Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Freedom Fighters Throughout American History

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students use the internet to research people who have contributed to the cause of freedom. They identify examples of freedom which are important to them and categorize them. In groups, they create a timeline of the Freedom Fighters and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What is Suffrage? Understanding the Right to Vote

For Teachers 2nd - 4th
Learners discover one of the restrictions forced on women of the early 1900s. In this civil rights instructional activity, students investigate suffrage and why women were not allowed to vote in the early twentieth century. Learners...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

"Open Mic" - Giving Creative Expression To The Connection Between The Japanese American Internment, September 11, And Our Rights Today

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students explore the similarities of the Japanese-American experience in WWII and Arab-American experience in post-September 11 US policy. They create presentations on their reflections and express themselves through poetry, dance,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Defining Moments From the Past: Japanese American Internment

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students conduct a mock Congressional Hearing to decide whether or not Japanese Americans who were sent to internment camps during World War II should be provided financial restitution. They research and create a time line of events...
Lesson Plan
PBS

What Are the Primaries and Caucuses?

For Teachers 7th - 12th Standards
What are the essential differences between primaries and caucuses? As part of a study of the process by which Americans select their candidates for US president, class members examine the nominating process, the changes that have...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What Are the Social Studies?

For Teachers Higher Ed
Identify core social studies subjects with adult learners. They will discuss key issues from twentieth century American history and identify key social studies concepts taught at elementary grade levels. They then modify this activity to...
Lesson Plan
National First Ladies' Library

Missionaries, Expansionism, and The Philippines

For Teachers 10th - Higher Ed
Students examine the quality of sources in research in the process of gaining an understanding of the Spanish American War, American expansionism, and the role of missionaries in history. They meet in groups to provide an audio/visual...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Every Day Is Presidents' Day at the White House

For Teachers K - 3rd
Students explore the history of the White House and the role of the president. They explore the White House Historical Association website, answer questions, create a drawing of the Oval Office, and take an online quiz.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The First American Party System: Federalists and Democratic-Republicans: The Platforms They Never Had

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students investigate the beginnings of the political party system in the US. They determine the key positions of both the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans. They compare the views of the early political parties with those of today.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Struggle Against Segregation

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students use vocabulary related to the history of segregation in the United States. They study about the history of segregation in America and recognize the challenges and prejudice that many African Americans faced in the 1950s....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

"Exploring U.S. Motives Behind WWII Imprisonment and Deportation of German, Japanese, and Italian Latin Americans"

For Teachers 8th - 9th
Students research and examine the secret Special War Problems Division program in Latin America and discuss the impact of the program on civil and human rights. They assess the motives for the program and explore various quotes from that...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

"Lista Negra-The Black Lists"

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Learners review the history and political motivation behind the U.S. adoption of the Monroe Doctrine and how national security measures collide with the issues of due process and human rights during times of war. They learn about how the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Changing Opinions

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers compare their preconceptions of Native American movement with their current perceptions. They identify why they have changed. Students conclude with a final reflection addressing how they define the Native American...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Rushing the Border

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students discuss the issues of immigrants who overstay their legal welcome. They explore the recent changes in immigration registration, and participate in a roundtable discussion.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

We The People

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students consider the main concepts of the Preamble of the United States Constitution They research different issues explored in the Constitution which have both historic and modern connections.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Campaign Posters 1788-1816

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders examine the first years of the U.S. under the U.S. Constitution. They identify the main themes of the Federalist and Republican parties, conduct research, and write a campaign speech and create a campaign poster.
Lesson Plan
Center for Civic Education

What Does Returning to Fundamental Principles Mean?

For Teachers 11th - 12th Standards
Looking for materials for your Constitution Day and Citizenship Day lessons? Then check out this packet of activities that not only gets your class members thinking critically about the fundamental principles at the heart of American...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

China's Economy

For Teachers 12th
Twelfth graders identify indicators for the U.S. and China in order to compare and contrast these two large economies. They explain ways in which economic differences between the U.S. and China impact the lives of American and Chinese...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

China's Economy

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine China's economy. In this economics lesson, students investigate economic facts and indicators for the U.S. and China in order to compare and contrast these two large economies.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Discriminating Issues

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students examine how U.S. Law Defines Discrimination In this lesson. They research the issues surrounding a variety of types of discrimination, and then write editorials analyzing legal and social positions on discrimination in the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Compare the United States Government with Other Political Systems

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students explore the U.S. form of government and illustrate other forms of government found throughout the world. They explain the similarities and differences between the U.S and other governments.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

War Making: Executive and Legislative Powers

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Students examine executive and legislative powers. In this federal powers lesson, students determine who has the power to wage war in the U.S. government. Students analyze the Constitution and research historical precedents regarding...
Lesson Plan
iCivics

A Trip Around the World

For Teachers 6th - 12th Standards
How do the rights of citizens in other countries, such as India, Germany, Brazil, and Iran, compare to those of Americans? Take a closer look at the provisions of various foreign constitutions, and compare and contrast the protections...
Lesson Plan
iCivics

For The President, All In A Day's Work

For Teachers 5th - 12th Standards
How does the president of the United States get the authority to exercise his/her duties? What responsibilities and tasks go into a hard day's work for the president? Here is a lesson plan that includes several instructional materials...