Curated OER
Farmers, the Populist Party, and Mississippi (1870-1900)
Students determine the cause and effect of a historical event. They draw conclusions about statistical data and maps and compose a campaign speech for a Populist candidate. They design a political poster and badge for the Populist Party.
Curated OER
Hafta Do NAFTA?
Students examine the benefits and problems of U.S. participation in the North American Free Trade Agreement. In two groups, students represent the campaign team for a presidential candidate, one for and one against NAFTA, and research...
Curated OER
The Union is Perpetual: Lincoln is Elected
Young scholars take a closer look at the election of Abraham Lincoln. For this historical analysis lesson, students analyze letters, political cartoons, and campaign materials from Lincoln's campaign. Analysis worksheets are included.
Curated OER
The Power of Words: Social Justice Words
Learners role-play the position of a presidential candidate. They create their platform to include social justice programs and present it to the class. They answer questions to end the instructional activity.
Curated OER
The Cold War and Development of Post-War America
Students view examples of political advertisements during the years of 1952 through 1964. After viewing, they discuss how the Cold War and the threat of Communism affected the development of the United States. They compare the Cold War...
Curated OER
The Election Process
In this election process activity, students learn about the election process in the United States in which the president is selected. They then answer the 16 questions on the activity. The answers are on the last page.
Curated OER
Choosing the Next President
Learners use comparative Internet research to formulate a prediction regarding the next president of the United States. They give presentations each week on how his or her candidate is faring in the political race.
Curated OER
Suspect Sources at the Republican Debate
Students review statements made during a 2007 Republican presidential for factual references. They research the statements for accuracy using internet resources. Students also examine the stated purpose of the websites used to fact check...
Curated OER
Songs of the Times: American Concerns in 19th Century Campaigns
Young scholars examine campaign songs from the 1840, 1848, and 1860 elections to explore the campaign strategies of 19th century political parties.
Curated OER
The 2004 Presidential Election
Students examine the 2004 Presidential election between George W. Bush and John Kerry. Using a variety of primary source documents, they discover where the candidates stood on the issues. In groups, they create a tableau in which they...
Curated OER
Democracy: Participating in the Process
Young scholars research all of the candidates running in an upcoming election. They interview them if possible and state their platforms. They organize a forum for the candidates to come and speak at their school.
Curated OER
Lincoln-Douglas Debates of 1858
Students examine the transcripts of the 1858 Lincoln-Douglas debates and create a platform for each candidate in the 1858 Senate race. They utilize the candidates' arguments to explore the historical and political impact.
Curated OER
The Jessie Jackson Campaign
Students explore an African American's presidential campaign. In teams, students create a campaign for their presidential candidate. They create political ads and plan campaign strategies. Students are simulate jobs such as a campaign...
Curated OER
The Kansas and Nebraska Act
Students use a primary source of a political cartoon to set the context for a instructional activity. They answer key questions in writing or orally. Students conduct a class discussion about the issue to stimulate higher order thinking...
Curated OER
VOTING
Students discuss 'The importance of voting'. They elect 5 candidates - each representing one of the five values. Each candidate presents a case why their value is important. The other class members then vote for whichever value/candidate...
Curated OER
Betty Ford: One Day at a Time
Students view a video about Betty Ford and how her candid admission of her own battles with addiction has enabled others to face their own addictions. She has done the same for breast cancer, since she was First Lady of the US.
Curated OER
Lesson Plan: The 1856 Election
Students identify the key issue in the election of 1856, they also identify some of the key people invovled in the election. Students discuss the role of propaganda in politics. Also, students discuss the significance of the election of...
Curated OER
Is Coming to the United States of America Good For the Immigrant?
Students evaluate impact of American politics, economy, culture, and environment on the immigrant, gather first person data, and use it to develop a persuasive presentation.
Curated OER
Hidden Messages
Students examine the concept of censorship in authoritarian government and how Japanese and Chinese artists used their work as political commentary. This lesson plan includes possible lesson plan enrichments.
Curated OER
Eleanor Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy
Young scholars discuss the election of 1960. They examine the political styles of important leaders, the issue of money, and the issue of fair play in American politics. Students explore the lives of Eleanor Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy.
Curated OER
Presidential Campaigning
Eighth graders participate in a simulated presidential campaign by conducting research on the Internet. They define a party platform, run a campaign and write and deliver speeches in teams. Students can then act as the electoral college...
Curated OER
The White House or Bust: How Americans Elect Their President
Students explain the presidential duties and who is eligible to run for president. In this The White House or Bust article, students complete a map of the electoral college. In addition students analyze historical campaign posters....
Curated OER
Eleanor Roosevelt: A Restless Spirit
Students observe an intimate view of the life of Eleanor Roosevelt including her childhood experiences and personal relationships, it explores her role in American politics, civil rights, and foreign affairs.
Curated OER
Hillary Clinton's Record, Through the Looking Glass
Students assess how images and words in a political ad deliver its message and stir the emotions in the general public. They research information that supports or refutes claims made in the ad as well as the credibility of the ad. Each...