Deliberating in a Democracy
Educating Non-Citizens
High schoolers distinguish between the privileges of being a U.S. Citizen and privileges that are forfeited if not a U.S. Citizen. For this history lesson, students analyze the rights of people in a democratic society through research,...
National Endowment for the Humanities
Lesson 1: The United States Confronts Great Britain, 1793–1796
After the Revolutionary War, the success of the United States was far from guaranteed. Foreign powers coveted the new land, and Great Britain challenged American sovereignty. Learners consider the challenges facing the new nation using...
Curated OER
Immigration
This 3-day immigration study draws on historical trends and current events. A worksheet accompanies initial research on one group's U.S. immigration history, giving opportunity for collaborative learning through sharing findings. Groups...
Curated OER
Political Parties
Students engage in a instructional activity that is about the development of political parties in the United States government. They conduct research using a variety of resources. They use some key focus questions to guide the activities...
Curated OER
Dorothea Lange and the Relocation of Japanese Americans
Students consider the relocation of Japanese Americans during World War II. In this Japanese relocation lesson plan, students examine photographs by Dorothea Lange, the "Pledge of Allegiance," and a US government flyer from 1942. They...
Curated OER
A Salute to American Symbols
Learners research American symbols. In this American History lesson, students listen to the story The Wall and discuss the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. They also listen to One Nation and research an American Symbol to create a poster.
Curated OER
The Electoral Process
Learners explore the U.S. political system by completing several worksheets. In this government election lesson, students define and describe the two main political parties in detail to one another. Learners read a piece written by a...
Smithsonian Institution
Two Perspectives on the Battle of Little Bighorn/Greasy Grass
Learners understand why historians conduct research and the importance of perception when it comes to studying history. The resource covers The Wars of Expansion and the Battle of Little Bighorn/Greasy Grass through group work, debate,...
Global Oneness Project
A Collapsing City Skyline
Have your high schoolers learn about the modern history of Myanmar by close-reading an article about the city and people of the city Yangon. As they'll learn, the country is going through some dramatic transitions. After reading the...
Curated OER
Puppet Show
Students explore politics by defining several jobs in the government. In this House of Representatives lesson, students identify several important roles men and women have in the House as well as the Senate. Students identify what it is...
Curated OER
Galveston 1900: Storm of the Century
Seventh graders comprehend the effect the 1900 Hurricane, the deadliest natural disaster in United States history, had on Galveston by examining period accounts and photographs. They comprehend how the devastation of the hurricane lead...
Curated OER
History Mystery Message Challenge
Eleventh graders examine the US Constitution. In this American Government lesson, 11th graders gather the history and government facts to solve the history message.
Curated OER
United States Flag: Stars and Stripes
Learners study the symbols and history of the United States flag. In this United States flag lesson, students complete a KWL about the U.S. flag. Learners then visit a website to learn about the American flag and discuss the topic....
Curated OER
How Man Negotiates Away His Natural Freedom
Young scholars recognize that our legal-political system hasdeveloped through a process of moving from philosophical ideals to compromised working models. They apply John Locke's views to the development of U.S. political theory and...
Curated OER
I Do Solemnly Swear: Presidential Inaugurations
Students read about the most recent presidential inauguration, and then use primary online resources to answer general and specific questions about U.S. presidential inaugurations.
Curated OER
The U.S. Constitution: Practical Application of the Amendments
Students create their own HyperStudio cards which include scanned images of at least one member (designated reader) of each group. They add the text of a predetermined amendment. The designated reader then reads the selected amendment.
Curated OER
Frontier Forts
Seventh graders study frontier forts. In this Kansas history lesson, 7th graders research the history and conditions of Fort Leavenworth, Fort Scott, Fort Riley, Fort Larned, and Fort Hays. Students write letters from the perspective of...
Curated OER
Lesson 2: The Tired King
Middle schoolers are introduced to the three functions of government (legislative, judicial, and executive). They read and discuss a story about an overworked king who must handle all the tasks of government. Students give a description...
Curated OER
Indian Removal to the Great American Desert
Seventh graders examine American policies to relocate Native Americans. In this Native American history lesson, 7th graders determine why Native Americans were relocated and investigate their response to the policies as they analyze...
Curated OER
Breaking News: Bin Laden Photo To Be Released
Students explore current events by completing worksheet activities in class. In this Osama Bin Laden instructional activity, students read the news article of Bin Laden's death and subsequent photo while discussing the event with...
Curated OER
Mesopotamia
Students map Mesopotamia. In this Geography lesson, students are introduced to Ancient Mesopotamia. Students use an atlas to label the defining features and areas of Mesopotamia on a map.
Curated OER
American Colonists Protest Song
Students explore the role of protest songs. For this early American history lesson, students research the acts passed by the British that angered colonists. Students then listen to protest songs from contemporary American history prior...
Curated OER
The Origins of American Government
Young scholars create an advertising campaign to persuade the Founding Fathers to adopt a particular political philosophy. Working in groups, they conduct research about a certain political philosophy. Students create a pitch to be...
Curated OER
Hawaii's Future Tied to History
Students investigate Hawaii's history to help them explain how a Reorganization Act may affect its residents. students track the region's history from statehood, to kingdom, to human settlement.