Privacy?
Students explore privacy rights. In this civics lesson plan, students investigate the pros and cons of proposed national identification cards as they explore provided Internet links. Students write position papers pertaining to the...
Curated OER
Judicial Review
Student demonstrate understanding of both sides of the argument between Jefferson and Marshall that led to the strengthening of the Judicial Branch through the creation of judicial review. Unit is comprised of five lessons and fits into...
Curated OER
The United States Flag
Students investigate the history of the United States flag. In this civics lesson plan, students read handouts regarding the flag and its history. Students also read and discuss the Federal Flag Code.
Curated OER
A New Twist on Race Relations
Learners analyze the impact of American Bandstand on race relations. In this race relations instructional activity, students use the music and dance show American Bandstand to learn about race relations. Learners categorize pivotal...
Center for Civic Education
Constitution Day: What Basic Ideas are in the Preamble to the Constitution?
Young scholars investigate the document of the Constitution as part of a national day of recognition. The lesson plan uses many different activities to dissect the national document to increase student awareness of how the Constitution...
Curated OER
Local Governments Don't Do Much ... Or Do They?
Students study and explore their local government. They role play members of their City Council and various constituents as they discuss a variety of subjects typical of a city council meeting.