Young scholars compare and contrast opposing visions of government held by the founding fathers. They evaluate the roles of historical leaders in shaping the U.S. as an emerging nation.

Eleventh graders study the characteristics of an autobiography. They read from the autobiography of Benjamin Franklin and discuss and write an essay regarding some of his quotes.

Students engage in a game of History Scavenger Hunt to research significant figures found in History. The focus of the lesson coincides with the curriculum being studied for review.

Students access many pages of unique and interesting people of Mexican/Californios decent/heritage. After reading an insert on one, they can future research that person on the Internet. Students share their findings on a power point...

Students debate the Federalist and Anti-federal Papers after using the Internet as a research tool.

Learners analyze the effects of Shays' Rebellion. In this Shays' Rebellion lesson, students listen to their instructor present a lecture regarding the details of the rebellion and the events that led to it. Learners respond to discussion...

Sixth graders write a paragraph using semicolons. In this semicolons lesson plan, 6th graders brainstorm examples of semicolon use as a class and then write their own paragraph.

Students research the history and mechanics of the Electoral College and formulate opinions as to whether this institution should be preserved, modified or eliminated. They predict future outcomes of electoral vs. popular votes.

Fourth graders investigate the Civil War by researching the state of Virginia.  For this US History lesson, 4th graders identify Abraham Lincoln, James Chestnut and Fort Sumter, and discuss their roles in the start of the Civil...

Learners discuss the history and culture of Baltimore, Maryland. they discover the importance of the city's port along with the state bird and song. Background sources include "The Prairie Dog That Met the President" and "Journey of...

In this world history activity, students note the goals and results of 5 of Napoleon's actions and write a brief explanation of how he gained power in France.

Students study the season of spring and create stories about the season. In this spring season instructional activity, students read books about spring and discuss the season. Students then color and create a mini-book about Spring.

Students examine identity represented in contemporary drawing. In this art analysis lesson, students analyze identity in the art images. Students complete image based discussion. Students create a work on paper with a message. Students...

Students take a closer look at the election of Abraham Lincoln. In this historical analysis lesson, students analyze letters, political cartoons, and campaign materials from Lincoln's campaign. Analysis worksheets are included.

In this spelling activity, learners correct the spelling of the words on the pages and then write them in a sentence. Students have 12 words on 3 pages.

Students use the National Archives and Records Administration's records to research the history of the U.S. Food Administation.

Twelfth graders discuss the elements of effective debating. they debate governmental issues after reseraching selected topics. With student permission, the debate may be videotaped for viewing to other classes or during open house.

Middle schoolers research and examine about voting turnouts in the United States and around the world. They assess about various aspects of the so-called "youth vote," and have an opportunity to consider the meaning of the vote in a...

Students determine the areas of New Jersey and the US that are likely to have high radon concentrations. Students draw a map of their own neighborhood that show soil associations in their neighborhood.

Students examine the purpose and responsibilities of the Supreme Court and its justices. In groups, they research a specific case and identify how the Supreme Court affects their lives. Using the information they find, they create a...

Seventh graders begin the lesson by comparing and contrasting the Bill of Rights with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. For each document, they highlight the material that is the same for both and discuss the items that are...

The Library of Congress provides several hundred documents relating to the Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention. Content includes drafts of the Constitution, journals of Congress, resolutions, proclamations, committee...

There were 5 main issues that the delegates to the Constitutional Convention argued and debated: Slavery, Representation, State v. Federal Powers, Commerce, and Executive Powers. Analyze these issues by reading the following summaries,...

After reading this section of the chapter on "Creating Republican Governments", students will be able to identify the central issues of the 1787 Constitutional Convention and their solutions and also describe the conflicts over the...