New York City Department of Education
Myself and Others
Self reflection is an important skill to reinforce in our children, and it's especially helpful to help them realize who they are in the context of their environment. A collection of lessons about self image and community encourage...
Library of Virginia
Antebellum Freedom
From indentured servitude to involuntary race-based servitude, slavery has taken many forms in American history. Class members examine three manumission petitions that reveal how the rights of African Americans and African American...
Levin Institute
Unit on Culture and Globalization
Students explore the concept of cultural globalization. In this global issues lesson, students read and discuss the linked Web articles about world cultural issues and the dominance of the American market.
Curated OER
How was the Constitution Used to Organize the New Government?
How did the United States Congress determine how the new president and vice president would be named when the nation was first established? Who would provide money for the government, and how would the executive branch be organized?
Curated OER
Our Political Beginnings: Ch 1
Quiz your middle schoolers on the political beginnings of American government. They will answer 5 matching and 5 multiple choice questions. Great as a quiz, homework, or comprehension questions.
Close Up Foundation
Rights Auction
In an engaging activity on universal and unalienable rights, learners work in groups to establish a democratic nation and determine what principles they want to protect to ensure a democratic society. They conduct a "rights auction" in...
Curated OER
Fairy Tails Can Show Due:It can happen for you, If you play your part.,
Students view a Reader's Theater focusing on the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. The story is used as a springboard into a videotaped mock trial of Gold E. Locks developed by the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). They...
Curated OER
Mosaic America: Paths To The Present
Seventh graders study the ideologies of life, values, love, peace and struggle of African Americans, Latinos and Native Americans as citizens of the United States. Authors and artists are used as tools to open the eyes of the students...
Curated OER
Getting Active in the Census
High schoolers 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.
Curated OER
Conflict, Tragedy and the Power of Art
Young scholars investigate some the ways art has responded to conflict throughout history. Through teacher lecture and demonstration, students witness the historical background of a piece of artwork and how it reflects the conflict it...
Curated OER
Identifying Risks at a Superfund Site
Students work together to discover the type of risks at Superfund sites. They examine how sites are found and where to report hazardous sites. They evaluate the activities of the government to protect its citizens.
Curated OER
Class With Character
Third graders participate in a variety of activities in order to promote the concept of being a good citizen. The foundation of this unit is found in the character trait of respect for self and others in society.
Curated OER
Constitution Cartoons
Students view series of cartoon overheads that explain Constitution, name branches of government and their powers, define federalism and separation of powers, examine rights and obligations of citizens, and discuss significance of...
Curated OER
Who Are Your Local Officials?
High schoolers identify the names and positions held by local public officials. In pairs, students research the requirements and duties needed to hold office. A brief presentation of their research will include the names and positions...
Curated OER
You Scratch my Back, I'll Scratch Yours
Students explore the concept of interdependence. In this integrated interdependence lesson, students interpret graphs and charts that require them to analyze the relationship between Mexico and the United States. Students also...
Council for Economic Education
The Role of Government: The Federal Government and Fiscal Policy
Give learners a crash course in balancing the books on the United States federal government level with an economics and government resource. Class members engage in a warm-up discussion and brainstorming session before answering...
Student Handouts
Voting Rights Speech Before Congress
Is your class studying civil rights? Consider taking a look at President Lyndon B. Johnson's voting rights speech. This resource includes an abridged version and three related questions. Pupils consider Johnson's use of language and the...
Teaching Tolerance
Changing Demographics: What Can We Do to Promote Respect?
America has always been seen as a melting pot to the world. Scholars research the concept of blending cultures in the United States and how it is changing over time. The final lesson of a four-part series analyzes the changing...
Curated OER
Limits of Power
Young scholars examine the importance of limiting power in governments. In this government lesson, students investigate the importance of placing limits on government by looking at the US Constitution. They look at ways that being an...
Curated OER
The Declaration of Independence
Students explore the Declaration of Independence. In this civics instructional activity, students read handouts regarding the document as well as the document itself. Students respond to discussion questions regarding the handout....
Curated OER
Vote for Me!
Tenth graders analyze voter trends in South Carolina and discover techniques canddidates and their parties use to convince us to vote their way. They are able to locate voting statistics for their county; compare the number of...
Curated OER
Safety First
Students create a PowerPoint presentation on school safety. They are required to have illustrations and transitions in their slideshow. They develop a safety test for their classmates.
Curated OER
Proportions
Learners examine the mathematical concept of proportions in an attempt to apply them in various types of problems. The real application of proportions is often found in word problems which requires a them to also practice a systematic...
Curated OER
Supreme Court June 2010 Decisions Wrap-Up
Students consider constitutional rights. In this Bill of Rights lesson, students complete an activity guide that requires students to examine Bill of Rights-related cases of 2010. Students respond to discussion questions pertaining to...