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Treason and Trials - Aaron Burr
Students examine the Constitutional definition of treason and research the case of Aaron Burr as first interpreted in 1807. They consider how Burr's case relates to the case of John Walker Lindh.
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Creating a Classroom Belief Statement
Fourth graders cooperatively develop a classroom belief statement that serves as their classroom constitution. Each student is involved in the creation of the statement. Each group presents their belief statement to the class.
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The Articles of Confederation
The purpose of this lesson is to assist students in discovering the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and the foundation for creation of the United States Constitution. Students will investigate the events leading up to the...
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Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Limited Government
Students write a letter to King George III from the point of view of Thomas Jefferson. They defend constitutional democracy and explain the differences between limited and unlimited government.
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Prohibition Then; MADD Today
Learners examine consumer traits. In this economics lesson, students examine the separate histories of Prohibition and Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Learners participate in a classroom simulation to discover how the movements dictated...
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Right of Privacy: 4th Amendment
High schoolers are introduced to the 4th Amendment of the Washington state Constitution. In groups, they examine the Constitution of the state of Washington and compare it to the United States Constitution. They role play the role...
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War of 1812
Eighth graders locate the major land forms and bodies of water on a map of Louisiana. In groups, they discuss the role of the Mississippi River in the Battle of New Orleans and how land and water affect the outcome of battles. To end...
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Lobbying
Learners examine the role of lobbyists in Washington, D.C. In this Legislative Branch lesson, students watch video segments and read excerpts about lobbying. Learners write essays that explore the pros and cons of lobbying.
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We the People…in the News
Students use the newspaper to explore the world around us, our past and our government. In this civics unit, students complete 40 different lessons in civic education using that day's newspaper to reinforce the concept being taught.
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Racial Inequality: Remnants of a Troubled Time
Students watch the Discovery program "Racial Inequality: Remnants of a Troubled Time" then examine the ratification of the 14th Amendment and the Plessy v. Ferguson decision. They research one of three events that tested Brown v. Board...
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Understanding Treaties: Students Explore the Lives of Yakama People Before and After Treaties
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...
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The United States Flag
Students discover the meaning and symbolism behind the American flag. In this instructional activity on National symbols, students design a flag for their school, explain the symbolism they used, and distinguish the elements that...
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Political and Cultural Road to the American Revolution
Learners examine the Declaration of Independence. For this Revolutionary War lesson, students use primary sources to analyze how the creation of the Declaration of Independence lead to the development of the United States as an...
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Mapp v. Ohio (1961)
Students examine warrantless searches and due process. In this Supreme Court lesson, students examine primary documents from Mapp v. Ohio and discuss the implications of the decision.
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Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)
Students explore the concept of symbolic speech. In this case study lesson, students read excerpts of Tinker v. Des Moines. Students then complete the provided worksheet activities and determine whether they agree with the outcome of the...
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Take the Lead — Get the Lead Out
Students research about the physiological effects of prolonged lead exposure. In this chemistry activity, students investigate the lead content of different paint, soil and water samples. They analyze data trends and share their findings...
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Pets and People
Learners discuss the pros and cons of having household pets. In this health lesson, students identify different types of diseases they can get from pets. They evaluate their pet interactions and suggest ways to modify health habits after...
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Immigration History Firsthand
Middle schoolers interpret historical evidence presented in primary and secondary resources. In this immigration lesson, students conduct research regarding Ellis Island and the American immigrant experience. Middle...
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Tribal Sovereignty Mock Trial
Students discuss the issue of tribal/native nation sovereignty. They review the Constitution of the U.S. and discuss how it legally provides for sovereign nations. Then they participate in a mock trial of the 1823 Supreme Court Case...
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Working in the World
Tenth graders read a selection of "Behind the Scenes" and other websites. They use a list of characteristics of effective citizens in the U.S. to identify characteristics represented in the work, "Elizabeth Keckley: Mrs. Lincoln's...
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Who or What is Un-American?
Young scholars explore concepts about civil liberties, research the history of sedition-related legislation in the U.S. and create a position paper on the topic.
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Imposing Democracy
Twelfth graders discuss the probability of imposing a democracy in a country in which there is no history of this type of government being successful. Using the internet, they work together to research Japan's experience with democracy...
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The My Lai Courts Martial of 1970
Pupils research the My Lai Massacre and trial. Students discuss the events and the trial, reviewing the constitutional amendments and concerns related to the massacre. Pupils write an analysis of photographs related to the incident.
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Poverty and Inequality in the World's Richest Nation
Students examine poverty and inequality in America. In this current events lesson, students read the provided articles "Poverty," "Inequality Growing in America," "Inequality: Views on Causes, Effects, Remedies," and "Theories on the...