American Justice: The Texas Cheerleader Plot

Is burning an American flag protected under the First Amendment right to freedom of speech? Take a look at how Supreme Court justices interpreted this question, and discuss the merits of each of their arguments posed in Texas v. Johnson.

The third in a series of lessons introduced by “A Fence Away From Freedom,” uses the Smithsonian website, “A More Perfect Union: Japanese Americans and the U.S. Constitution” and focuses on the section of the presentation devoted to the...

Upper elementary learners read about jobs on a cattle drive and the lives of cowboy during U.S. Westward Expansion. They create a "Help Wanted" poster for one of the jobs. After reading primary source accounts of cowboys, they write...

Young scholars analyze results for presidential selection using positive and negative correlation. In this government activity, students decide if electoral votes are relevant or not. A CellSheet application loaded unto a TI-83 is needed...

Students examine the intent  Bill of Rights. In this American government lesson, students watch segments of the Discovery video "The Bill of Rights."  Students discuss and debate the 4 Supreme Court cases featured in the video.

Young scholars view and discuss historical documents regarding Native Americans and Californians prior to the gold rush in the 1940's. They complete a variety of activities designed to show what they have learned from these sources and...

Students examine the freedom of speech. In this Supreme Court lesson, students analyze primary documents from Texas v. Johnson and discuss the implications of the decision regarding flag burning.

Students explore the concept of segregation. In this oral history lesson plan, students conduct interviews and research primary sources to learn about segregation practices that affected African Americans. Students present their research...

Learners examine the ways in which the assassination of President John F. Kennedy affected American history and American culture. They explain the role of the media in documenting American history and also influencing that history.

In this online interactive American history instructional activity, students respond to 8 matching questions regarding 1950's America. Students may check their answers immediately.