PBS
Sitting Bull: Spiritual Leader and Military Leader
Sitting Bull was not expected to be a great warrior. Yet, he led the Lakota people and other tribes to several pivotal victories against the United States government when federal troops threatened their land. Using primary sources, such...
National Park Service
Civil War to Civil Rights: From Pea Ridge to Central High
Explore how the Civil War impacted the Civil Rights Movement. Class members complete a series of projects for a unit that uses a layered curriculum approach to learning.
Curated OER
The Civil Rights Movement, Phase II: 1960 - 1990
Students explain the impact of events leading up to the development of federal civil rights. They identify methods used to expand the right to participate in the democratic process and evaluate how governments achieve their stated ideals.
PBS
The Roosevelts: An Intimate History—Snapshot Lessons
The Roosevelt family was one of the most influential and prominent political forces in the 20th century, leaving behind a wide-ranging legacy of conservation, progressivism, and economic growth. Learn more about President Theodore...
University of California
The Civil War: Effects of the Civil War
Imagine being on the front line of the Civil War —from the front porch of your own house. Scholars use visual evidence from primary and secondary sources to analyze the impact of the Civil War on all Americans. They examine the research...
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...
Heritage Foundation
Lawmaking and the Rule of the Law
How many constitutional clauses does it take to create a bill? High schoolers find out with several activities and selected clauses about the rule of law and the US Constitution. Various coinciding activities help to strengthen...
Curated OER
1912: The Election that Changed the Century
The presidential election of 1912 was a turning point in American politics. Whoever won would reshape the political spectrum. Learn about the key issues, each party's politics, and the four men who wanted to become president: William...
Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media
Immigrant Discrimination
For a class learning about Chinese and Irish immigration in America, here's a great starting lesson plan. It has your critical thinkers examining song lyrics, the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, and a political cartoon, and finally...
Curated OER
The U. S. Constitution (5)
In this online interactive American history worksheet, students answer 17 fill in the blank questions regarding the U. S. Constitution. Students may submit their answers to be scored.
Curated OER
The Constitution: Drafting a More Perfect Union
Learners analyze an unknown primary source document to determine its origin. In this Constitution lesson, students read primary source documents and contrast and compare the evolution of the drafts of the Constitution. Learners analyze...
Curated OER
Taxes in U.S. History: Evolution of Taxation in the Constitution
Students receive an overview of the role and purpose of taxes in American history. They identify different types of taxes implemented by the US government and explain the origin of the federal income tax.
Curated OER
It's All About Justice
Students examine a specific environmental concern to their local community. In groups, they explore how the justice system would deal with the problem by participating in a treasure hunt. They review the meaning of federal and state...
Curated OER
Out of the City and Into the Soup
High schoolers examine the issue of air pollution. They read and analyze an article, evaluate the responses of state and federal officials to the problem, conduct Internet research, and write a letter to their senator and congressman.
Curated OER
The Missouri Headwaters: A Confluence of Cultures
Fourth graders research and analyze how people create and change structures of power, authority and government diversity. They review their civic responsibilities. In addition, they identity the major responsibilities of local, state,...
Curated OER
Primary Documents: The President and African Americans
Students examine the efforts of the federal government to address discrimination in the U.S. before and after WWII. They read and discuss two executive orders, complete a worksheet, and answer discussion questions.
Curated OER
Market Structure and Competition
Students explore the role of government in the economy market. In this economics lesson, students analyze the decision making and how it takes into consideration additional cost, benefits and public awareness of what they are trying to...
Curated OER
Elections
Students examine why and how elections are conducted in Australia. They compare first-past-the-post, preferential and proportional systems of voting. Students brainstorm the names of elected representatives in the current federal...
Curated OER
Utah's Children's Health Insurance Program (chip): How Well Are We Doing?
Students analyze Utah's CHIP program. They compares it to other states in terms of benefits and customer satisfaction. They examine how rules and regulations at the federal level shape state-level program operations. They research and...
Curated OER
History In The Making
Learners visit Colonial America in a Time Machine to discover the process that a citizen today must follow in order to make or change a law. Students research the Colonial Era in their Time Machines. Learners encounter various government...
Curated OER
The New Republic
Students research the Federalists and Anti-federalists. In the lesson on state legislature, students use primary sources to create a brochure and write an essay that illustrates federalist and anti-federalists viewpoints.
Curated OER
Traditional Tribal Homelands of Washington's Plateau Nations
Students investigate the Plateau tribes. In this Native American lesson, students use a political map of Washington state to identify the location of the Plateau tribes. Students brainstorm the needs and wants of the tribes and use an...
Curated OER
Rebels Or Resisters?
Middle schoolers participate in a mock trial on the Whiskey Rebellion that took place in the state of Pennsylvania in 1794. They analyze the perspectives presented by both sides to determine whether the Whiskey "rebels" were guilty of...
Curated OER
Identifying Risks at a Superfund Site
Students work together to discover the type of risks at Superfund sites. They examine how sites are found and where to report hazardous sites. They evaluate the activities of the government to protect its citizens.