Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Is All Fair In War?

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students read the 1755 Bounty Proclamation and discuss what happened in Maine during this time period. With a partner, they use the text and dictionary to look up any word they do not know. They participate in a think, pair, share to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What Really Caused This?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
In this primary source analysis worksheet, students read a copy of the Conscription Act of 1863  and respond to 7 short answer questions about its content. The text of the act is not included.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

How Would You Feel?

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders put themselves in the shoes of aborigines who were displaced from their homes in the 1800s by Europeans who came in and took their land from them. They discuss the social injustices suffered by these people, and write...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Last Abortion Clinic: Key Constitutional Issues of the Abortion Debate

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students discuss the Constitution of the United States and its amendments, then apply this discussion by creating a "Who should Decide What?" list, based upon their ideas about whether controversial issues such as abortion and medical...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

We the People: Promise and Practice in our Constitution

For Teachers 6th - 7th
Students examine the concept that the constitutional government guarantees that our government is not all-powerful and analyze the purposes of our government that are listed in the Preamble. They assess that equality under the law and...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Cartoons for the Classroom: Sunshine Week

For Students 8th - 12th
In this current events activity, learners analyze a political cartoon about sunshine week and open government and respond to 3 talking point questions.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Understanding Treaties: Students Explore the Lives of Yakama People Before and After Treaties

For Teachers 7th - 11th
Students analyze treaties made between the US government and Native American tribes. In this government lesson, students evaluate bias emotionally connect with what was gained and lost during the late 1700's. This is a 3 part lesson...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Are We the People?

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Young scholars investigate their elected officials and their roles. In this governmental leadership lesson, students discuss the Constitution and research their elected officials. They also organize the information they find regarding...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Mayflower Compact

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders explore the events leading up to the Mayflower Compact. In this government activity, 4th graders have a teacher-led class discussion on the importance of government, then complete a worksheet on the topic.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Teachings of Confucius

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders study who Confucius was and when he lived. They explain the basic ideas of Confucius, his plan for a good government, and his ideas on harmony in society. They explain the impact of Confucian teachings on contemporary...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Pre WWII Germany - Inflation

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders differentiate between inflation and hyperinflation. They explain the economic conditions in Germany before WWII and the roles of government in a market economy. They analyze the importance of keeping inflation under...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Ancient Egypt

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders examine the cultural expressions, cultural structures, and basic needs of the ancient Egyptians. They explore Egyptian religion, government, and daily lives of the various classes and how the geographical, social, and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Thirteen Original Colonies

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Learners use maps, the Internet, graphic organizers and discussion to explore the history of the Middle American Colonies. They consider how the colonies were founded and the ideas of religious freedom and self-government they embodied.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Hitler's Fatal Gamble

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students consider the differences between totalitarianism and democracy. In this comparative politics lesson, students will read a handout describing the major components that comprise totalitarianism and democracy, then they will...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Graphically Speaking

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students discover the links between population and Congressional representation. In this government lesson, students research population statistics and create spreadsheets that compare population to the number of Congress members per state.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Reflections of Ancient Greece

For Teachers K - 5th
Students study ancient Greek civilization. In this World history lesson, students locate Greece on a world map and review what the ancient Greeks did when they developed new ideas for government, science, philosophy, religion,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Civilizations: Rise To Power

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students discover details about the rise of civilizations. In this Roman history lesson, students watch "Civilizations: Rise to Power," and read primary sources from different periods of the empire's history. Students write essays that...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Philanthropy and Citizenship-Hand in Hand

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students define philanthropy and evaluate how the government would functin without the help of volunteers. They write song lyrics, participate in a class discussion, and complete a Venn diagram.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Bridging the gap between the U.S. and Cuba

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders examine the events that led to the strained relationship between Cuba and the United States.  In this US History instructional activity, 11th graders create an illustrated timeline of Cuba-U.S. relations. ...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Role of Individuals and Groups in the Census

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students learn why the census makes a difference. In this U.S. Census lesson plan, students describe and explain the roles that individuals, government agencies, and partner groups play in the census.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The World in Our Food

For Teachers 8th - 9th
Students explore the history of ingredients in one of the recipes they prepare in class. They examine where each ingredient is produced and under what conditions. In addition, they brainstorm alternatives that are environmentally...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Cost of War

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers view a video clip about the cost of war. They discover what goes into paying for a war. They examine the need for a budget in the government. They read a news story about this topic as well.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Separation of Powers: Connecting the Separate Powers

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students study the concept of separation of powers. They recognize how the Constitution provides for separation of powers and categorize public officials into one of three branches of government. Students do a role play and see if...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Nation's Voice

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students research the Constitution and the War Powers Act in order to determine what the powers of the government are in times of conflict. They answer a series of questions then write a legal brief either supporting or condemning the...