Curated OER
Right of Privacy: 4th Amendment
Learners are introduced to the 4th Amendment of the Washington state Constitution. In groups, they examine the Constitution of the state of Washington and compare it to the United States Constitution. They role play the role Supreme...
Curated OER
A Look at Virginians During Reconstruction
Fourth graders examine slavery and Reconstruction in Virginia. In this Virginians during Reconstruction instructional activity, 4th graders research primary sources for the story of William Jasper and other slaves. Students hypothesize...
Curated OER
War of 1812
Eighth graders locate the major land forms and bodies of water on a map of Louisiana. In groups, they discuss the role of the Mississippi River in the Battle of New Orleans and how land and water affect the outcome of battles. To end...
Curated OER
Lobbying
Students examine the role of lobbyists in Washington, D.C. In this Legislative Branch lesson, students watch video segments and read excerpts about lobbying. Students write essays that explore the pros and cons of lobbying.
Curated OER
We the People…in the News
Students use the newspaper to explore the world around us, our past and our government. In this civics unit, students complete 40 different lessons in civic education using that day's newspaper to reinforce the concept being taught.
Curated OER
Racial Inequality: Remnants of a Troubled Time
Students watch the Discovery program "Racial Inequality: Remnants of a Troubled Time" then examine the ratification of the 14th Amendment and the Plessy v. Ferguson decision. They research one of three events that tested Brown v. Board...
Curated OER
Understanding Treaties: Students Explore the Lives of Yakama People Before and After Treaties
Students analyze treaties made between the US government and Native American tribes. For this government lesson, students evaluate bias emotionally connect with what was gained and lost during the late 1700's. This is a 3 part lesson...
Curated OER
The United States Flag
Students discover the meaning and symbolism behind the American flag. In this activity on National symbols, students design a flag for their school, explain the symbolism they used, and distinguish the elements that constitute the US...
Curated OER
Political and Cultural Road to the American Revolution
Learners examine the Declaration of Independence. For this Revolutionary War instructional activity, young scholars use primary sources to analyze how the creation of the Declaration of Independence lead to the development of the United...
Curated OER
Dred Scott v. Sandford
Young scholars examine the issues of slavery and due process. In this Supreme Court lesson, students examine primary documents from Dred Scott v. Sandford and discuss the implications of the decision.
Curated OER
Mapp v. Ohio (1961)
Students examine warrantless searches and due process. For this Supreme Court lesson, students examine primary documents from Mapp v. Ohio and discuss the implications of the decision.
Curated OER
Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)
Students explore the concept of symbolic speech. In this case study lesson, students read excerpts of Tinker v. Des Moines. Students then complete the provided worksheet activities and determine whether they agree with the outcome of the...
Curated OER
Take the Lead — Get the Lead Out
Students research about the physiological effects of prolonged lead exposure. In this chemistry lesson plan, students investigate the lead content of different paint, soil and water samples. They analyze data trends and share their...
Curated OER
Pets and People
Students discuss the pros and cons of having household pets. In this health lesson, students identify different types of diseases they can get from pets. They evaluate their pet interactions and suggest ways to modify health habits after...
Curated OER
Immigration History Firsthand
Students interpret historical evidence presented in primary and secondary resources. In this immigration instructional activity, students conduct research regarding Ellis Island and the American immigrant...
Curated OER
Tribal Sovereignty Mock Trial
Students discuss the issue of tribal/native nation sovereignty. They review the Constitution of the U.S. and discuss how it legally provides for sovereign nations. Then they participate in a mock trial of the 1823 Supreme Court Case...
Curated OER
Working in the World
Tenth graders read a selection of "Behind the Scenes" and other websites. They use a list of characteristics of effective citizens in the U.S. to identify characteristics represented in the work, "Elizabeth Keckley: Mrs. Lincoln's...
Curated OER
Who or What is Un-American?
Students explore concepts about civil liberties, research the history of sedition-related legislation in the U.S. and create a position paper on the topic.
Curated OER
Imposing Democracy
Twelfth graders discuss the probability of imposing a democracy in a country in which there is no history of this type of government being successful. Using the internet, they work together to research Japan's experience with democracy...
Curated OER
The My Lai Courts Martial of 1970
Learners research the My Lai Massacre and trial. Students discuss the events and the trial, reviewing the constitutional amendments and concerns related to the massacre. Learners write an analysis of photographs related to the incident.
Curated OER
Poverty and Inequality in the World's Richest Nation
Students examine poverty and inequality in America. In this current events lesson, students read the provided articles "Poverty," "Inequality Growing in America," "Inequality: Views on Causes, Effects, Remedies," and "Theories on the...
Curated OER
Age of Jackson
Students work on political campaigns. In this campaign history instructional activity, students study the American presidential elections of 1824 and 1828. Students research primary and secondary sources to learn about the campaigns....
Curated OER
Civil Rights: An Investigation
High schoolers take a closer look at the political side of the American Civil Rights Movement. For this 20th century American history lesson, students research the contributions of President Johnson, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and J....
Curated OER
Weight Control
Students study the importance of a healthy diet. In this weight control lesson plan students divide into groups and develop a healthy lunch menu.