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Powerful Signatures
Students experience famous historical documents that were initiated and propelled by signatures such as Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution. They create a school amendment using the information gathered.
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The Conficts of the Founders
Young scholars discuss the often conflicting viewpoints of the framers of the Constitution. One Framer in particular, George Mason, strongly objected to the creation of the Constitution. His objections are explored and the Constitutional...
Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary
Benjamin Franklin and the Long Struggle for Independence
Students explore U.S. history by reading biographical material in class. In this Benjamin Franklin lesson, students identify the life of Franklin and the events that led him to become one of America's first heroes. Students complete an...
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The First American Party System: Events, Issues, and Positions
High schoolers identify factors which lead to the development of the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans. They examine the writings of Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton as well. They discuss what elements are needed for an...
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Checks and Balances
Eleventh graders explain the structure and function of the United States government established by the Constitution. They set up a make-believe scenario: the 3 volunteers have been friends for a long time and have formed a club (the...
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Declaration of Independence
Students define the words: republic, Articles of Condederation, survey, Northwest Ordinance, republicanism, ordinance, ratified, and Northwest Territory. They view the video Charlie Brown Constitution.
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Celebrating Benjamin Franklin
Young scholars explore various websites featuring the life and achievements of Benjamin Franklin. They investigate Franklin's roles in colonial society as well as pictures of his various inventions. They view excerpts of historical...
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We Are a Comm-un-it-y. I've Got All My Classmates with Me-Part I
Learners investigate the meaning of community. In this community lesson, students look at the concepts of civic engagement, civic responsibility, and common good. They determine how a classroom is a community and the need for having...
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Lesson on Federalism
Eleventh graders study Federalism and delegated, reserved, and concurrent powers. They participate in a simulation in which they role-play Federalists and Anti-federalists debating which powers should be categorized as delegated,...
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Civil War and Reconstruction
Fourth graders investigate the Civil War by researching the state of Virginia. In this US History lesson, 4th graders identify Abraham Lincoln, James Chestnut and Fort Sumter, and discuss their roles in the start of the Civil War. ...
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Borrowing and Lending
Fourth graders investigate the advantages and disadvantages of borrowing money. For this financial awareness lesson, 4th graders read the book Ben and Me and create a table displaying the advantages and disadvantages of borrowing money.
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Alexander Hamilton
In this online interactive history worksheet, students respond to 10 short answer questions about the accomplishments of Alexander Hamilton. Students may check some of their answers on the interactive worksheet.
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Primary Sources by and about Mexicans and Californios
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...
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A Look at Virginians During Reconstruction
Fourth graders examine slavery and Reconstruction in Virginia. In this Virginians during Reconstruction lesson, 4th graders research primary sources for the story of William Jasper and other slaves. Students hypothesize how rights became...