Eighth graders examine the three branches of government and the system of checks and balances.

In this spelling worksheet, students correct the spelling of the words on the pages and then write them in a sentence. Students have 12 words on 3 pages.

Students examine the 1883 Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act. They discuss the spoils system, answer discussion questions, read and analyze speeches, complete a worksheet summarizing their findings, and report their findings to the class.

In this current events activity, students analyze a political cartoon about the English-language debate and respond to 3 talking point questions.

Students consider the implications of the Salem Witch Trials. In this literature lesson, students read Arthur Miller's The Crucible and compare the witch trials to McCarthyism of the 1950's. Students rewrite scenes from the play...

In this primary source analysis worksheet, students analyze political cartoons about the Supreme Court and Constitutional issues and respond to 5 talking point questions.

Looking for a quick assessment to give to your class about the branches of government in the United States? This is a multiple choice activity that could be used as a quiz. There are 9 questions, some of which are a bit dated and should...

Students research the history of the process of amending the US Constitution to explain the latest amendment that failed on June 28, 2006. They complete the research and view images online.

Students read excerpts from Abraham Lincoln's speeches and letters between 1854 and 1861 and look for information relative to Lincoln's thoughts on the legal and Constitutional aspects of slavery.

Eleventh graders role play as participants in a NATO meeting focused on inviting a number of independent republics from the former Soviet Union to become members of NATO. They represent their countries after researching them.

Eleventh graders explore the process of perfecting the Union through changes made to the Constitution, and through the powers delegated to each branch of government.  In this American Government instructional activity, 11th graders...

Fifth graders study fossils and how they are charted. In this fossil lesson plan, 5th graders research the excavation process of discovering fossils, and view fossils. They then do a hands on activity that involves plastic fossils that...

Middle schoolers consider the plight of those who walked the Trial of Tears. In this Indian Removal lesson, students compare statistics regarding Indian survival rates.

Students research the impact of American Imperialism. For this Spanish-American War lesson, students visit the listed Web sites to discover details about the war and its effects. Students use the information they locate to participate in...

Students study the history of the Pledge of Allegiance. They investigate the First Amendment concept of separation of Church and state using Internet resources.

Young scholars examine the presidential election process and discover that presidential elections are decided by the electoral college and not popular votes. They see that each state has a number of electors, and understand how this...

Ninth graders explore the lives of Jewish refugees during WWII. After reading a brief passage about the people and the voyage of the St. Louis, 9th graders discuss how refugees have been treated historically. Reading and testing...

Middle schoolers examine the responsibilities of the 3 branches of U.S. government. In this checks and balances lesson, students identify the powers of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government. Middle schoolers...

Students study the importance of the world's rain forests. In this rain forest lesson, students read about the role of the rain forests in the world's environment. Students then write a formal letter to a member of Congress or Senate...

Young scholars examine the presidency of Abraham Lincoln. In this Abraham Lincoln lesson, students analyze the political and constitutional issues that Lincoln dealt with during his time in the White House as they play an online game and...

Easily broken into pieces for several class sessions, this presentation is a great way to transition your class out of a Civil War unit and closer to the 20th century. Engaging photographs, including relevant maps and humorous political...

The methods by which farming and agriculture became a valid area of study and research are detailed in this PowerPoint. Also presented are the steps involved for improving productivity and efficiency.  The use of scientific method...

Young writers craft letters to the government stating their opinion on different topics. They pick an environmental or ocean issue, research it, and craft their formal persuasive letter. Ensure your learners include supporting facts and...