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George Washington & Civic Virtue: The Necessary Elements of the Republic

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Young scholars examine the character of George Washington. In this George Washington lesson, students read "Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior,"  Washington's First Inaugural Address, and his Farewell Address. Young scholars...
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Town Meeting with Class

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students discover civic responsibility and the purpose of town meetings.  In this U.S. Government lesson, students investigate how the government is involved with almost every decision made in a city, no matter how big or small....
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Our National Documents

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Students explore the significance of National Documents. In this National Documents lesson plan, students read handouts regarding the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights. Students complete the provided...
Lesson Plan
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The Second Amendment and the Right to Bear Arms

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students interpret the Second Amendment. In this U.S. Constitution lesson, students examine the right to bear arms as they compare 2 Michigan Supreme Court cases and discuss their personal interpretations of the amendment.
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US Government: The Constitution

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students explore the branches of government. In this U. S. Constitution lesson, students examine the system of checks and balances in the U.S. plan of government as they read the document and define vocabulary words.
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Bill of Rights: Rights and Responsibilities

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Students explore the Bill of Rights. In this U.S. Constitution lesson, students consider the individual liberties outlined in the Bill of Rights as they read the provided handouts and complete the provided worksheet activities.
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Our National Documents

For Teachers 8th - 11th
Students consider the significance of selected American documents. In this civics lesson plan, students analyze excerpts of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
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The U.S. Recognition of the State of Israel

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students research the political aspects of the U.S. position in the Middle East, considering, for example, Truman's position in view of the 1948 presidential election. They examine a telegram sent by the Secretary of State, George C....
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Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary

Classroom Constitutional Convention

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Learners investigate the eight phrases that comprise the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution to determine its principles and purpose. Their own Constitutional Convention is convened to craft a preamble for their school's governance.
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Numbers Tell a Story

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners connect census data to historical events. In this civics lesson plan, students understand cause and effect, and how they are reflected in census data and analyze census data for social and economic significance.
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Civil Rights

For Teachers 12th
Twelfth graders survey how controversial court cases have changed the viewpoints of civil rights.  In this U.S. Government lesson plan, 12th graders work in small groups to prepare summaries of specific court cases, then present...
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The Right to Remain Resilient

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students examine the Civil Rights Movements in the U.S., both current and historic. In small groups students investigate a specific civil rights group, create an illustrated timeline, noting key events, people, and state and federal laws.
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We the People…in the News

For Teachers 6th - 12th
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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Trading Off

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore how the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has impacted the people and economies of North America and Mexico.
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The Right Choice

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars examine the leadership role of George Washington in the American Revolution. In this George Washington lesson, students read selections titled "Generalship," and "Candidate for Commander-in-Chief." After young scholars...
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Foreign War and Domestic Freedom: A Delicate Balancing Act

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students investigate civil liberties in the U.S. They watch and discuss a PowerPoint presentation, conduct research on an event from a timeline, complete a worksheet, take an ideology quiz, and conduct a debate.
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Memorandum Regarding the Enlistment of Navajo Indians

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students examine the Navajo dictionary used by the U.S. military in W.W. II. They role-play Navajo messengers and Marine Corp staff. They research the Battle of Iwo Jima and confirm or discount the claim that Navajos made the victory...
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Westward Expansion

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students explore the Westward Expansion Movement of U.S. history. For this Westward movement lesson, students use primary and secondary source documents research personal accounts of those who travelled west during the era....
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American History Operation Iraqi Freedom

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students consider the responsibilities of American troops. In this Operation Iraqi Freedom lesson, students watch video segments regarding the work of the Arkansas National Guard. Students research media sources to determine the balance...
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This Is America! Flag Collage

For Teachers K - 12th
In a visual essay of their thoughts about "What America Means to Me," kids of any age can create a collage about their country. Originally intended to be created physically, learners could share their projects online by using an...
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The Civil Rights Movement

For Teachers 5th - 10th
Students compare and contrast African-American, Asian-American, Chicano and Native-American movements with the civil rights movement and are exposed to the sociopolitical and economic factors involved in the rise of social movements.
Unit Plan
New York City Department of Education

Geography and Early Peoples of the Western Hemisphere

For Teachers 5th - 7th Standards
Young historians discover the early people of the western hemisphere. The unit explores how the land changed, how it was used and homes of early Americans such as Incas, Mayans, Inuits, Aztecs, and Pueblos. Individuals also examine these...
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Religious Influence On US History

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders explore the influence of religion on U.S. History. Using an internet database website, they research the religious affiliation of governors, Presidents and Vice-Presidents. Students write a paragraph explaining how...
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Thanks Be To You

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Learners research U.S. history by completing a worksheet activity in class. In this historical figure lesson, students identify the contributions and risks taken by the former African-American leader Martin Luther King Jr. Learners read...