Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Wilson's 14 Points

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Students analyze political cartoons representing the role of the U.S. in the Post-World War One Era. They work in groups and analyze cartoons for their stereotypes, symbols, and caricatures. After analyzing them, they complete a...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Abolish the Office of Governor

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore the history of the Pennsylvania Constitution of 1776. In this historical analysis lesson, students analyze the constitution of the state and determine how citizens benefited (or didn't benefit) from the document....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

National Service: Lesson Plan

For Teachers 8th - 11th
Students explore and take postions on the concept of mandatory community service. They then debate the issue in class as a learning model.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Bridging the gap between the U.S. and Cuba

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders examine the events that led to the strained relationship between Cuba and the United States.  In this US History lesson plan, 11th graders create an illustrated timeline of Cuba-U.S. relations.  Students write...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Understanding Reconstruction in South Carolina

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders interpret historical evidence presented in primary and secondary resources. In this Reconstruction lesson, 8th graders research the role of Reconstruction in South Carolina by simulating the environment of East Bay Street...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Ben Franklin the Good Citizen

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students investigate Benjamin Franklin's contributions to society. For this history lesson, students read about Franklin's philanthropic behavior and play a bucket brigade game to re-enact how fires were put out during colonial times.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Bill of Rights: Rights and Responsibilities

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students explore the meaning of freedom.  In this U.S. History activity, students research the Declaration of Independence and how it relates to American freedom by completing activities and a mock trial.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

George Washington & the Classics

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers will compare and contrast famous philosophers with George Washington.  In this history lesson, students work in small groups to define Classicism, Legalism, Democracy, Republic and Civility, then read some short...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Cartoons for the Classroom: Between the Lines, National Debt

For Students 8th - 12th
In this current events worksheet, students analyze a political cartoon about national debt and respond to 3 talking point questions.
Worksheet
Curated OER

Cartoons for the Classroom: Donkeys, Elephants, and Elections

For Students 8th - 12th
In this current events worksheet, students analyze political cartoons about the 2006 American mid-term elections. Students then respond to 3 short answer questions.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

George Washington & Civic Virtue: The Necessary Elements of the Republic

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students examine the character of George Washington. In this George Washington lesson, students read "Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior,"  Washington's First Inaugural Address, and his Farewell Address. Students use the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Hitler's Fatal Gamble

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students consider the differences between totalitarianism and democracy. For this comparative politics lesson, students will read a handout describing the major components that comprise totalitarianism and democracy, then they will...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

In His Own Words: James Madison On the Problem of Faction

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Students are introduced to the writings of James Madison and explain why he is often called "The Father of the Constitution". Using primary source documents, they examine his view of the Bill of Rights and what he meant by faction. In...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Declaration of Independence

For Teachers 4th - 12th
Students reflect on the Declaration of Independence.  In this U.S. History lesson, students read the Declaration of Independence then complete an activity and worksheet on the topic.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Being a Good Citizen

For Teachers 1st
First graders discuss citizenship. In this being a good citizen lesson, 1st graders complete a worksheet identifying characteristics of a good citizen. Students draw a picture then use a flip camera to capture good classroom citizens.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Fresh Start?

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students examine the roles and responsibilities the Department of Defense holds. They read an article about the resignation of Donald Rumsfeld. They develop questions to submit to the White House about the recent changes.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Coming to America: Immigration Today

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars research their own family histories and current U.S. immigration issues, rules, and regulations. They participate in a class discussion, watch a video about a Mexican immigrant's experience, and complete a WebQuest and a...
Interactive
Curated OER

James K. Polk

For Students 9th - 12th
In this online interactive history worksheet, learners respond to 10 short answer and essay questions about James K. Polk. Students may check some of their answers on the interactive worksheet. 
Lesson Plan
National Endowment for the Humanities

Lesson 2: The Debate in Congress on the Sedition Act

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
Pupils research and discuss the provisions in the Constitution that supported the arguments for and against the Sedition Act. They articulate objections to and arguments in favor of the Sedition Act.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Civil Service Reform: Senate Debates

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine the 1883 Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act. They discuss the spoils system, answer discussion questions, read and analyze speeches, complete a worksheet summarizing their findings, and report their findings to the class.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Foreign War and Domestic Freedom: A Delicate Balancing Act

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students investigate civil liberties in the U.S. They watch and discuss a PowerPoint presentation, conduct research on an event from a timeline, complete a worksheet, take an ideology quiz, and conduct a debate.
Worksheet
Curated OER

Democracy and Freedom

For Students 4th - 5th
In this reading comprehension worksheet, students read four selections about democracy and freedom and choose which multiple choice answer correctly states the meaning of each boldfaced word. Students interact with the words press,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Geometry of Democracy

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students explore the architecture of New England by identifying geometric shapes.  In this architectural lesson, students examine photographs of classic building architecture and use a transparency to trace geometric shapes they...
Interactive
Curated OER

Breaking News English: University Fees

For Students 5th - 10th
In this University fees worksheet, students read the article, answer true and false questions, complete synonym matching, complete phrase matching, complete a gap fill, answer short answer questions, answer discussion questions, write,...