Students begin the lesson by comparing and contrasting two state constitution's preambles. After identifying the themes in the state preambles, they compare the U.S. Constitution's preamble to the states. They work together to write...

Students complete a unit of lessons on the documents, symbols, and famous people involved in the founding of the U.S. government. They create a personal bill of rights, write a found poem, design a flag, conduct research, and role-play...

Students explore the meaning of freedom.  In this U.S. History lesson, students research the Declaration of Independence and how it relates to American freedom by completing activities and a mock trial.

Students gain an understanding of the U.S. Census. In this civic lesson plan, students use real-life problem-solving skills and census data to choose a site for new school.

Young scholars research and evaluate a case considered by the U.S. Supreme Court regarding the jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act. They watch a Bill Moyers video, conduct a debate, and write about the decision they would make if they...

Learners analyze procedural justice by identifying unfair decisions by ruler in play, stating procedural guarantees that a Bill of Rights should include, and comparing their list of guarantees to those provided by the U.S. Constitution...

Fourth graders investigate the state of Ohio's claim to be the "Mother of Presidents." Nine U.S. presidents were from the state and their contributions and terms of office are examined in this lesson.

Even though a teacher using this resource might want to change some of the information in this presentation about U.S. symbols, it has elements that may not sit well with some people. Parts of it would be useful in a lower grade...

When are responsibilities freely chosen, and when have they actually been imposed on us? Here you'll find a unique way to frame your class discussion on civic duty and responsibilities inherent in the United States Constitution.

Students create dictionary of terms for citizens of a democracy, using events and biographies from both their state's history and U.S. history.

Students explore world geography by participating in a family history project. In this U.S.S.R. lesson, students read assigned text regarding the Stalinist era of Russia and the intolerance that thrived there. Students answer a list of...

Students learn why the census makes a difference. In this U.S. Census lesson plan, students identity ways to participate in the 2010 Census while they understand the need the need for citizen action to reduce the risk of undercounts.

Students explore the U.S. Constitution. In this First Amendment lesson, students examine Norman Rockwell's "Freedom of Speech" and analyze the five freedoms listed in the amendment.

Eighth graders research a specific battle of the U.S. Civil War. Using the Internet and the Encarta Encyclopedia they conduct research, and create and publish a travel brochure that incorporates historical and visual information about...

Students investigate politics by writing a formal letter. In this U.S. Government lesson, students discuss political issues they would like to address and research their topic using the Internet. Students locate an appropriate political...

Students explore how people viewed George Washington in the 19th Century.  In this U.S. History lesson, students create a timeline of events during the Civil War, including government and court decisions.  Following this...

Students write persuasive speeches to recruit soldiers for a Civil War company. In this Civil War U.S. history and writing lesson, students work in groups to create a recruiting poster and write a speech to persuade soldiers to join...

In this social studies instructional activity, 5th graders fill out a questionnaire in order to obtain a Boy Scouts merit badge based around the concept of good citizenship using 17 questions.

In this boy scout merit badge:  citizenship in the community worksheet, 8th graders research the topic using the websites listed, then answer 8 detailed questions about citizenship, their community and how it works, community...

Students take a closer look at the Gulf oil spill of 2010. In this global issues activity, students analyze political cartoons related to the crisis. Students discuss their impressions of the crisis and U.S. energy policies.

In order to understand how our government works, learners need to delve into the intricacies at both the local and federal level. Using this 20 question activity learners explore how government affects their daily life.

Fifth graders examine what it means to be a citizen. Using the Constitution, they discover the functions and purpose of government. They compare and contrast the difference between a democracy and a monarchy. As a class, they discuss...

Prompted by a viewing of Emiko and Chizu Omori’s Rabbit in the Moon, a documentary about the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II, high schoolers examine a series of documents, including the Bill of Rights and the UN’s...

In this senior citizens day worksheet, students read or listen to a passage, then match phrases, fill in the blanks, choose the correct words, unscramble words and sentences, put sentences in correct order, write discussion questions and...