National First Ladies' Library
Capital Monuments: Exploring Washington, DC Frances Cleveland: Law, Politics and Government
Students, working in small groups, research seven of the most famous monuments found in Washington, DC. They design brochures based on the information they gather from Internet and print resources. Upon completion, they share the...
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Life of Lincoln
Young scholars describe the social and political life of Abraham Lincoln with a focus on his contributions and how they changed the United States of America.
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Grade 8 Unit 4
Eighth graders analyze aspirations and ideals of the people of the new nation, in terms of its physical landscapes and political divisions, and the territorial expansion of the United States during the terms of the first four presidents.
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Government Lesson Plan: Lesson Plan 12
Students investigate various political systems around the world. They complete a chart that compares the U.S. political system with other nations' governments, conduct research on a selected nation, and present an oral report.
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Paul Conrad's Perspective on Civil Rights
Students review a political cartoon and discuss desegregation. In this cartoon analysis instructional activity, 11th graders discuss the impact of a political cartoon and its relation to a Supreme Court case. Students...
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NATO Geography & Language
The class receives background information on NATO, an atlas, and a blank world map. They color the original 1949 countries in red, the 1952 additions in green, and the 1990 additions in blue. This exercise would be a good starting point...
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This Land is Your Land
Young scholars consider the concept of borders and their development by looking at maps and documents. They create a presentation highlighting a current border dispute and propose solutions.
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The Geography of Europe
Students examine maps of Europe. In this geography skills lesson, students interpret several maps to determine the boundaries of the European Union and respond to assessment questions about the maps.
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The Battle Over Reconstruction: The Aftermath of War
Students explore public sentiment regarding Reconstruction. In this Reconstruction lesson, students analyze primary sources for evidence of the political, social and economic stability of the U.S. following the Civil War. Students...
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My Secret War: Lesson 8
Fifth graders explore American history by viewing videos on the Internet. In this Japanese internment instructional activity, 5th graders discuss the politics that took place between America and Japan during WWII and why it was necessary...
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Mr. Powell Leaves Washington
Students examine the life and achievements of Colin Powell. After reading an article, they discuss the role of the Secretary of State. In groups, they evaluate his successes in different regions throughout the world. They reflect on the...
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Food Detectives
Students investigate the regions in which particular grains are grown. Using the packaging from a variety of foods, grains are identified and the general locations where they are grown are plotted on a map.
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The Lincoln-Douglas Debates of 1858: Interactive Map Activity
Students utilize an interactive map to explore the 1858 Senate campaign in Illinois. They examine how factors such as population, transportation, and party strongholds can affect campaign strategies. Students write an essay discussing...
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The Constitution
Eighth graders watch as their teacher presents information on the Constitution, government and laws through a PowerPoint presentation. In groups, they discuss the importance of government and laws and identify the main ideas in the...
Defining US
Integration of Education and American Society
How did the struggle for Civil Rights during the 1950s transform American society and politics? Why are American schools integrated today? Class members explore these essential questions by examining a series of primary and secondary...
National Gallery of Art
Islamic Art and Culture
Provided by the National Gallery of Art in Washington, this resource for teachers examines Islamic art, including calligraphy, arabesques, and geometric designs. A recounting of the spread of the faith and the tumultuous political...
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Brutal British
Students read and predict the outcome of a story set during the Civil War, then map the story. To prepare for the activity, students determine why it is important to look at historical events from all angles by using primary and...
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Mapping Change
Students compare a political map of North America today with one from 1845. They identify items of continuity in the political map of the United States today and that of 1845 and describe the influence of Indian and Hispanic cultures on...
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Using Four Main Directions in the Classroom
Young scholars identify the four cardinal directions. In this map skills geography lesson, students use a magnetic compass to label the four directions in the classroom. Young scholars use the four directions to locate objects in the...
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United States & Canada: How Are We The Same? How Are We Different?
Students compare and contrast similarities and differences between Canada and the US. In this geography lesson plan, students read various articles and identify similarities and differences in economies, cultures, geography,...
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Hemingway Hangouts
Learners use printed maps and websites to estimate driving distances and plan routes to Hemingway's home. They visit several locations online and record facts about each location.They calculate, distances, driving time, and other factors.
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Regions of the United States
Middle schoolers research maps in order to propose geographic reasons for geographic patterns such as state boundaries, interstates and elevations.
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Introduction to Age of Absolutism
Who were the absolute monarchs of Europe and what effect did they have on their countries? Young historians begin by naming qualities they believe are important for a monarch to possess. They then take notes on four key factors...
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U.S. And Global Deforestation
High schoolers analyze graph showing global deforestation, view photograph of deforestation in Brazil's interior rain forest and examine three maps showing deforestation within the United States, describe political, economic, and social...