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A Nation Counts
Students explore the functions of the U.S. Census. In this civics lesson plan, students understand the origins of the census and its role in U.S. history, recognize the political importance of apportionment based purely on population,...
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Numbers Tell a Story
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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My Secret War: Lesson 15
Fifth graders discuss civic responsibility. In this social studies lesson, student read about World War II. Students compose "I Am an American" poems and share with the class.
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The Rule of Law
Students examine the rule of law and government in this civics lesson. They discover the origins and how it impacts them on a daily basis. They also analyze its role in the judicial system.
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Development of Democracy
Eighth graders examine the road to the American Revolution. In this Boston Massacre lesson, 8th graders investigate the testimony of Captain Thomas Preston. Students write their own verdicts based on his testimony.
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Change: Just a Matter of Time
Young scholars analyze the Declaration of Independence and primary sources to explain civil rights. Then, students write a Declaration of Change to express the grievances of African Americans, and their desire to participate fully in the...
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Brown vs. Board of Education and NAACP
Eleventh graders examine the issues surrounding Brown vs. Board of Education. In this American Government lesson, 11th graders study the key civil rights legislation passed in 1964 and 1965.
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Stories of Freedom and Justice: Learning Resources
Pupils are introduce to the topic of nonviolence and civil rights by watching a video. In this stories of freedom lesson plan, students examine the Supreme Court's role in interpreting the U.S. Constitution. Pupils analyze how conflict...
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Looking for Heroes
Students explain the importance of the 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery Voting Rights March and the long term impact in the US of non violent civic participation.
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Antisemitism in Early America
Eleventh graders explore the rise of antisemitism in the United States in the early 20th century. After reading a passage concerning one man's ordeal, 11th graders discuss how the civil rights of minority groups has been viewed in...
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Constitutional Issues: Civil Liberties During War
Learners discuss democratic ideals and constitutional principles. They decide which side of the issue they are on dealing with the placement of Japanese-Americans in camps during World War II. They examine primary source documents for...
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Due Process of Law and the Jim Crow Era
Students analyze eight case studies of Supreme Court decisions regarding due process of law and their impact on American society in the early 20th century. They digest that although the 14th amendment was intended to give federal rights...
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Making Democracy Work for Everyone, 1877-1904
Students investigate the culture of the post Reconstruction South. They participate in a jigsaw research activity, conduct Internet research on an assigned topic, and write a report to present to the class.
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United States v. Thomas Cooper --
High schoolers compare the Alien and Sedition Act to the First Amendment. They read and analyze a primary document and write a synopsis. They brainstorm challenges to the Government or President of the US.
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Why Can't I Vote?
Fourth graders take an unannounced test (failure is expected) and the top scores are rewarded with candy bars. They compare this test to the literacy tests given before 1960 and votes to candybars. They journal their responses.
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Why is Delaware Called "The First State"?
High schoolers learn why Delaware is called the First State and the background leading to Delaware's ratification of the US Constitution. Students, in groups, choose an individual in today's world that has the greatest influence on their...
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Comparing Time Periods in U.S. History: The Ashford Project
Fifth graders use a "fact book" comparing periods in American history then students create a picture to illustrate their assigned periods. # # students use their pictures and concept maps to write expository paragraphs about their...
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Recognizing Peace
Students read the statement of Alfred Nobel and discuss the Nobel Peace Price and its criteria. They consider criteria and selection process to establish a school or community peace award. Students consider potential recipients for the...
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NAFTA Trade Unit
Students research the geography, economics and government of Canada and how that affects US/Canadian trade relations. For this NAFTA lesson, students play a game, read about Canadian history, and creat a graph.
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A Dynamic Duo
High schoolers engage in the research of history that surrounded the actions of the federal government during the years from 1907-1937. The focus of the lesson is upon the regulations imposed on business during the time and how it...
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Taking a Stand - 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery Voting Rights March
Students examine the 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery Voting Rights March. They view pictures reflecting their perceptions of their most important rights as citizens, write journal responses, create collages illustrating courage, and read...
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The Civil War and Viet Nam are they Related?
Students identify and explain Civil Rights as they relate to the Civil War and Viet Nam eras. They explore civil rights through literature, artworks, news coverage, video and Internet sites. Students work in a group to develop a concept...
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Brown v. Board: Where are We Now?
Students explore the concept of resegregation. In this civil rights lesson, students research the impact of the Brown v. Board of Education ruling in their community. Students define and research...
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Desegregation and the Courts
Students investigate Judge Garrity's ruling in the Boston bussing dilemma. In this desegregation lesson, students view segments of "Eyes on the Prize" and examine the role that courts played in desegreration. Students also determine...