Curated OER
A Nation's Voice
Learners research the Constitution and the War Powers Act in order to determine what the powers of the government are in times of conflict. They answer a series of questions then write a legal brief either supporting or condemning the...
Curated OER
Environmental Law-Making
Students go through the process of creating and passing a federal law. They select an environmental issue, research related policies for the issue, draft the bill, discuss it among committee members, bring it before the class and bring...
Curated OER
Opposing Views on the Vietnam War
Students consider opinions regarding the Vietnam War. In this Vietnam lesson, students compare Nixon and Johnson's policies about the war. Students also research the anti-war movements as well as the sentiments of the those how supported...
Curated OER
The ADA, the Supreme Court, and Self-Advocacy
Young scholars study the role the Supreme Court plays in laws and decisions that affect individuals with disabilities and examine the policies of the American with Disabilities Act. They draw parallels between policies enacted by the...
Curated OER
Yellow Journalism
Seventh graders investigate yellow journalism and how it affected public opinion and the government during the Spanish American War. They define key vocabulary words, and take notes during a teacher-led lecture. In pairs they read...
Curated OER
Expansion and Reform: Applying the Declaration of Independence
High schoolers conduct inquiries and research-acquiring, organizing, analyzing, interpreting, evaluating, and communicating facts, themes, and general principles operating in American history. They use the Declaration of Independence to...
Curated OER
Air Conditioning
Students explore the roles that the United States government agencies play in weather forecasting, climate control, and other climate-related environmental issues. They then write letters to President Bush recommending how a new National...
Curated OER
Instability in Iraq
Students explore the non-partisan and disparate position the United States government and political figures are taking regarding U.S. military presence in Iraq. They analyze and summarize current accounts and coverage of the events in Iraq.
Curated OER
Tribal Sovereignty Mock Trial
Young scholars 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...
Curated OER
The Monroe Doctrine: Whose Doctrine Was It?
Was James Monroe the sole contributor of the Monroe Doctrine? Young scholars study the doctrine and cite evidence to show contributions of John Quincy Adams and Thomas Jefferson in its formulation.
NPR
Same-Sex Marriage
The battle over same-sex marriage is a prevalent issue in the United States, and a valuable topic to be discussed in your social studies classroom. Here is a basic outline of introductory questions, focus questions, vocabulary, and media...
Federal Reserve Bank
The Great Inflation: A Historical Overview and Lessons Learned
Your young economists will explore the roots of fears about high inflation by learning the effects of rising prices during the world wars and in particular the Great Inflation of the 1970s.
Curated OER
Differences and Settlement in the Legislative Budget Process
Young scholars discuss the issues at hand when legislators are trying to agree on policy. In groups, they role-play different roles within a sub-committee when trying to balance the budget. They present their findings to the class and...
Curated OER
The Federal Legislative Process
Students investigate the concept of the Federal Legislative Process. This is done through the use of research on approved class websites. The lesson gives the option of developing other resources for students to use for the teacher to...
Curated OER
Student Visas
Learners discuss immigration. In this student visas lesson plan, students consider policies and laws regarding immigration. The lesson plan includes several games, discussion questions, and activities.
Curated OER
Debt and Deficits
High schoolers identify, research and interpret the national debt and deficits of the past through today and why it has risen significantly in the last 20 years. They analyze the size and impacts and discuss the various policy measures...
Curated OER
The Bill of Rights
Ninth graders examine various Supreme Court Cases. In this American Government instructional activity, 9th graders research a specific Supreme Court Case. Students create a multiple choice assignment based on their assigned...
Curated OER
Create Your Own Constitution
Eighth graders explore the processes, purpose and components of a good and just constitution. They focus on the Constitution of the United States of America. Students discuss the purpose of a constitution and reasons why the Constitution...
Curated OER
Karl Rove--The Architect: Social Security Reform
Students work in small groups to research political issues and then create political strategy aimed toward certain age ranges and races.
Curated OER
Dangerous Straits
Students view a film and read articles that explore controversial Chinese and American relations. They conduct interviews, participate in class role-plays and develop policy recommendations for government agencies.
Curated OER
The Fall of the Dollar
Learners synthesize the basic workings of the international market for foreign exchange, especially how exchange rates are determined, how the value of a nation's currency is connected to its international trade, and how governmental...
Alabama Learning Exchange
Personal Economics
Students explain the role of government in protecting consumer rights and the role of private organizations in protecting consumer rights.
Curated OER
Candidate Obama Support and President Obama's Agenda
Students research categories within President Obama's agenda and create a PowerPoint presentation. In this President Obama agenda lesson, students research a category within President Obama's agenda and present their topic in a...