US Institute of Peace
Defining Conflict
Before there can be peace, we have to understand conflict. Introduce the concept of conflict through a two-part activity that combines discussion, collaboration, and writing. The first in a 15-part series examines the multiple meanings...
Reading Through History
The Federalist Papers: Federalist Paper No. 10
James Madison, under the pen name “Publius,” justifies the need for an American Republic in Federalist Paper 10, which is perhaps one of the most influential contributions to the Federalist Papers. Readers examine his perspective with...
Curated OER
Our National Documents
Students explore the significance of National Documents. In this National Documents lesson, students read handouts regarding the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights. Students complete the provided...
Curated OER
Where Do You Live?
Second graders study and compare rural, suburban, and urban communities. They play a board game, read books about communities, and complete several other activities regarding the different types of communities. Several extension and...
Curated OER
The Preamble to the Constitution: How Do You Make a More Perfect Union?
Students analyze the Preamble of the Constitution and identify the historical context that led to its wording. They, in groups, interpret phrases from the Preamble, examine relevant court cases and create illustrations for their portion...
Curated OER
Math: Graphs and Their Symbols
Second graders examine different types of graphs and discover the meanings of the symbols used on them. After gathering data about themselves, their communities, and the world, they use that information to create graphs. Among the...
Curated OER
Digging for Dirt
Students examine how trash is removed and evaluate statistics related to trash removal. In this trash removal lesson, students explore the different methods of trash removal and make an original diagram graphing statistical information....
Curated OER
Classroom Ethics/Means & Ends
Students explore different aspects of ethics. In this ethics lesson, students ponder the idea of ethics, and the concepts of the ends and means and action justification. Students will write a reflective paper after a class discussion.
Curated OER
Lesson 28: Introduction to Illinois Government
Fourth graders research and compare the United States and Illinois Governments. They play the game Who Wans To Be A Millionaire.
Curated OER
Different Viewpoints - Loyalist or Patriot
Third graders use primary sources to study U.S. history and government. In this primary sources lesson, 3rd graders practice gathering information from "eye witness" accounts of history.
Curated OER
American Revolution and Constitution Take-Home Assessment
In this early American history worksheet, students draw diagrams of that feature the responsibilities of each of the 3 branches of the federal government and then create their own original visuals that highlight the formation of American...
Curated OER
We Are Colony! Settlement Design
Middle schoolers explore government systems. In this colonial America instructional activity, students consider colonial settlement needs as they design settlements that can sustain themselves and meet the needs of colonists.
Curated OER
The Middle Ages: A Time of Conflict and Change
Students become familiar with the concepts of conflict and change and the relationship between them. They then analyze medieval social groupings to understand relationships among people and people groups.
Curated OER
Writing Newspaper Articles
Students write newspaper articles regarding their service learning experiences. In this writing skills instructional activity, students review the writing process skills to develop high-quality articles. Students write articles regarding...
Digital History
Jeffersonians in Office
If you're looking for a description of the major happenings of the presidencies of both Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, then this is the resource for you. Similar to a textbook reading, this activity offers a great deal of...
Curated OER
We the People: 270 out of 538
Students engage in a lesson that helps them better explain the quadrennial ritual surrounding the election of a president in the United States of America.
Curated OER
Drought, nomads and the price of peanuts
Students read two short text items, which describe different approaches to agriculture. They describe the likely advantages and disadvantages of each approach for farmers, commercial peanut buyers, the government, nomadic herdsman and...
Curated OER
Comparing the Similarities and Differences of Medieval Castles
Students compare and contrast a Japanese castle with a Welsh castle. In groups, pupils use the internet to research specified topics on a castle. They explore the government, construction and military function of the area. Classmates...
Curated OER
Functions of Portraiture
Students examine the functions of portraiture and create their own portraits. In this portraiture lesson plan, students read an excerpt from Portraiture, by Shearer West, to discover the ways in which portraits can be used. Students...
Curated OER
What is the Role of the Corporation in Society?
Students explore ethics. In this business ethics lesson, students discuss corporate responsibilities to society as they read selected articles on the topic. Students consider various scenarios that encourage authentic student...
Curated OER
The Social and Economic Impact of Wildlife and Natural Resource Management
Students develop an understanding of environmental laws and regulations. In this research lesson, students utilize information that involves controversial issues of wildlife and society.
Curated OER
Clouds
Students observe and record different types of clouds. They use a cloud chart to discuss the three cloud types to see if students can identify the clouds they drew.
National Endowment for the Humanities
The Greek Alphabet: More Familiar Than You Think!
In this Greek alphabet instructional activity, pupils explore the Phoenician origins to the Greek alphabet. Learners compare Greek letters to current letters and write a paragraph about the life of students in ancient Greece. They...
Curated OER
American Colonial Life in the Late 1700s: Distant Cousins
Students explore daily life and its influences in the late 1700s for two families in different colonies- Delaware and Massachusetts by becoming historical detectives. After gathering information from artifacts to make inferences about...