Lesson Plan
Curated OER

US Patriot Act: Security vs. Privacy

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers use readings, worksheets and discussion to explore the ramifications of the US Patriot Act which was passed by Congress shortly after September 11th. They review Constitutional Amendments and consider how they relate to...
Organizer
Judicial Learning Center

American Equality Milestones

For Students 7th - 12th Standards
Has equality always existed as an unalienable right in the United States? Use this worksheet to chronicle the history and progression of equality in major documents and speeches throughout American history. The graphic organizer asks...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Lesson Plan: U.S. Government

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students examine reasons for studying government. In this U.S. government instructional activity, students brainstorm the reasons for rules. Students draft their own class constitution in the style of the U.S. Constitution.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Burning Desire: A Focus Group Turns Its Attention To Old Glory

For Teachers 6th - Higher Ed
Students explore the issue of a Constitutional amendment to ban flag burning. They simulate the role of a Senator's aide, conduct Internet research, write and prepare an oral and a written response based on research,
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Which form of government?

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders examine different forms of government.  In this American Government lesson, 11th graders research a different government.  Students create a poster board on the type of government. 
Lesson Plan
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Checks and Balances

For Teachers 11th
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...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Post Civil War Reconstruction

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Learners analyze the process of Reconstruction after the Civil War.  In this U.S. History lesson, students discuss specific details about Reconstruction with the class, then complete a worksheet with multiple activities reinforcing...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Civil War and Reconstruction

For Teachers 4th
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...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Do You Agree?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students recognize bias in a political cartoon, evaluate how the media uses both positive and/or negative political cartoons, and assess the influence a political cartoon can have on a person.
Lesson Plan
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What do we know about Iraq?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students develop viewpoints on world issues and concerns. Students review facts on historical time periods. Students compare past happenings to present situations in history. Students differentiate between various forms of ethnic...
Activity
Curated OER

Research Project

For Teachers 7th - 10th
Students fill out a form which asked the WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, and WHY about the person they were assigned to research, they gather their information from different web sites on Lightspan and Yahooligans. They create a HyperStudio and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Supreme Court Newspaper

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students examine the purpose and responsibilities of the Supreme Court and its justices. In groups, they research a specific case and identify how the Supreme Court affects their lives. Using the information they find, they create a...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Finding Buck Henry

For Teachers 5th - 7th
Students read and demonstrate competence in the general skills and strategies of the writing process via the novel "Finding Buck Henry." They recognize complex elements of plot. Students analyze devices used to develop characters in...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What is Government?

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students explore values that unite Americans. In this government lesson, students recall the symbols of America and discuss how to create a "Classroom Constitution." Students form rules and write their own Constitution.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

declaration of Independence

For Teachers 10th
Tenth graders research the Declaration of Independence and its impact. They assemble puzzle pieces of the declaration and create their own declaration of independence including grievances and resolution.
Lesson Plan
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Lesson 28: Introduction to Illinois Government

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders research and compare the United States and Illinois Governments. They play the game Who Wans To Be A Millionaire.
Lesson Plan
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How Can Understanding and Helping Others Build Our Own Community?

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students examine the different cultures and disabilities people face in their community. They discuss how they can become better citizens. They answer discussion questions to finish the lesson plan.
Lesson Plan
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Perimeter and Area

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders identify the area and perimeter of a rectangle. In this perimeter lesson, 5th graders use geoboards and rubber bands to construct various rectangles. Students use the formula to calculate area and perimeter of the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Electronic Surveillance: Unlawful Invasion of Privacy or Justifiable Law Enforcement

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners state values and analyze them and the values of other students as it relates to the issue of individual privacy. They develop constitutional provisions which address issues relating to privacy with particular reference to item...
Worksheet
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Our Heritage: American!

For Students 3rd - 5th
In this poetry worksheet, students read the poem "Our Heritage: American!" and then answer 4 questions about the poem. There are 2 questions at the bottom of the worksheet for discussion.
Lesson Plan
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Courtroom Testimony and Presentation

For Teachers 12th
Twelfth graders examine the court process and practice writing and reviewing reports. They practice their public speaking skills as they pretend to present information to a court.
Lesson Plan
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Common Denominators between Primitive Art, Fine Art, Folk Art, Children's Art

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students view and create art in several styles. They view African Masks, Picasso's portraits and self-portraits. They compare the two, then create a self portrait. In the second lesson, they view landscape paintings by folk artists....
Lesson Plan
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Lee Yick: Fighting Racism

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students study the 14th Amendment, then review and analyze a Supreme Court brief. There was much racism exhibited toward the Chinese immigrants by the European Americans; this came in the form of institutional racism and mob violence....
Lesson Plan
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VS.6a

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders explore, discuss and explain why George Washington is called the "Father of our Country" and James Madison is called the "Father of the Constitution." They view and create a graphic organizer after discussing a variety of...