What better way to get your class interested in history than to embody important historical characters and make events come to life? Stage a realistic mock trial of the British soldiers accused of murdering five Bostonians after the...

Students explore the ways in which various American cities negotiate the protection of their "green infrastructure," gaining a broader understanding of proposed and enacted legislation as it relates to preserving and planting trees in...

Rediscover the values at the heart of American democracy and what makes it unique with your pupils. Use a reading and discussion questions—in addition to an analytical activity—on the preamble to the Constitution. An additional activity...

Don't just ask your class to define nationalism, but invite them to experience it with an engaging project. Learners are divided into groups to design four items—a flag, slogan, national anthem, and historical tale—for a fictional...

Here is a very interesting infographic that compares the average life expectancies, per capita incomes, and population sizes of every country in the world in 2012.

"I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States..." Scholars investigate the nomination process of Supreme Court justices when assuming office. Through examination of primary and secondary...

Global warming is leaving coral reefs in hot water. What does that mean for their survival? Find out as scholars use authentic satellite data to explore the issue. Learners look for global trends in the data and research the effects the...

How do rhetorical devices advance an author's point of view? Scholars consider this question as they continue exploring Machiavelli's The Prince. They work in small groups, annotating the text for evidence of rhetoric before engaging in...

Students examine civic duties. In this citizenship lesson, students play an online game that requires them to consider the needs of their community. Students campaign for the issue they choose in the game.

Tenth graders watch excerpts from a parliamentary session, assume membership in a political party from a fictitious country and conduct a parliamentary session of their own covering a range of topics of current relevance.

Learners explore the concept of social contracts. In this Mayflower Compact lesson, students read handouts regarding the compact and participate in a classroom activity that requires them to author a social contract.

Young scholars identify the names and positions held by local public officials. In pairs, students research the requirements and duties needed to hold office. A brief presentation of their research will include the names and positions...

Students examine the nature of price controls, the impact of maximum prices below the equilibrium level on a market, the effect it can have on other markets, the requirements for effective price discrimination in a market, and the price...

High schoolers investigate the concept of a personal federal income tax. They conduct research and participate in class discussion in order to deal some of the issues. They include why there is an individual income tax and how the money...

First graders imagine that they are the President of the United States. In this history lesson the students think of three rules or laws that they would create if they were President. The students listen to a book about George Washington...

Third graders practice letter writing by writing an e-mail to the President.  For this U.S. Government lesson, 3rd graders express their concerns about issues taking place at public schools by writing an e-mail to the President of...

For this World History worksheet, students compare and contrast the Athens to the Spartans. They define their physical, intellectual, and military characteristics, as well as the form of government established. Finally, students compare...

For this presidential worksheet, students color a picture of a United States President. There are pictures of each president from George Washington through George W. Bush. Each picture takes up one page. The name and dates of service...

Students identify human rights and study the values of historical figures who fought for human rights. In this human rights lesson, students define the term human rights and research examples of human mistreatment in history. Students...

Students explore the impact of the Plessy v. Ferguson case. In this social justice lesson plan, students examine the case, Jim Crow laws, and non-violent forms of protest. Students write essays to persuade the government regarding...

Students identify and describe the key terms as they relate to the Legislative Branch. Students describe how members of Congress are selected, how laws are created, and two of the limits on powers of Congress.

Students discover how a bill becomes a law. For this Legislative Branch lesson, students watch C-Span coverage of a bill making its way through the House and the Senate. Students use the provided worksheet to chart the progress of the bill.

Learners investigate their right to participate in the governing process of our nation. They look ast the different ways they are able to participate. They define citizenship, and decipher between whether or not citizens should...

Students brainstorm ideas for a project that would benefit the community. They need to examine the role that government and community volunteers would play in the project. They present the different ideas to the class and decide on a...