Curated OER
American Economics after WWII
Students analyze the American culture after WWII. Through a variety of activities, students gain an understanding of ecomonics and prosperity in the US following WWII.
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Boston Spies' Report on the Redcoats
Students collect information about British actions in Boston and send it by secret message to leaders in Philadelphia.
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The Real Cost of College
How do people pay for college? Learners explore the concept of paying for college, they discuss possible ways to pay for college, research the cost of colleges, room and board, and other college living expenses.
Constitutional Rights Foundation
If Men Were Angels: Teaching the Constitution With the Federalist Papers
Much like the methods of group work, the writers of the Federalist Papers worked together to advocate for their viewpoints against the anti-federalists. The resource enables learners to break into small groups and conduct research before...
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Creating a Classroom Belief Statement
Fourth graders cooperatively develop a classroom belief statement that serves as their classroom constitution. Each student is involved in the creation of the statement. Each group presents their belief statement to the class.
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United States v. Thomas Cooper --
Students compare the Alien and Sedition Act to the First Amendment. They read and analyze a primary document and write a synopsis. They brainstorm challenges to the Government or President of the US.
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Draw a Scientist
Students think to themselves about what a scientist might look like when they're working and then draw a picture of a scientist at work and discuss their drawings. They notice the number of men compared to women and other such...
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Treason and Trials - Aaron Burr
Learners examine the Constitutional definition of treason and research the case of Aaron Burr as first interpreted in 1807. They consider how Burr's case relates to the case of John Walker Lindh.
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Fugitive from Labor Cases:
High schoolers examine the cases of Henry Garnett and Moses Honner, both of the 1850s. Students analyze the political climate building up to the Civil War through the lens of these similar cases with different outcomes.
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Debate over the Ratification of the Constitution
Twelfth graders discuss the creation of the United States, the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution. Through a class debate, role-playing Federalists and Anti-federalists, they identify the reasons for and against ratification...
Chicago Historical Society
Are We the People?
Taking on the roles of a fiery Boston patriot, a Philadelphia merchant's wife, and a prominent abolitionist, your young historians will consider the reactions of these early Americans to the creation of the Declaration of Independence,...
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In Congress Assembled: Continuity and Change in the Governing of the United States
Students interpret history using primary resources and secondary research. The Constitution is examined and changes are explained within the time period they were made.
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Journey to Topaz, a Literature Based Approach
Students view a video clip of the experiences of Japanese-Americans during World War II. They read parts of a book in which a child tells her story about living in the internment camps. They participate in a simulation activity as well.
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The Homefront: America and WWII
Students are introduced to the experiences of various groups of Americans at home during WWII, highlighting race, gender, and ethnicity. They improve their ability to analyze and interpret historical documents and images.
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Preserving Democracy
Learners read excerpts of the Declaration of Independence and United States Constitution. Using the documents, they identify the ideas of how the government should be run. In groups, they develop a skit that encourages people to be...
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How Rich Is Rich?
Second graders read "Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich, Last Sunday" by Judith Viorst. They watch a video of the book and identify and record amounts of money mentioned in the story. They investigate money-related websites.
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The Political Spectrum
Tenth graders learn the political spectrum through a template. They learn the definitions of the following 5 words as they each relate to change: reactionary, conservative, moderate, liberal, and radical.
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Decision Making, Take a Seat or Get off the Bus
Fifth graders explore the positive and negative consequences of choosing to fight against discrimination. They read the story of Rosa Parks. Students discuss the movement against segregation. Students read other books about...
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What Would You Do With $5.00?
Students watch the video Alexander Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday.
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The Concept of Wa III
Twelfth graders continue to compare the ways Japan and the United States resolve disputes. In groups, they are given a case in which they apply the concepts of wa to resolve the issues. They predict how the judge in the case dealt with...
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Where We Live
Learners become aware of the different homes in which people may live. They create a simple bar graph to compare the dwellings of their classmates. Students draw pictures of their own home and describe the details of the home to be...
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Why Burn Books?
Students identify the role of free speech in the selection of library books. They choose one banned book to read and evaluate the reason for its censorship. They create an argument for or against the selection of the book.
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It's Time to Put Our Money Where Our Mouths Are
Eighth graders choose a person who should be honored on our currency. They write a letter outlining the reasons for their choice.