Heritage Foundation
Crime and Punishment
You wouldn't give someone a 10-day timeout for eating a piece of candy. The US government, too, does not believe in unreasonable punishment. A variety of exercises exploring the clauses of the US Constitution prompts class members to...
US Institute of Peace
Governance, Corruption and Conflict Simulation on Nepal
Can your class help the people of Nepal? Scholars take an in-depth look into the social injustices and struggling economy of a country in turmoil during a multi-day role-playing exercise. After reviewing information on the problems...
National Woman's History Museum
Dolores Huerta and the Delano Grape Strike
Few have heard of Dolores Huerta and her part in organizing the California farm workers, establishing the United Farm Workers union and orchestrating the Delano Grape strike. High schoolers consider why this powerful woman has been...
Curated OER
US Patriot Act: Security vs. Privacy
High schoolers use readings, worksheets and discussion to explore the ramifications of the US Patriot Act which was passed by Congress shortly after September 11th. They review Constitutional Amendments and consider how they relate to...
Curated OER
Apartheid and Segregation
Students view a television program that depicts the history South African Apartheid and the United States' system of segregation. They discuss how laws were used to uphold these institutions and compare and contrast racism and...
Curated OER
Fox hunting debate
Students read the internet article "Hundreds of Hunts Out Despite Ban". The teacher then holds a class discussion about it. Students then hold a formal debate representing all points of view on the issues. Students then write a...
Curated OER
Ruby Bridges: One Little Girl's Brave Act
Second graders examine the life of Ruby Bridges. In this bravery lesson plan, 2nd graders read the story of Ruby Bridges and discuss Ruby's actions and decisions.
Curated OER
Martin Luther King Jr. Who Is He?
Students describe MLk's leadership of the desegregation movement. Students discuss the meaning of non-violent revolution. Students identify the difference between their lives and those ofcitizens in 1963. Students write a short essay...
Curated OER
Canadian Citizenship and National Identity
Students explore the dynamics of Canadian citizenship. They plan and produce a school wide celebration of citizenship.
Curated OER
Lesson Plan on Homeless Children
Students research reasons as to why children end up living on the streets. This lesson examines reasons as to what happens to parents and adult caregivers so that they are no longer able to provide basic needs for these children. ...
Curated OER
Governance Grade 10
Students participate in talking circles regarding governance issues. In this self-governance lesson, students examine First Nations and land claims in the Great Slave Lake area in Canada.
Curated OER
Treaties- Grade 7
Seventh graders examine treaties pertaining to the Canadian natives. In this Canadian history lesson, 7th graders research and discuss the negotiations that took place between the First Nations cultures and the Canadian government over...
Curated OER
Treaties - Grade 10
Tenth graders examine the First Nations Treaty. In this Canadian history lesson, 10th graders participate in talking circles that require them to analyze "The Royal Proclamation."
Curated OER
Undercover in the Secret State
Learners examine the current conditions in North Korea. They view and analyze a CNN documentary, research a dissident, answer and discuss questions about the documentary on conditions in North Korea, and identify the technology used by...
Curated OER
Jury Duty: Honor or Burden
High schoolers come up with a synopsis of whether they feel jury duty is necessary or not and how people rate their experience. They research state jury duty websites and express their ideas. They can propose changes that they feel may...
Curated OER
Freedom of Religion
Students use this lesson to focus on the freedom of religion. In groups, they discuss how the separation of church and state applies to the public schools across the country. They compare and contrast the establishment and free exercise...
Curated OER
Where are the Famous Women in History?
Students investigate sexism in history by identifying important women from the U.S. In this women's equality lesson, students discuss why they remember more men in the history of the U.S. than women. Students compare women's...
Curated OER
Case Study: Manzanar
Eleventh graders investigate Japanese-American internment. In this World War II lesson, 11th graders conduct research from the Manzanar National Historic Sites and then write essays based on their findings.
Curated OER
No Choice!
Students explore the concept of democratic freedom. In this service learning lesson, students investigate the freedom the Pilgrims sought as they moved from England and write a journal from their point of view.
Curated OER
Effective Citizenship
Students explore effective citizenship. They describe the skills, attitudes, and actions of a good citizen. In groups, students brainstorm ideas for effective citizenship. Each group shares their ideas for what they consider to be a...
Curated OER
The Way You Dream: Gandhi and King's Visions of Nonviolence
Students read Gandhi and Dr. King's messages about nonviolence and discuss their visions about loving one's enemies. In this nonviolence lesson, students read Gandhi's "Ahimsa, or the Way of Nonviolence" and Dr. Martin Luther King's...
Student Handouts
Letter from Birmingham Jail
Analyze an abridged version of Martin Luther King Jr's "Letter from Birmingham Jail." Class members read the excerpt and respond to four provided questions, which focus on the content provided. Consider taking the time to read the entire...
Curated OER
Analyzing Persuasion
A reading of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech launches a study of rhetorical devices such as hyperbole, allusion, metaphor, simile, personification, connotative language and parallel structure. Class members then...
Curated OER
Divided We Fall
Students investigate the consequences of eliminating one or more of the amendments to the Bill of Rights.