Curated OER
Character Book
Students discover the behavior that represents trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness and caring. In this character lesson, students make a collage of pictures demonstrating good behavior.
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With Liberty and Justice for All
Fifth graders identify and define in their own words the first ten amendments to the Constitution. They are assigned a CDV or amendment from the Bill of Rights and create and present a one-minute skit demonstrating it.
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History & Civics Lesson for Grades 5-7
Young scholars become aware of the culture, lifestyles and attitudes of Native American kids living on the Crow, Navajo and Nez Perce; reservations.
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Testing DNA and the Death Penalty
High schoolers explore issues surrounding death penalty debate and participate in a values-clarification activity to help them form their opinions on this topic. They create a talk show to discuss issues involved with DNA testing and the...
Curated OER
American Deaf Culture: A History of Language
Students examine the relationship between language and culture in the Deaf Community. They discover the history of sign language and how it has been viewed in the past. They examine the Deaf community's beliefs and values.
Curated OER
Democracy…Not Yet!
Students analyze the concept of democracy. For this democratic values lesson, students analyze the lyrics of selected popular music that address issues that challenge the role of United States as a world leader. Students create exhibits...
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The Need for Government—A Cinematic and Literary Perspective
Students examine the philosophy of government. In this types of government lesson, students explore literature and movie clips to determine the value of rules in lawless societies.
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Lives, Fortunes, Sacred Honor
Young scholars discover details regarding the signers of the Declaration of Independence. In this civics lesson, students read mini-biographies of some of the signers of the document. Young scholars then create a model of one of the 10...
Curated OER
Looking into Careers: Doing What I Like and Liking What I Do
Pupils explore careers. In this service learning lesson, students consider the value of job satisfaction and explore non-traditional jobs related to animal welfare.
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Our National Documents
Students explore the significance of National Documents. In this National Documents lesson plan, students read handouts regarding the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights. Students complete the provided...
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Peace Partners
Young scholars research the similarities of historically conflicting cultures and write a peace agreement for them. In this behavioral studies lesson, students discuss some world conflicts and forms they take. Young scholars work in...
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With Liberty and Justice for All
Students examine the role of Supreme Court justices. For this judicial branch lesson, students consider the civil rights and civil liberties as they investigate Minersville School District v. Gobitis (1940) and West Virginia State Board...
Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary
Classroom Constitutional Convention
Students investigate the eight phrases that comprise the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution to determine its principles and purpose. Their own Constitutional Convention is convened to craft a preamble for their school's governance.
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The Many Faces of Paul Robeson
Young scholars discuss and construct timelines based on the life of author/performer/Civil Right's activist, Paul Robeson. They view photographs of him at various times in his life and discuss the roles he may have been playing at those...
Curated OER
A Letter Read 'Round the World
Students examine primary document to examine the concept of free assembly, and analyze Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's letter to the clergy to explain the rationale for this tactic to advance civil rights.
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Comparing/Contrasting Northern Life to Southern Life
Students compare and contrast the lives of African Americans who moved North vs. those who stayed in the South during the era of Jim Crow Laws.
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Foreign War and Domestic Freedom: A Delicate Balancing Act
Students investigate civil liberties in the U.S. They watch and discuss a PowerPoint presentation, conduct research on an event from a timeline, complete a worksheet, take an ideology quiz, and conduct a debate.
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Creating A Bill Of Rights In Space
Students define rights, analyze and apply the U.S. Bill of Rights to hypothetical situations, and create an Intergalactic Bill of Rights.
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Let Your Motto Be Resistance: African American Portraits: Grades 3-5
Young scholars explore the contributions of African Americans of the 20th century. In this African American history lesson, students examine portraits of Muhammad Ali, Romare Bearden, Lorraine Hansberry, Judith Jamison, and Leontyne...
Curated OER
Gandhi's Life and Guiding Principles
Second graders investigate philosophy by researching the life of Mahatma Gandhi. In this biographical lesson, 2nd graders listen to a reading of the book "Gandhi" and make a character map of his actions, feelings and thoughts. Students...
Curated OER
CDV, CDV, What's a CDV?
Introduce your class to the Core Democratic Values. The lesson focuses on defining the Core Democratic Values and related terms. Small groups look up terms and present a song based on the information they've found. After the...
Mikva Challenge
Why Vote?
Elections are supposed to represent the will of the people. So why don't 100% of registered voters line up at the polls on Election Day? High schoolers study the last few elections and the voter turnout for each, according to race,...
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True Champions Practice Points-Responsibility
Learners explore personal responsibility. In this character development lesson, students discuss and analyze a quote from Mia Hamm, a U.S. soccer player. Learners brainstorm short and long term personal and team member responsibilities...
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Growing Into Public Service: William Howard Taft's Boyhood Home
Students research the role that education, family values, and respect for civic duty played in forming the leadership skills of the Taft family. They list and examine jobs held by William Howard Taft before he became president.