Curated OER
Storytellers: Pearl Jam
Young scholars examine the concept of freedom of speech as it applies to music. They watch and discuss the video, "VH1 Storytellers: Pearl Jam," participate in a class discussion about free speech, conduct research, and conduct a debate.
Curated OER
200 Years and Counting: How the U.S. Census Tracks Social Trends
Students examine the process of census taking in the United States. In this "200 Years and Counting" activity, students examine the data collection process, look at an example of a census form, analyze data, and learn what the...
Curated OER
Walking Down Main Street: The Changing Times of a Railroad Town
Students explore the historic district via a scavenger hunt. In this community history lesson, students complete a scavenger hunt using historic postcards and clues as guides. Students create a timeline demonstrating changes of the area...
Curated OER
Pioneer America: Journey West
Fourth graders experience pioneer life on the Oregon trail. In this pioneer lesson, 4th graders research the reasons for moving west and what life was like on the trail. They create a map, complete an oral presentation, and write about...
Foreign Policy Research Institute
Understanding the Koreas
Though this resource was designed in 2005, US tension with North Korea remains a relevant topic for exploration and understanding. Unfortunately, this lecture and reading-based lesson plan is unlikely to engage the class. The end product...
Curated OER
Beauty Behind Barbed Wire
Young scholars investigate the issue of racism against the Japanese during the start of World War II. They use the artwork of Estelle Ishigo to create context for the lesson and see how it provides a look into the life she experienced...
Curated OER
The Role of the Independent Counsel
High schoolers analyze the role of independent counsel. In this Bill of Rights lesson, students listen to their instructor present a lecture regarding Watergate, Impeachment, and the role of independent counsel. High schoolers respond to...
Curated OER
US Foreign Policy at the Turn of the Millennium
Learners explore U.S. foreign policy. In this diplomacy lesson, students discuss and analyze the evolution of U.S. foreign policy between 1970 and 2000. Learners research their textbooks, the Internet, videos, and filmstrips.
Curated OER
Government: The Power Grab
Students are able to identify the departments and agencies within the executive branch that enforce energy policy. They are able to describe potential concerns that the executive branch must address when developing energy policy.
Curated OER
Clay, Calhoun & Webster
In this United States history instructional activity, students utilize a word bank of 10 terms or phrases to answer 10 fill in the blank questions about the nation's early history. A short answer question is included as well.
Curated OER
The New Deal
Students practice their reading comprehension skills by reading about Franklin Roosevelt and the New Deal programs. They answer questions related to the reading to test for comprehension.
Curated OER
Art, Inc.
Students are connecting the year that their piece of art was created with the historical events happening in America at that time. They also conduct research to prepare for looking into Art History.
Curated OER
Making Democracy Work for Everyone, 1877-1904
Students investigate the culture of the post Reconstruction South. They participate in a jigsaw research activity, conduct Internet research on an assigned topic, and write a report to present to the class.
Curated OER
The Constitution: The Country's Rules
Students become aware of the Constitution and why it is important. In this early government lesson, students compare the Constitution to the class rules. They are both set in place so that we all stay safe and have fun. Students draw...
Curated OER
The Future of Affirmative Action
Students act as a representative of a particular interested group before a Senate subcommittee which is charged to determine the future of federal affirmative action programs in this country.
Curated OER
The Debate in the United States over the League of Nations
Eleventh graders read the words and listen to the voices of some central participants in the debate over the League of Nations.
Curated OER
Getting to Know Your Textbook
Eighth graders use the glossary, index, and headings to location information in their textbooks. In this textbooks lesson plan, 8th graders complete discussion questions about the information they can learn from textbook features.
Curated OER
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
High schoolers examine the philanthropic acts of Jane Addams. They identify a current problem in their community and develop ways to help. They also examine the work done in the Hull House in Chicago.
Curated OER
Memorial Day--The Gettysburg Address
Students study the reasons why Memorial Day is celebrated in the United States. They examine how and why those who died for their country are honored. They memorize the Gettysburg Address and how it is used to celebrate Memorial Day.
Curated OER
Comparing Constitutions
Students compare and contrast plans for government. In this government systems lesson, students compare and contrast the U.S. Constitution to the constitutions of selected countries using the provided checklist as a guide. Students...
Curated OER
I Spy
Students examine the responsibilities of the CIA and work as a team of analysts to produce intelligence reports. Letters are written predicting how their assigned countries have changed by 2008.
Curated OER
Arkansas' Reaction to Draft Resistance During World War II
Students identify consequences to the resistance of the draft in Arkansas during World War II. They role-play scripts of local board members who were Southern businessmen, farmers; and conscientious objectors, their friends, families, or...
Curated OER
World History Fair and Exposition
Students role-play as invitees to the World's Fair to develop a virtual electronic pavilion or poster presentation about the United States, its history and challenges. They act as tour guides giving their presentations and answering...
Curated OER
The Pledge of Allegiance
Learners study the history of the Pledge of Allegiance. They investigate the First Amendment concept of separation of Church and state using Internet resources.