Curated OER
"Let us Reason Together" Lyndon Johnson, Master Legislator
High schoolers explore the contributions of Lyndon B. Johnson. In this congress lesson plan, students listen to their instructor lecture on the prowess of Lyndon B. Johnson's legislative skills. High schoolers respond to discussion...
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From A Bill To A Law
Students read about and discuss how a bill becomes a law and then propose a law themselves. For this law lesson plan, students learn legislative vocabulary and then brainstorm a law a write a letter proposing that law.
Curated OER
Spotlight On Stem Cells
Young scholars discover the differences in how stem cells develop and function depending on their source. They see how scientists are using stem cells - from a variety of sources - to study how they can be used to cure certain illnesses...
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Star Spangled Banner
Students use the Internet to discover the basic information about the American Flag. They explore how to fold a flag and which holidays to use the flag. They compare Betsy Ross's flag to the ones of today. They discover the story of the...
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Lobbying
Students examine the role of lobbyists in Washington, D.C. In this Legislative Branch lesson, students watch video segments and read excerpts about lobbying. Students write essays that explore the pros and cons of lobbying.
Curated OER
The Rise and Fall of Joseph McCarthy
Students analyze documents, cartoons, speeches and articles about Joseph McCarthy and his crusade against "Un-American" activities. They guide their research with a worksheet and participate in class discussions about their findings.
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The Legislative Branch
Students identify and describe the key terms as they relate to the Legislative Branch. Students describe how members of Congress are selected, how laws are created, and two of the limits on powers of Congress.
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Making a Difference #1
Students study homelessness. In this homelessness lesson, students brainstorm ideas about the well-being of individuals. Students write a letter to parents and their community asking for donations for homeless care kits. Students also...
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The State of the Union Address
Students discuss and fill out a worksheet after viewing the State of the Union Address that the president makes every year.
American Bar Association
What Is Separation of Powers?
Who has the power? Scholars investigate the creation of the three branches of government in the United States Constitution. They analyze just why the framers created the branches the way they did.
Constitutional Rights Foundation
Federal Policy and Immigration
How is federal policy established? To gain insight into this complex and often messy process, class members read an article that uses information on attempts to establish public policy in immigration to illustrate the role proposed...
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Constitutional Amendments and Gay Marriage
High schoolers study the legal battles involving same-sex marriage. They examine primary sources and a video regarding the 14th amendment and its implications for gay marriage. They analyze a report of a California case that was sent to...
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The First American Party System: Events, Issues, and Positions
Students identify factors which lead to the development of the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans. They examine the writings of Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton as well. They discuss what elements are needed for an orgainized...
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Why Vote?
Students design a ballot slip for student voting. They create a slogan and political brochure.
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Ethics in Congress
High schoolers, using Online sources, research and discuss modern ethics rules and general behavioral guidelines used in Congress.
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Reporter Rights vs. Legal Access...
Students explore cases that have occurred in the past in which reporters refuse to reveal their confidential conversations with government sources and investigate the status of the current bills in Congress. Students use this information...
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Reporter rights vs. legal access...
Students write an article to inform readers about confidentiality with reporters, attempting to find local lawyers and journalists to explain the issues as they relate to them. Students research past cases and the status of the current...
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Leaders in the Legislative Branch
Students read case studies about the leaders in the legislative branch of government. After reading the studies, they discover how the leaders have compromised on issues to best serve their states. They answer discussion questions and...
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Budget Debate: How Would You Balance the Federal Budget?
Students examine how to balance the federal budget. In this American economics lesson, students read the provided article "Congress Debates Cutting the Budget." Students then collaborate in small groups to determine how to balance the...
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How the Court Became Supreme
Students investigate how the Supreme Court changed under the leadership of John Marshall. In this Supreme Court lesson, students recognize the role of the Supreme Court as well as the significance of Marbury v. Madison. Students also...
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Buildings in Our Community: What Do You See?
Students investigate the architecture in their hometown by visiting buildings. In this geometry lesson, students examine buildings through photographs and explain the different geometric shapes found in the architecture. Students take...
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Structure of Congress
Students examine the structure of Congress. They identify the roles of the Democratic and Republician parties and their leaders. They role play the role of congressmen and pretend to pass new legislation.
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High Crimes and Misdemeanors
Students gather information about the meaning and process of impeachment through reading and discussion. Next, students role play hypothetical cases.
Curated OER
Sea Level and the Terrapin
Students study the habitat of the terrapin. In this terrapin lesson, students create a diorama of the habitat of the terrapin. Students also simulate how it would look if people moved into the area and how predators can threaten terrapin...