Curated OER
What is Meant by Returning to Fundamental Principles?
What did the Founding Fathers mean by the importance of continually returning to fundamental principles? Your young historians will analyze a series of quotations illustrating the fundamental ideals and principles of the United States...
Center for Civic Education
What Basic Ideas Are in the Preamble to the Constitution?
Introduce young historians to the US Constitution with this upper-elementary social studies lesson plan. Beginning with a general discussion about the role of government in society, students go on to work in small groups identifying and...
Center for Civic Education
What Is Authority?
Young scholars examine the concepts of power and authority as they begin learning about government in this elementary social studies lesson. Through a series of readings, discussions, and problem solving activities, children learn about...
Center for Civic Education
What Basic Ideas About Government Are Included in the Preamble to the Constitution?
Young historians explore the meaning of the Preamble to the US Constitution in this upper-elementary social studies activity. Working with partners or in small groups, children discuss the purpose of government before reading and...
Curated OER
What is the Federal System Created by the Constitution?
Explore the unique structure of the federal system of government in the United States. Class members will learn about how most nations were organized before the establishment of the Constitution, how power is currently divided between...
Curated OER
What is Culture?
Students discuss "culture." In groups, they discuss and share things about their culture, recording everything they discuss on butcher paper to be hung around the room. They choose a way to share something about their own family...
Curated OER
Thanksgiving Quiz Puzzle
In this holiday themed word search worksheet, students solve 16 clues about things associated with the Thanksgiving holiday. They locate and circle the words in a word search puzzle.
Curated OER
Caddo Circle Book
Pupils are introduced to the Caddo Indians of Texas. Using a compass, they draw a circle given specific dimensions and cut them out. Using the text, they read one section abut the Indians and complete the task listed on one of their...
Curated OER
The "Write Sport"
Fifth graders discuss the history of sports in Iowa. In this sports lesson plan, 5th graders write a friendly sports letter and a how to directional writing. They write five entries in their journal from the point of view of a piece of...
Curated OER
Theatre: Oral Traditions
Young scholars investigate cultural traditions. In this multi-cultural lesson, students discuss various cultures and research their traditions.
Curated OER
We Can Dance
Fourth graders research the different kinds of dances Texans participate in. They try to dance the dances they have researched.
Curated OER
Irish Jig Tag
Students study Irish Dancing. They watch a video or have experienced watching dancers, such as a dance company, perform. They practice the Irish Jig as a class before the actual game. If a student is tagged by the individual with the...
Curated OER
Teaching With the Power of Objects
Students define value of an object. In this value lesson plan, students identify reasons for collecting objects, compile a personal inventory of items they find valuable, and then define why those items are valuable to them. In step two...
Hubbard's Cupboard
The Pilgrims' First Thanksgiving
Pupils explore holidays by participating in class singing activities. In this Thanksgiving history instructional activity, students discuss the importance of Thanksgiving Day and read several poems which discuss the history of...
Curated OER
A Look at Life of the Plains Indians through artists like George Catlin
Students identify and interpret the life of the Indians on the Plains during the 1800's through artworks of George Catlin and others during this time period. Students examine life of the Pawnee Indians and interpret conditions that...
Curated OER
The Chicano Movement in California - Culture, Causes, and Community
Students explore the culture and community of the Chicano movement in California using prints that emerged from the Chicano movement. The historical, binational, and bicultural components are examined in this three lessons unit.
Curated OER
Aztec Dance
Seventh graders study Aztec dance to learn about their culture and civilization. In this Aztec study lesson, 7th graders watch a video of Aztec dancers and describe the dance on an index card. Students visit a website to learn the...
Center for Civic Education
Responsibility and the U.S. Constitution
When are responsibilities freely chosen, and when have they actually been imposed on us? Here you'll find a unique way to frame your class discussion on civic duty and responsibilities inherent in the United States Constitution.
Curated OER
How was the Constitution Used to Organize the New Government?
How did the United States Congress determine how the new president and vice president would be named when the nation was first established? Who would provide money for the government, and how would the executive branch be organized?
Curated OER
The Heritage of Puerto Rico and Cuba
Students examine the influences of the Hispanic culture in the United States. In groups, they read about the life of a slave in Cuba and identify the misconceptions are discussed. As a class, they define racism, read an essay and...
Curated OER
The First Thanksgiving: Crossword
In this Thanksgiving activity, students use a set of 11 clues about Thanksgiving to complete a crossword puzzle; answers are given on page 2.
Curated OER
Legends and Myths: Trickster Tales
Middle schoolers work in groups to research the characteristics of various myths and legends. They read tales, illustrate them, record oral storytelling efforts and write an original folktale. Students then invite parents to a dramatic...
Curated OER
Children's Books
Students explore daily dilemmas students face. They write and illustrate a story book dealing with one dilemma. Students write reviews of their books. They read their books to second grade students. Additional cross curriculum activities...