New York State Education Department
US History and Government Examination: August 2011
Using primary source documents, pupils consider how the United States' democratic story has evolved over time. A second essay question examines the role of geography in history, and multiple-choice questions sharpen test-taking skills.
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The Declaration of Independence
Learners identify and examine the Declaration of Independence and ascertain its true intent and its eventual realization. Then they analyze the Declaration of Independence and summarize the intentions of the Declaration. Students also...
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Core Democratic Values of American Constitutional Democracy
Students describe the ideas found in the core democratic values. In groups, they design and create a brochure explaining how the values relate to other ideas that Americans accept as a nation. They share what they know with with...
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What is An American?
Learners consider American values. In this individual responsibility lesson, students discuss democratic ideals that the nation was founded on and participate in an activity that requires them to create "What is an American?" collages...
Global Oneness Project
Repairing the Fabric of Democracy
During elections, headlines constantly lament the issue of low voter turnout. Help class members understand why this is such an important topic with relevant articles, a discussion of both sides of the issue, and a reflective essay.
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They Have Issues
Students examine the different campaign styles and political platforms of the nine candidates vying for the Democratic Party nomination for the 2004 presidential election. They graph and compare candidate platforms and write an essay...
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Lesson Plan: Early Political Parties
Students examine the platforms of early political parties in the United States. In this political parties lesson, students discover details regarding the attributes and ideals of the federalists and the democratic-republicans. Students...
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Democracy…Not Yet!
Students analyze the concept of democracy. In this democratic values lesson plan, students analyze the lyrics of selected popular music that address issues that challenge the role of United States as a world leader. Students create...
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Constitutional Issues: Civil Liberties During War
Students discuss democratic ideals and constitutional principles. They decide which side of the issue they are on dealing with the placement of Japanese-Americans in camps during World War II. They examine primary source documents for...
BBC
Community Action
Upper graders and middle schoolers engage in a lesson on community. A class discussion kicks off the lesson. Pupils share things that they do as community service after school or on weekends. They imagine an ideal community they would...
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We the People Lesson 2
Learners compare the Federalists and Anti-Federalists visions for the U.S. government. In this government lesson, students conduct research on Federalists and Anti-Federalists figures. Learners use their findings to help them write...
US Institute of Peace
Perspectives on Peace
Is peace simply the absence of war, or is there more to the story? Young social scientists define peace in the second installment of a 15-part series. Groups work together to explore cultural concepts of peace and the peacemaking process...
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Prejudice and Discrimination
Learners are read-aloud an excerpt from The Friendship by Mildred Taylor. They pick strips of paper, white or brown, and sit according to color drawn. Students are given preferential treatment if their paper is white while the learners...
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History: Napoleon Becomes a Man of Destiny
Students analyze the forces that shape character development, including the role of historical events. Students contrast the ethos of the Ancient Regime with the new ideals awakened by the French Revolution.
Facing History and Ourselves
Laws and the National Community
When it comes to the law, is justice always served? Teach scholars about how law sometimes enables prejudice of entire groups of people with a unit on World War II that includes a warm-up activity, analysis of primary sources,...
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Political Ideological Spectrum
Students explore the ideologies of the American political spectrum. In this American politics lesson plan, students examine the characteristics and platforms of liberals, conservatives, libertarians, and moderates. Students complete the...
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With Liberty and Justice for All
Fifth graders identify and define in their own words the first ten amendments to the Constitution. They are assigned a CDV or amendment from the Bill of Rights and create and present a one-minute skit demonstrating it.
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Dangerous Roads in Your Community
Students interview police and city officials, find out what makes these places dangerous. Students develop a plan to get the city or county or state +++ whichever is in charge of these spots to make changes that would make them safer for...
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Lose a Vote, Gain a Vote
Students explore the issues behind close Senatorial races. They investigate the qualities of political leaders, the 2002 senatorial elections and the differences and similarities between the Republican and Democratic parties.
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If These Walls Could Talk
Students explore Enlightenment and Neoclassical art. In this visual arts activity, students compare and contrast images of architecture from both styles. Students create visual art designs that feature the ideals of the Enlightenment.
Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary
Classroom Constitutional Convention
Students investigate the eight phrases that comprise the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution to determine its principles and purpose. Their own Constitutional Convention is convened to craft a preamble for their school's governance.
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Should Kids Vote?
Students develop critical analysis skills important to evaluate democratic structures. They increase their knowledge of the characteristics of voters and voting impact on the Electoral System.
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Understanding the Importance of the Declaration of Independence
Eighth graders examine the importance of the Declaration of Independence
by using a variety of research sources and computer technology to obtain information. They internalize the thoughts, actions, and motives of the signers of the...
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Hero or Tyrant: Connecting Beethoven’s Third Symphony to Napoleon, Part One
The second and third movements of the Eroica, Beethoven's Symphony No. 3, provides listeners with an opportunity to connect to French Revolution and to Napoleon Bonaparte. As they listen to the music, individuals draw what their ears...