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Electricity and Magnetism: Ben Franklin and His Influence
Fourth graders explore electricity by examining the life of Benjamin Franklin. In this biographical lesson, 4th graders listen to the teacher read facts of Benjamin Franklin's life and analyze his contributions to our current society. ...
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Declare the Causes: The Declaration of Independence
Students study the Declaration of Independence and the process our founding fathers went through to get it written and signed. They analyze other similar historical documents and draft and present their own declarations.
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Philantrophy of the Founding Fathers -- Alive and Well Today
Students discuss the role that individuals have in contributing to society. They develop alternative solutions to problems in their area. They write a paper about what they have discovered.
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Why A Bill of Rights?
Examine conflicting viewpoints in this lesson plan, in which middle schoolers write their own proposal for including a Bill of Rights in the Constitution. As a class, they discover how the Bill of Rights was not a planned document to be...
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Benjamin Franklin
In this Benjamin Franklin instructional activity, students read a 1 page article on Benjamin Franklin, answer 3 questions with multiple choice answers, fill in 4 blanks to complete 4 facts and answer 2 statements as true or false.
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The Federalist Papers (1787-1789)
An online interactive history quiz awaits your eager upper graders. They respond to 50 multiple choice questions about the Federalist Papers, and then submit their answers to be scored. While the quiz covers some pertinent information,...
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Democracy, A Basic Element In Our Society
Students investigate the concept of freedom with the context of the First Amendment. They research and take notes looking for the connections between democracy and freedom. They complete a writing assessment that includes naming all of...
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Racism, Discrimination, and the Law
Seventh graders examine the various racism and discrimination faced by various ethnic groups in the United States. In groups, they research the legal system and describe the purpose of the United States Constitution. They review cases...
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We Are the Government
Students read primary documents to find the motivations of the founding fathers of the United States. In this primary documents lesson, students discuss the meaning of the Preamble to the Constitution, read parts of the Constitution...
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George Washington: Our First President
Students explore the life of George Washington. In this George Washington lesson, students consider the leadership qualities of the first president as they listen to a description of his life and the create responsibility journals.
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The Articles of Confederation (1781-1789)
In this online interactive government activity, students respond to 30 multiple choice questions about the Articles of Confederation. Students may submit their answers to be scored.
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Minting a New Mint
Learners explore why the Founding Fathers felt it was necessary to have a solitary form of money used throughout the land. Students create their own money systems and have a class sale to simulate the confusion of multiple forms of...
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What's Her Story?
Learners research Lady Liberty and her history. Students research why this female symbol is so important to our country. Learners tie in Lady Liberty to their own freedoms that many of them take for granted. Students discuss how they...
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4-H Citizenship Activity Page
In order to understand how our government works, students need to delve into the intricacies at both the local and federal level. Using this 20 question activity learners explore how government affects their daily life.
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Racism: Law and Attitude
Students examine discrimination laws. In this racism lesson plan, students compare and contrast de facto and de jure discrimination. Students also explore the Bill of Rights and determine what makes some acts and speech illegal.
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4-H Citizenship Activity Page - Beginning Level
This is a 4-H citizenship activity that asks learners to examine county government, city councils, the three branches of the United States government, and complete a community service project. It also includes a word search, directions...
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Fascinating Figures: The Middle East from the 20th Century to Present
Students examine the leaders of the Middle East. In this Middle East lesson, students read biographies regarding featured twentieth century leaders of Egypt, Israel, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Libya, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, and Yemen. Students...
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The Declaration of Independence
Students explore the Declaration of Independence. In this civics instructional activity, students read handouts regarding the document as well as the document itself. Students respond to discussion questions regarding the handout....
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Colonial Living: A Look at the Arts, Crafts, History, and Literature of Early Americans
Sixth graders examine the different aspects of life in Colonial America. At home, they make traditional colonial recipes to share with the class. In groups, they read a book about the purpose and act of quilting and create their own...
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Unit Plan Template
Use this U.S. History unit plan as a template for creating your own! Simply download the resource and edit the text fields with your own customized unit plan. This is a great jumping-off step, especially for newer teachers.
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The American Revolution
Pupils study the American Revolution using Google Earth and United Streaming online resources. For this American Revolution lesson, students complete a KWL chart with information they know about the American Revolution. Pupils then study...
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U.S. Constitution Roll Call
First graders simulate the signing of the constitution. In this American history lesson plan, 1st graders take on the roll of newspaper reporters during 1787. Students must pretend to interview signers of the constitution and create a...
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Teaching the Theme: The American Dream
This can be a good time for students to discuss what the idea of the American Dream means to them.
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Teaching Six Big Ideas in the Constitution
Students debate the constitutional principles of the United States. In this U.S. government lesson plan, students examine the meaning of the text of the U.S. Constitution and analyze other primary documents of the era. Students prepare...