Curated OER
Strengthening Democracy in Africa
Students analyze democratic advances in Africa. In this global issues lesson, students research Internet, video, and print sources regarding current political developments in Africa. Students create e-collages or digital videos that...
Curated OER
Participatory Citizenship
Students explore U.S. politics by completing a class project. In this National policy lesson plan, students review and compare the National Service Act of 1990 and the Kennedy Service Act and the importance of service in the U.S.A....
Curated OER
The Bills of Rights: Cutting It down to Size
Eighth graders explore democratic values. In this U. S. Constitution lesson plan, 8th graders read the Bill of Rights and consider the significance of the amendments. Students design a governmental time capsule that includes their own...
Humanities Texas
A President's Vision: Lyndon Baines Johnson
Learners take a closer look at the presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson, including the Great Society and the passage of the Voting Rights Act, through image analysis and primary source worksheets.
Curated OER
Active Citizenship through the Spectacles of Benjamin Franklin
Students research and identify ways that Benjamin Franklin contributed to society. They identify the core democratic values and how he achieved them. They research organizations in their area that give back to the community.
Deliberating in a Democracy
Cyberbullying—Alternate Lesson Plan
Should schools be permitted to punish young scholars for off-campus cyberbullying? After reading a passage that details statistics about cyberbullying and Supreme Court rulings about schools' ability to limit student speech, class...
Deliberating in a Democracy
Voting
Young scholars read about voting rights and compulsory voting in democracies. For this voting rights lesson plan, young scholars analyze the reasons for supporting and opposing compulsory voting and discuss whether compulsory voting is...
Curated OER
When in Greece, Do as the Greeks Do
Students examine the contributions of ancient Greeks in this five lesson unit. The explorations reveal how Greece shaped our stories, our modern language, and our society. The study of the Greek myth forms the basis of this unit.
Curated OER
Types of Government
Students explore different types of government. In this government lesson, students discuss the role of government in modern society, identify different types of modern governments, and play a game based on the information gleaned from...
Curated OER
What are the benefits of having a Free Press?
Students examine why actual malice is necessary in libel cases. Students demonstrate the importance of a third party in libel and slander cases. They analyze why a free press is essential in American society.
Deliberating in a Democracy
National Service
Uncle Sam wants you to serve! Scholars investigate the role of mandatory national service in an open democracy. They research, watch a video, and hold a debate surrounding the issue of requiring one year of service to gain a better...
City University of New York
Presidential Elections and the Electoral College
To understand the controversy surrounding the US 2000 presidential election, class members investigate the rationale behind the Electoral Collage, the intimidation involved in the election of 1876, and the 2004 American League...
Deliberating in a Democracy
Cyberbullying—Lesson Plan
Learners examine cyberbullying. For this lesson on democracy, students discuss the different ways to deal with cyberbullying. They then take a position on the question of whether a democracy should allow schools to take action against...
Global Oneness Project
Repairing the Fabric of Democracy
During elections, headlines constantly lament the issue of low voter turnout. Help class members understand why this is such an important topic with relevant articles, a discussion of both sides of the issue, and a reflective essay.
Curated OER
Learning from the Past: A New Approach
Young scholars research nonprofit organizations. As they research, they learn how those living in the colonial period formed community organizations to provide for the common good of their society. Each pupil chooses one organization to...
Curated OER
Making a Difference
Students create a plan to better their school. In this civil service lesson, students will deepen their understanding of the term "philanthropy" by reflecting on Martin Luther King, Jr's "I Have a Dream" speech and a quote by John F....
Curated OER
1765 to the Declaration of Independence
Students research philanthropists of the American Revolution. In this philanthropy activity, students watch the video Johnny Tremain and analyze the characters and determine their motives. Students read the Declaration of Independence...
Caucus 101
Caucus History and Iowa’s “First in the Nation” Status
What is a caucus? Why is Iowa's first? Why did Iowa shift to the caucus format? After researching these basic questions, class members debate the question of whether or not Iowa should maintain its "first in the nation" status for caucuses.
Curated OER
"The Election"
Students participate in an election for the purpose of comprehending the political process and the responsibilities that come with citizenship in a free society. They elect officials with no identity and are surprised with the revealing...
Curated OER
Knowing the Ropes
Students become familiar with the Core Democratic Values that are the fundamental beliefs and constitutional principles of American society which unite all Americans. Each student is responsible for finding three pictures in magazines...
Curated OER
What is Democracy?
Students explore the facets of democracy. In this civic responsibility activity, students create a definition of democracy and discuss the difference between a spectator and a participatory citizen. Students discuss whose...
Curated OER
COMMUNITY JUSTICE
Students investigate the place of citizens in a society. They also research the way a court system works in conjunction with law enforcement. Students apply his/her understanding and knowledge of the law enforcement and court system when...
Curated OER
Are There Any Heroes Out There?
Students explore political candidates' viewpoints on issues that contribute to the "common good." In this political candidates lesson, students read and view mixed media to identify political issues that contribute to a civil society....
Curated OER
Power of the People
Students determine the meaning of democracy and investigate accomplishments of a number of United States presidents. They look at images of the presidential one dollar coins before they determine how the job of the president differs from...