Bell Ringer: The Role of the Senate

Study the features of nonfiction text with a set of comprehension and analysis materials. Readers learn about Alexander Graham Bell with questions about the text, writing prompts, and proofreading activities.

A short bell ringer introduces middle schoolers to the powers and duties of the United States congress. The three clips show congress's role in confirming presidential nominees, in declaring war, and in overseeing legislation

One of the checks and balances built into the United States Constitution, is the president's ability to call a special session of Congress. A bell ringer, designed to stir interest in this check that president has on the legislative...

Designed as a check on the judicial branch of the United State government, the president has the power to nominate judges to the federal bench. Four film clips serve as a bell ringer to introduce a study into the nominating process and...

Bell Ringers that set the right tone for a lesson can be hard to design. Launch a study of the Supreme Court with a video has justices that revealing how they decide what cases to hear, how they determine their rulings, and even why the...

Fans of cop shows are aware the the Miranda warning and can probably recite it. Launch a study of the Fifth Amendment and the Supreme Court Case Miranda v. Arizona with a short video designed to generate interest in this landmark Supreme...

Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. v. Sawyer is considered to be one of the Supreme Court's landmark cases because it demonstrated the checks and balances inherent in the three branches of the United States government. A short video sets...

Introduce middle schoolers to the Legislative Branch of the U.S. Government with a short video about the Capitol Building and its history. The resource includes discussion questions and a handout.

A short video narrated by the curator of the Concord Museum details Henry David Thoreau's goals of living on the shores of Walden Pond.

Three short videos introduce viewers to three of the roles play by the United States President. In his role as Commander and Chief of the armed forces, President Regan discusses the Grenada Invasion. President Trump demonstrate his...