Curated OER
The Great Depression
Students are be able to analyze primary sources (photographs and letters) for evidence of difficulties children faced during the Great Depression. They are asked how the government tries to help people with problems that people face to...
Curated OER
Impervious Surfaces
High schoolers explore the concept of philanthropy. In this environmental stewardship lesson, students compose personal mission statements that express their personal beliefs about their responsibility to the environment.
Curated OER
Art for the Common Good: Junkanoo!
Learners explore characteristics of effective group work. In this multi-cultural social studies activity, students work in teams to design and construct a headdress similar to what would be worn during the Bahamian festival of Junkanoo....
Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media
The Articles of Confederation
Have you ever started a project only to realize you need to scrap it and start over? Scholars analyze the issues leading to the fall of the Articles of Confederation. A group investigation into Articles II, III, and VIII unveil the...
Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media
Investigating the Declaration of Independence
Teach your class about the Declaration of Independence while giving them practice working as a team. The resource breaks participants into groups and has them answer questions about specific grievances from the Declaration of...
Curated OER
Taking From the Giving Tree
Students explore the ways in which various American cities negotiate the protection of their "green infrastructure," gaining a broader understanding of proposed and enacted legislation as it relates to preserving and planting trees in...
Curated OER
"I" On Philanthropy
Young scholars read children's literature and listen to song lyrics to identify acts of philanthropy. They discuss how one's identity can be shaped by helping others. They also focus on the non-profit sector.
Curated OER
Rivers for the Common Good
Students explore what effects improper waste disposal and water pollution have on the water cycle. They explore how philanthropic acts can help protect the water cycle and keep our water and planet clean.
Curated OER
Questions of Courage
Examine discrimination. In this character education lesson, learners read two biographies, Vivien Naki and Hamilton Naki then analyze their personal discrimination experiences. They complete a Venn diagram to compare and contrast the two...
Curated OER
Solid Foundation
Young community members explore philanthropic foundations. They discuss the work of community foundations, and then they listen to a guest speaker describe the vision and activities of a local foundation. Is there a way they can join the...
Constitutional Rights Foundation
Puritan Massachusetts: Theocracy or Democracy?
Was Puritan society governed as more of a theocracy or democracy? After comparing and contrasting a series of primary source documents, middle and high schoolers form small groups and debate the question.
Curated OER
We the People Level 2
Students explore U.S. history by participating in a government activity. In this Constitution instructional activity, students identify the role government plays in our society and the differences the British colonies had in the early...
Curated OER
Philanthropic Beliefs of Native Americans
Students examine the tradition of giving and sharing in early Native American communities. In this philanthropy lesson, students define the term philanthropy, list 3 traditions of Native American giving and sharing, and identify 3...
Curated OER
What Does This Have To Do With Me?
Students examine how to make a difference in their community. In this philanthropy activity, students discuss if one person can make a difference, brainstorm a list of actions individuals can take to make a difference and write an essay...
Curated OER
Limits of Power
Middle schoolers examine the importance of limiting power in governments. In this government instructional activity, students investigate the importance of placing limits on government by looking at the US Constitution. They look at ways...
Curated OER
Climate Change Challenge: Earth Day
Students explore the concept of philanthropy. In this environmental stewardship lesson, students watch a video about state policies pertaining to greenhouse gas emissions. Students plan and carry out an Earth Day service project...
Curated OER
The Roots of Our Rights
Young scholars examine the Preamble to the Constitution. For this government lesson, students read the Preamble of the Constitution and define the meaning of unknown words. Young scholars write about examples of how the Constitution...
Curated OER
Philippines calamity following tropical storm
Ninth graders research the problems in the Philippines after a tropical storm. In this Philippines lesson, 9th graders read an article and answer guided reading questions. Students write a letter to a charity to try and get donations for...
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
Four Sectors
Students explore the sectors of civil society. For this philanthropy lesson, students explore and categorize government, market, nonprofit, and household sectors.
Curated OER
We Care For Our Commons
Students demonstrate how volunteering makes a difference in a community. In this philanthropy lesson, students read the lyrics of "This Land Is Your Land" and illustrate ways to volunteer in their community.
Curated OER
Separation of Powers
Eighth graders research the three branches of government and examine the effect that the separation of powers has on the presidency. They explain the importance of the rule of law in establishing limits on both those who govern and the...
Curated OER
What's Rome Got to Do With it?
Sixth graders examine the government of ancient Rome as well as their home country. They discover the basic structure of the government of Rome, their country, and another country.
Curated OER
Picture-Go-Round
Students demonstrate how to participate in a cooperative group. In this philanthropy instructional activity, students create drawings by working together as a group and contributing their thoughts and feelings.