Facing History and Ourselves
Preparing Students for Difficult Converstaitons
Many of the issues facing 21st Century learners are challenging and even discussing these issues can be a challenge. So how do teachers prepare learners for these difficult conversations? How do instructors create a safe classroom where...
iCivics
Do I Have a Right? Bill of Rights Edition
In an online engaging and animated game, pupils role play as lawyers charged with protecting rights found in amendments to the United States Constitution. As they choose appropriate amendments to match the right that has...
Deliberating in a Democracy
Global Climate Change
Students examine an environmental issue. In this global studies lesson plan, students read an article entitled, "Global Climate Change," and respond to the discussion questions that accompany it.
Curated OER
Cartoons in the Classroom: Gas Pains Again
The price of gas has increased around the country, and many political cartoons, such as this one, have used humor to get people thinking about it. With the help of three very good critical thinking prompts, learners will analyze a...
Curated OER
Growing Pains
High schoolers comprehend the process of working within a commission engaged in examining public policy. They use a simulated commission that has been charged with the task of making recommedations for dealing with issues surrounding...
Curated OER
Analyzing a Writer's Stance
Should college admissions decisions be based on whether whose family members attended? Secondary students read and respond to a New York Times article on the issue of 'legacy preferences' in college admissions. Following class...
National Endowment for the Humanities
Ratifying the Constitution
Ratifying the Constitution was no simple task. Using primary sources, such as classic writings from the Federalists and Anti-Federalists, young scholars examine the arguments for and against the Constitution. They then decide: Would they...
San Francisco Symphony
Hero or Tyrant: Connecting Beethoven’s Third Symphony to Napoleon, Part Two
Was Napoleon a tyrant or a hero? Answers could vary depending on the political point of view. Learners listen to Beethoven's Symphony #3 while considering Napoleon's undemocratic tyranny. They listen to the piece in five parts, each time...
Curated OER
Local government, local needs
Learners use an investigative approach to extend knowledge about local government. Students develop an understanding of relationship between local needs and government services. Learners work in small groups to collect, interpret and...
Curated OER
The Secret Ballot - Voting in Australia
Students participate in classroom activities to develop an understanding of the secret ballot and the process of voting in Australia. Working in large and small groups they use the secret ballot and the various stages in an in-class...
Curated OER
Questions of Courage
Examine discrimination. In this character education lesson, learners read two biographies, Vivien Naki and Hamilton Naki then analyze their personal discrimination experiences. They complete a Venn diagram to compare and...
Curated OER
Collaborative Projects: Have Your Say
High schoolers imagine they are a member of their local council in Australia. Students have role play the consideration of information given to Council, then vote for or against approving applications.
Curated OER
American History Through the Len of the Supreme Court Decisions
Students examine the historical background of Supreme Court decisions and the basic principles behind legislation. As part of the lesson plan, students discover legal concepts and terms and write sentences using the vocabulary they have...
Alabama Department of Archives and History
Alabama's 1901 Constitution
"We, the People of the State of Alabama. . ." Did you know that the Alabama State Constitution has 357,157 words while the US Constitution has only 4,400? And that it has 798 amendments while the US Constitution has...
Curated OER
Governance - Grade 7
Students examine the governance of natives in Canada. In this native studies lesson, students read handouts on the Iroquois and Huron Confederacies and then respond to discussion questions about the 2 governance systems.
Curated OER
Local Governments Don't Do Much ... Or Do They?
Pupils study and explore their local government. They role play members of their City Council and various constituents as they discuss a variety of subjects typical of a city council meeting.
Curated OER
Types of Government
In this government learning exercise, 3rd graders read a selection about different types of governments and complete 7 matching, 3 fill in the blanks and 3 true / false questions.
Curated OER
Why We Chose Our Constitution
Students examine the American plan for government. In this American government lesson, students examine selected Internet websites regarding the Magna Carta, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution.
Curated OER
Teaching Lewis and Clark: Why Fort Clatsop?
Students study the path Lewis and Clark took on their famous trans-American journey. They participate in an online activity that allows them to examine considerations the Expedition made when deciding where to spend the winter of 1805-06.
Curated OER
Emperor or President?
Sixth graders complete a Venn Diagram. For this government comparison lesson, 6th graders discuss how rules are similar and different at home, school and in their community. Students learn about the type and structure of the United...
Curated OER
The Reign of Terror
In this French Revolution activity, students read a 1-page selection about the Reign of Terror, examine the listed Web sites about the topic, and then respond to 10 short answer questions about the information presented.
Curated OER
Designing a Flag
Fourth graders design a flag. In this social studies lesson plan, 4th graders discuss the basic principles of flags. Students research flags and flag designs. Students work in teams to design a flag using the computer.
Curated OER
Physical and Human Geography Review Worksheet and Study Guide
In this geography skills activity, students respond to 30 short answer questions pertaining to physical and human geography.
Curated OER
Who are American Citizens?
Pupils investigate American citizenship. In this civics lesson, students consider the basic knowledge of U. S. government new citizens are required to have. Pupils also examine the 14th amendment that describes U. S. citizenship.