Curated OER
How Has the Constitution Shaped the Economic System in the United States?
Students examine the characteristics of market economies. In this United States economics activity, students analyze the Constitution to understand how it contributes to the market economy established in the United States. Students also...
Curated OER
The Tank Man
Young scholars explore the events surrounding the confrontation at Tiananmen Square between Chinese forces and "The Tank Man." They discover how censorship affects what the media reports and what the public learns. Students research...
Curated OER
Japanese Internment Camps in the US During World War II
Eighth graders analyze the impact of the Japanese/American conflict during World War II on the Japanese American population and evaluate the consequences of government action regarding international conflict. Students demonstrate their...
Curated OER
The Early Tensions of the Cold War
Students uncover the roots of the Cold War. In this Cold War lesson, students research the political philosophies of the Soviet Union and the United States during the era as they define key vocabulary and discuss government systems....
Curated OER
Justice in America
Eleventh graders analyze primary sources for evidence of intent and purpose. In this American government lesson, 11th graders compose a one-page response explaining their understanding of "justice." Students read and examine quotes about...
Curated OER
The Need for Laws
Students consider the presence of authority in their lives. In this law lesson plan, students compare forgotten laws that function in their lives to forgotten instructions in making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
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Local Four Minute Men Committee
Learners research the "Third Liberty Loan" pamphlet. In this discussion lesson plan, students read the pamphlet and discuss their opinions. Learners answer questions and discuss main points of the document.
Curated OER
Barriers to Immigration: The Chinese Exclusion Act
Students study the Chinese Exclusion Act and its impact on the Chinese here in the US and abroad. They watch a video, then perform research which is guided by worksheets imbedded in this lesson plan.
Curated OER
A Quest for Freedom
Students study the atrocities of slavery. They examine the issues raised by the legacy of slavery in Brazil by reading and discussing "Brazil's Former Slave Havens Slowly Pressing for Rights." They create a slave identity based on...
Curated OER
World Trade: It's for Nebraska
Students examine markets, international trade, and the role of government in international trade. After reviewing articles on the Governor of Nebraska's recent trade missions, they discuss in small groups their opinions of whether or...
Curated OER
Flip Flop Diplomacy
Ninth graders examine the dress of diplomats. In this American Government instructional activity, 9th graders read an article and answer guided questions. Students participate in a quiz on the reading.
Curated OER
Hidden Messages
Pupils examine the concept of censorship in authoritarian government and how Japanese and Chinese artists used their work as political commentary. This lesson includes possible lesson enrichments.
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Fast Forward
Students view a television program exploring social and economic changes at the close of the twentieth century. They discuss changes from differing perspectives including poor and rich citizens from various countries. Students write an...
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National Security
Learners discuss the Rosenberg spy case during the Cold War. They research and report on a recent or current investigation into espionage by people working for the U.S. government. Students find out what they can from newspapers,...
Peabody Essex Museum
Chinese New Year Celebrations
Gong He Xin Xi! Happy New Year! Planning a Lunar New Year/Spring Festival Celebration? Check out the activities and resources in a packet that encourages pupils to research the cultural values and traditional practices associated with...
Foreign Policy Research Institute
Life in a Totalitarian State
This interesting role-playing activity helps your class understand some of the qualities of totalitarianism by assigning each one as a spy or comrade citizen for a duration of five days. Students should find this highly engaging and...
Curated OER
Israel/Palestine and Saudi Arabia
Seventh graders examine governmental structures in place around the world. In this political systems lesson, 7th graders discuss components of a modern economy, and read two articles. Students answer questions after reading articles and...
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Chinese Bronze Vessels: A Ceramic Interpretation of a Historic Tradition
Students demonstrate a knowledge of a historic period (Shang Dynasty) and an appreciation of a different culture (Chinese) by making a ceramic container that is meant to hold something of value.
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International Business Travel Project
High schoolers research and develop a plan for an international business trip. They conduct Internet research, prepare a structured itinerary, and develop an oral presentation that includes a pie chart itemizing the trip's expenses.
Curated OER
The Vietnam War 1954-1975
Discuss the full travesty of the Vietnam War. Whether it's for history class, Memorial Day, or Veterans Day, this slide show is sure to make an impact on learners in the upper grades. Vivid images, concise language, and the complete...
National History Day
“Saving the Bear”: The Russian Expeditionary Force of World War One
How have Russian politics affected countries on a global stage? The discussion of the Russian Revolution and World War I begins with an analysis of primary resource letters. Learners finish with a project where they create a timeline of...
Curated OER
Finding Meaning in the Badge
Children who are three to five years old study two rank badges from the Qing dynasty to develop an understanding of social rank, language skills, and symbolism. The lesson is discussion-based and requires learners to compare and contrast...
Stanford University
Chinese Immigration and Exclusion
The Chinese Exclusion Act was the first race-based restriction on immigration in American history. Why was the act passed after Chinese immigrants helped build the Transcontinental Railroad? A series of documents, including speeches and...
Curated OER
Witch Hunt or Red Menace? Anticommunism in Postwar America, 1945-1954
Students investigate what constitutes an "un-American" activity and why Soviet espionage was such an important issue in the 1940's and 1950's. Joseph McCarthy's impact on American anticommunism is examined in this lesson. There are three...