+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Clear and Present Danger

For Teachers 7th - 10th
Students assume identities of lawmakers, judges, writers, and protestors during times in American history when freedoms of speech and press were limited because country was on the brink of war or fighting one. Students use primary source...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

In Remembrance of George Washington

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students explore the contributions of George Washington. In this early American history lesson, students analyze the provided eulogy for George Washington written by Henry Lee and then write their eulogies for the first president.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Navigating The Legal System

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Young scholars identify personal rights allowed under the law in the United States. An exploration of the legal process leads students to describe how the American legal system works. This lesson is intended for young scholars acquiring...
+
Worksheet
K12 Reader

Remembering Abraham Lincoln

For Students 1st - 3rd Standards
As part of their study of the contributions of Abraham Lincoln, class members design their own memorial for this great president.
+
Interactive
US National Archives

Benjamin Franklin: Politician and Diplomat

For Students 7th - 12th Standards
A scientist, inventor, entrepreneur, politician, and the founder of a nation—and that's just one person! Learners investigate the many lives of Benjamin Franklin. Using a hands-on interactive online resource, they analyze primary...
+
Worksheet
Read Works

First Thanksgiving Meal

For Students 4th - 5th Standards
Cranberries, oysters, lobster, deer, and cabbage were just a few of the foods found on the table at the First Thanksgiving. After reading a two-page passage about the historic meal, class members respond to 10 reading response questions. 
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Gaining Ground

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Young scholars explore African-American art by researching, preparing and presenting reports on particular artists. They analyze what they have learned through the lens of modernism.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Court Documents Related to Martin Luther King, Jr., and Memphis Sanitation Workers

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars read about the civil rights movement in their textbooks. They engage in a whole-class discussion of how nonviolent direct action can be a powerful tool for bringing about social, economic, or political change.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The U.S. Constitution

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers examine the people and events associated with the United States Constitution. Using the Articles of Confederation, they discuss its shortcomings and the significance of the Bill of Rights. They listen and sing songs...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Whose God?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students investigate religious freedom in the U.S. They watch and discuss a Bill Moyers NOW video, take a Freedom of Religion quiz, write an essay, and participate in a mock trial and debate.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

You Be the Judge

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students research and evaluate a case considered by the U.S. Supreme Court regarding the jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act. They watch a Bill Moyers video, conduct a debate, and write about the decision they would make if they were a...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Branches of Government

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students explore the three branches of government. In this government and U.S. history lesson, students listen to a story about a boy who attempts to sponsor a bill to ban cartoons. Students interview three teachers who each represent...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Philanthropy in History

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students understand the importance of books in past and present societies. In this philanthropic lesson, students compare Andrew Carnegie and Benjamin Franklin's perspective on the importance of everyone being able to read. Students...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

My Secret War: The WWII Diary of Madeline Beck: Lesson 6

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders explore women's rights by discussing the events of WWII. In this American work force lesson, 5th graders identify the events that led to World War II and how women helped fight the war through non-violent efforts. Students...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Money Talks

For Teachers 6th - 10th
Students move from fact finding to interpretation as they examine paper money from the time of the American Revolution. In the final exercise, they use the issue dates of the bills to construct a chronology of political changes during...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

An Introduction to the Little Shell Tribe

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students engage in a lesson to find information about the history of the Little Shell Tribe. The concepts of sovereignty and treaty are defined in relation to the information gathered using research methods. They answer the inquiry of...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The United Nations: Fifty Years of Keeping the Peace

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine the work of the United Nations. For this United Nations lesson, students listen to their instructor present a lecture regarding the history of the United Nations. Students respond to discussion questions pertaining to...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

U.S. Constitution

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students examine the U.S. Constitution. In this American government lesson, students explore the purpose and significance of the Constitution as they read the provided handouts and complete the provided worksheet.
+
Lesson Plan
Alabama Learning Exchange

Learning About Our Government

For Teachers 4th - 5th
learners about the organization of our nation's government. They are introduced to the three branches of American government and the responsibilities of each. They discuss the requirements for becoming President.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Democracy…Not Yet!

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students analyze the concept of democracy. In this democratic values instructional activity, students analyze the lyrics of selected popular music that address issues that challenge the role of United States as a world leader. Students...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Landmark Supreme Court Cases and the Constitution: National Socialist Party of America v. Village of Skokie (1977)

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine the impact of court decisions. For this Supreme Court lesson, students read the National Socialist Party of America v. Village of Skokie (1977) case study regarding First Amendment Rights. Students take notes on the case...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Preamble to the U. S. Constitution

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders explain the purpose of the government by examining the Preamble to the Constitution. They identify ways in which the government is preserving those rights today. They discover one of the fundamental principles of...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Presidents and the Constitution: Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Madison and the Barbary Pirates

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers explore the Barbary Pirates of the Mediterranean. In this American history lesson, students read a narrative regarding the conflict between the Barbary Pirates and the United States under the leadership of Washington,...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Our Country

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders study about being a citizen in a democracy. They also study about the important American symbols and the process for electing the President. Students develop a creative writing story and create a drawing of a room....