Curated OER
Lesson 3: Branches of Government
Young historians climb through the three branches of the US government in the third lesson of this five-part series. While reading the first three Articles of the Constitution in small groups, children write facts on paper leaves...
Curated OER
Mayflower Compact
Students explore the Pilgrims and the Mayflower Compact. They practice these concepts by examining the school rules.
Curated OER
What is Government?
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.
Curated OER
Sharia
Students examine the story of a woman convicted of adultery and sentenced to death. They identify terms associated with Islamic law and beliefs. They compare and contrast this case with the American legal system.
Curated OER
Respect for Authority
Young scholars examine the country of Mongolia and how it is trying to form a democracy. As a class, they participate in a class meeting about a new class rule and they voice their opinions. They read excerpts of a letter of a Peace...
Curated OER
Hammurabi's Code: What Does It Tell Us About Old Babylonia?
Young scholars examine life in Babylonia during the time of King Hammurabi. They read and discuss excerpts of the Code of Hammurabi, participate in a simulation of advisors to the king, complete an online interactive activity, answer...
Curated OER
Bartering, an Early Form of Interdependence
Students explore the the benefits and problems associated with a barter system in the Colonies and trace its relationship to the development of interdependence that this system creates. An experience of bartering is created in this lesson.
Heritage Foundation
How to Read the Constitution
Even lawyers can find the US Constitution to be very wordy! Help learners create a foundation for understanding the Constitution with several analysis essays. Multiple activities complement the reading and allow for active and meaningful...
Curated OER
British Royalty Tours the U.S.
Students share their knowledge of England, then read a news article about Prince Charles's anticipated visit to the U.S. In this current events lesson (written prior to Prince Charles's visit), the teacher introduces the article with a...
Heritage Foundation
The Office of the Executive
An executive is not just a leader of a company; you can also use the term to describe the president of the United States. The ninth part of a 20-part unit teaches high schoolers about the importance of the executive branch and the...
Federal Reserve Bank
GDP: Does It Measure Up?
Here is resource that offers a very clear explanation for how economists measure economic growth by comparing real GDP over time. There is also an additional worksheet that details the expenditure method and four components for...
Curated OER
Trail of Tears
A fabulous PowerPoint resource that thoroughly and accurately desicribes the Cherokee culture from the 1500's through the mid-1800's when they were forced to leave their homeland and march to Oklahoma in the famous, "Trail of Tears."...
Curated OER
The Preamble to the Constitution: How Do You Make a More Perfect Union?
Students analyze the Preamble of the Constitution and identify the historical context that led to its wording. They, in groups, interpret phrases from the Preamble, examine relevant court cases and create illustrations for their portion...
Constitutional Rights Foundation
How the First State Constitutions Helped Build the U.S. Constitution
Did you know that the United States Constitution was adopted after many state constitutions were already in place? Young scholars examine facts about the influence of states through an informative and interesting resource. Groups then...
Curated OER
Rules and Responsibilities Youth and the Process of Change
First graders learn vocabulary in regards to laws, courts, and policeman. They read and discuss the book, The Value of Respect: The Story of Abraham Lincoln. An attorney visits the classroom and discusses the roles of judges and juries.
Curated OER
Local Laws Citizens Follow
Students identify and disuss the various laws that are in place in their commmunity. In groups, they illustrate the different laws and write a description. As a class, they discuss the reasons why the laws are necessary and their...
Curated OER
The Golden Rule of Reciprocity
Students compare and contrast versions of the "Golden Rule of Reciprocity" as it is stated in several major world religions. They write their own version of the rule.
Curated OER
You Make the Rules
Students explore the nature of rules and see how they help in the formation and operation of organizations. Working in small groups, students create their own charter for a new club
Curated OER
How Does Parliament Make Laws?
Learners are introduced to how Parliament makes laws. In groups, they play a game in which they identify the purpose of petitions. To end the lesson plan, they work together to create a new petition on an issue of importance to them and...
Curated OER
Jaywalking
Young scholars study the consequences of breaking laws. They role-play jaywalking and what could happen if they participate in this behavior.
Curated OER
The Birth of a City
Third graders understand the role of rules and laws in our daily lives. They research the basic structure of the United States government. They participate in a simulated City Council meeting.
Curated OER
The ADA, the Supreme Court, and Self-Advocacy
Students study the role the Supreme Court plays in laws and decisions that affect individuals with disabilities and examine the policies of the American with Disabilities Act. They draw parallels between policies enacted by the ADA and...
Curated OER
Separation of Powers: Connecting the Separate Powers
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...
Curated OER
Legally Wed
Students explore the controversial topic of same-sex marriages in a fishbowl discussion. They write balanced news articles based on interviews exploring people's opinions on laws that define marriage.