Anti-Defamation League
Martin Luther King, Jr. and Civil Rights
How far have we come and how far do we still need to go to achieve equality and full civil rights in the United States? Include a packet of materials collected in your observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Facing History and Ourselves
Taking Ownership of the Law
The work of building and maintaining a democracy is, in the words of Justice William Hastie, "never finished." To better understand what Hastie sees as an ongoing building process, class members listen to a seven-minute podcast about two...
State Bar of Texas
Grutter v. Bollinger
A university decides not to allow a qualified scholar to enter its institution based on skin and gender—but this case is about a white female? The 2003 Supreme Court case Grutter v. Bollinger lays the foundation for open discussion and...
State Bar of Texas
Plessy v. Ferguson
Where did separate but equal originate and what does it mean? Scholars investigate the Supreme Court Case Plessy v. Ferguson. Using a short video clip, they analyze the impact the decision of legal segregation had on society in 1896....
Curated OER
Social Protections and the European Union
Sixth graders take on the role of social welfare systems in the European Union. In this European Union (EU) lesson plan, 6th graders discover social programs in the EU and compare them to the social programs in the United States.
Curated OER
World War II: A United Front
Students interpret historical evidence presented in primary resources. In this World War II lesson, students examine racial relations during the war and then examine propaganda techniques employed by the United States...
Curated OER
Civil Rights: An Investigation
Students take a closer look at the political side of the American Civil Rights Movement. In this 20th century American history lesson, students research the contributions of President Johnson, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and J. Edgar...
National Woman's History Museum
African American Activists
Ida B. Wells, Rosa Parks, and Fannie Lour Hammer are three African American activists who stood up for change. Though living in different time periods, all three women sought justice and equality. Class members examine primary source...
Curated OER
"Globalization"
An interesting activity that will spark a great class discussion on globalization and wealth distribution around the world. Each group is asked to accomplish the same task, but are not given equal access to materials. It is up to them to...
Curated OER
Justice
Students consider the role of justice in the formation of the United States and in the operation of today's criminal justice system. They investigate symbols associated with justice and references to justice in the Constitution.
Curated OER
The Story of Latino Civil Rights: Fighting for Justice
Students identify the civil rights abuses suffered by African Americans, Japanesse Americans during WWII, and Hispanic Americans. They explain what the common element is among the discrimination against these three groups. Students are...
Deliberating in a Democracy
Youth Curfews
Don't stay out too late! Scholars analyze the need for youth curfews in a democratic society. They examine primary documents, case studies, and short video clips to form their opinions and take a position on the issue. Holding a class...
Ohio Center For Law-Related Education
Four Activities: Thurgood Marshall and the Nomination and Confirmation of Federal Judges
The process of nominating and confirming federal judges can sound like a lot of bureaucratic hoops, but a resource breaks down the steps of the Supreme Court nominations in a simpler manner. Learners participate in four activities that...
Curated OER
An Experiment in Unfair Treatment/Prejudice
A rigged spelling bee gives class members a chance to experience some of the feelings associated with unfair treatment. Team one is given easy words while team two is given difficult words. As teams realize the unfairness the instructor...
Curated OER
Religion in the Schools
The requirements of the Equal Access Act are studied and applied to factual situations. By looking at the particular contexts suggested your class can examine the difficulties faced by administrators in whether they should permit...
Curated OER
American Political Culture
Examine American political culture with your scholars using this self-assessment instructional activity. Individuals rate a list of 14 values from highest to lowest, including ideas such as financial security, right to private property,...
Curated OER
Seeking Civil Rights
Students explore the impact of the Plessy v. Ferguson case. In this social justice lesson, students examine the case, Jim Crow laws, and non-violent forms of protest. Students write essays to persuade the government regarding unjust laws.
US House of Representatives
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
Groups select a photograph from one of the four eras of African Americans in Congress and develop a five-minute presentation that provides background information about the image as well as its historical significance. The class compares...
Curated OER
Visualizing School Equity
Students examine how school segregation is affected by funding gaps. In this equity lesson,students read the article, "Crossing the Gap." Students analyze funding gaps between schools. Students understand that every students is entitled...
Curated OER
What Can You Find in the Cabinet?
Looking in the cabinet can be fascinating! Examine the various departments of the Executive Cabinet in this group research project, which jigsaws so each small group has a different department and presents to the class. Groups create...
Curated OER
Holding the Debate on the Modern Issue of Equality
Students present opening statements, along with their sign and slogan reflecting their point of view on an issue. 3. They debate the issue of whether there should be a double/single standard to promote equality in the United States...
Learning for Justice
Mary Church Terrell
Excerpts from an 1898 speech by civil rights activist Mary Church Terrell offers young scholars an opportunity to investigate how Black American women fought for civil rights long before Rosa Parks and the civil rights movement of the...
Curated OER
Religion and the Civil Rights Movement
Students investigate the role of religion in the Civil Rights Movement. In this religion and ethics lesson plan, students explore the separation of church and state as they examine how religious faith has inspired social change in the...
Curated OER
Brown v. Board of Education
Students examine school segregation and equal protection laws. In this Supreme Court lesson, students examine primary documents from Brown v. Board of Education and discuss the implications of the decision.