Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Presidential Election One Year Away

For Teachers 2nd - 6th
Students identify political parties, then read a news article about the 2008 election. In this current events lesson (written prior to the 2008 election), the teacher introduces the article with a discussion and vocabulary activity, then...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Young Faces of Poverty

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Young scholars explore the topic of child poverty in the United States and the government's responses to it in different areas and through different programs and laws. They share their thoughts in letters to their Congressional...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Progressive Movement in Nebraska and the United States

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students interact with the whole progressive movement and its impact on the U.S. They list the goals of the movement. In addition, they organize primary resources and interpret political cartoons. Each student shares one of their...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Reaching Across Borders In Southern Africa

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Learners gain a greater understanding of how political borders impact human and environmental development. Then, either individually or as a class, establish a correspondence with a Peace Corps volunteer working in Africa.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Legacy of War -- The Gold Rush and the Foreign Miner's Tax

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine the results of the Mexican War from both countries. They analyze the impact of a war for the losing side. They also compare the politics of the time of the Mexican war with those of today.
Lesson Planet Article
Curated OER

1960's Protest Songs

For Teachers 4th - 8th
By learning about 1960's protest songs, and the politics of the era, students can broaden their understanding of music and history.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Legal Aspects of Tissue Transplantation

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students investigate the current legal status of fetal tissue transplantation, including current, legislation and court cases. They engage in role play discussion of a specific case study and explore the ethical controversies surrounding...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Immigration in the United States

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore how recent immigration and migration patterns impact social and political issues. They apply affective learning techniques
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Conflict Diamonds

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers examine how diamonds are portrayed in American culture. They identify the political and social implications of conflict diamonds and the locations of these diamonds in Africa. They evaluate the effectiveness of the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Jury's Still Out

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Learners examine the trials and executions of Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti. In groups, they use the internet to research the impact of the executions in the shape of political cartoons and writings. They discuss an article to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Federalist Papers

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students identify the Articles of Confederation and explain why it failed. They explain the argument over the need for a bill of rights in the Constitution and James Madison's role in securing its adoption by first Congress. Finally,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

US Policy In Somalia

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students 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

Global Intelligence

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students discuss the war in Afghanistan and the conditions surrounding the hunt for Osama bin Laden after reading the article "Bin Laden and Omar: Far Harder to Find" from The New York Times. After the class discussion, students...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Zimbabwe

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore the hardships being faced by the people in Zimbabwe.  In this World History lesson plan, students research the challenges of Zimbabwe, such as hunger, poverty, low life expectancy and political controversy. ...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Life, Camera, Action

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students investigate the history, politics and culture of Somalia. They analyze media coverage and portrayal of the country. They focus on the role of media in reporting on Somalia and the current debate over the film Black Hawk Down.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Decolonization and Self-Determination

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students 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

Model United Nations Activity

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine current and past problems and situations affecting the United Nations, and explore life, career, and philosophy of Ralph Bunche, American diplomat and Nobel Peace Prize winner. Students then prepare portfolios to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

In Search of Truce

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore the relationship between a country's political and social history and its position today. They study 8 African countries immersed in the present conflict in Congo. They present their findings.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Kashmir in the Crossfire

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students, in groups, research specific decades and then create multi-tiered timelines representing Indian and Pakistani relations and politics during those decades.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Exploring the Soul of India

For Teachers 9th - 11th
Students use websites to obtain information on the relationship between religion and current issues in India. They compare the information with pre-20th century India.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Pre-Columbian Settlements and People

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders describe the social, political, cultural and economic life and interactions among the people of California from the pre-Columbian societies to the Spanish mission and Mexican rancho periods.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Social Studies: Haitians in America

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Young scholars examine Haitian culture, including its discovery, colonization, and political and economic development. Role-playing in two ethnic groups, they caucus and develop strategies for the Haitian Revolution. In learning...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Power of One

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students study the principles on which Canada was founded. They examine the elements that affect federal and provincial policy making. They identify and evaluate various strategies for influencing public policies. They create a visual...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

First Aid

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students consider the giving and receiving of aid from political rivals in the aftermath of natural disasters by learning about an earthquake in India and the international relief response it has induced. They read and discuss an article...