https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/harvesting-the-rain/
From Retro Report This lesson offers a set of questions to connect students’ prior knowledge to the theme of citizenship by examining the attributes and Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/super-civics-midterm-election-lessons-grades-k-6/
Our Super Civics teacher team has created easy to follow grade level lessons with coordinating slides that use children’s literature to teach elections.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/constitution-101-curriculum-high-school-level/
From The National Constitution Center “Constitution 101 is a 15-unit asynchronous, semester-long curriculum that provides students with a basic understanding of the Constitution’s text, history, Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/gerrymandering-tilts-political-power-heres-how-redistricting-affects-democracy/
From Retro Report “Every decade, states engage in redistricting – the redrawing of congressional and state legislative boundaries – after the release of new census Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/midterm-elections-how-1994-midterms-set-off-an-era-of-divisive-politics/
From Retro Report “Midterm elections, often a referendum on the sitting president’s agenda, can set the stage for future policy debates. Economic and social issues Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/midterm-elections-1966-midterms-signal-a-realignment-shaping-todays-parties/
From Retro Report “Southern voters, once loyal to the Democratic Party, elected Republican candidates in 1966 as the two parties began to sort themselves into Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-constitution-explained-series/
By the Center for Civic Education in partnership with iCivics and constitutional scholar Linda R. Monk Key aspects of the U.S. Constitution are explained in Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/detention-centers-and-juvenile-courts/
From Law For Kids Virtually tour Arizona Detention Centers & Juvenile Courts. Detention Center Tours Maricopa County Durango Detention Center Tour Mohave County Detention Tour Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/virtual-escape-rooms/
From Law For Kids “Put your civic knowledge to the test as you answer clues to escape the room in time.” Escape Rooms: When you Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/9231-2/
From The Friends of Publius, Massachusetts Center for Civic Education A valuable resource for teachers who may be new to the We the People program, Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-minneapolis-bridge-collapse-that-sounded-the-alarm-on-us-infrastructure/
From Retro Report On August 1, 2007 the I-35W bridge over the Mississippi River suddenly collapsed in Minneapolis, Minnesota, sending vehicles plunging into the water. Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/teaching-911-and-the-war-on-terror-beyond-the-twentieth-anniversary/
From the University of Wisconsin-Madison A Resource Guide for Teachers and Educators – “This site is designed for educators and anyone else interested in engaging with Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/what-is-inquiry-based-learning/
By John Spencer Objective: Develop a foundational understanding of inquiry. As you watch this video (4:37) about Inquiry-Based Learning, what new ideas, impressions, or wonderings do you have Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/thinking-routine-toolbox/
From Project Zero, Harvard Graduate School of Education – A thinking routine is a set of questions or a brief sequence of steps used to Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/aba-supreme-court-preview-featured-cases-2020-2021/
Scroll down to “Past Cases” to find modified case studies and focus questions for classroom use. Featured Cases from the Supreme Court’s 2020-2021 session- Caniglia Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/aba-supreme-court-preview-featured-cases-2019-2020/
Scroll down to “Past Cases” to find modified case studies and focus questions for classroom use. Featured Cases from the Supreme Court’s 2019-2020 session- McGirt Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/from-watergate-to-campaign-finance-reform/
From Retro Report “The Watergate campaign finance scandals led to a landmark law designed to limit the influence of money in politics. Decades later, some Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/how-the-u-s-has-treated-wartime-refugees/
From Retro Report in the Classroom This ten-minute video compares the recent U.S. settlement of Afghan and Ukrainian migrants to the 1975 United States evacuation Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/building-democracy-the-story-of-legislatures/
A National Conference of State Legislatures Podcast A six-part series that covers the history, characters and stories of state legislatures in America. Episode 1 (30:43) – Virginia: Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/daylight-saving-time-state-legislation/
From The National Conference of State Legislatures Each year, on the second Sunday in March, clocks are set forward by one hour in the United States Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/bell-ringer-what-is-an-omnibus-bill/
From C-Span Classroom “Steve Ellis of Taxpayers for Common Sense explains the meaning of an omnibus bill, including the process of how the bills that Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/seven-ways-to-find-what-you-want-on-the-internet/
Strategies for Internet searches: Explore seven steps that you can take to pinpoint specific information online.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/digital-hacks/
Resources from Sam Wineburg, Stanford History Education Group “This advice does not guarantee foolproof web searching. It does make the promise that if you follow it, Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/throughline-npr-pirates-of-the-senate/
“In this episode, we look at how the ongoing battle over the filibuster’s future is in some ways a battle over its past.” Podcast (52 Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-state-of-the-union-addresses/
By The Choices Program Students read Article II, Section III of the Constitution to identify words or phrases they don’t understand. Next, students (in small Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/super-civics-toolbox/
The Super Civics Toolbox is a collection of lessons aligned to the Minnesota K-8 Citizenship and Government standards (2011). Super Civics Toolbox For video instructions on how Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/we-the-people-the-citizen-and-the-constitution-level-3-educating-for-american-democracy-ead-roadmap-correlation/
From the Center for Civic Education “This correlation guide offers a crosswalk between the EAD themes for the grades 9–12 driving questions and the Level Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/we-the-people-resource-center/
From the Center for Civic Education Students and teachers – use this companion website for the We the People: The Citizen & the Constitution Level 3 Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/we-the-people-open-course/
From the Center for Civic Education “This course takes you from the philosophical foundations of the U.S. Constitution through the modern interpretation and application of Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/program-current-events/
From Classroom Law Project Rely upon teacher-vetted current events! Included are stories that present multiple views, additional resources to learn more, definitions of relevant vocabulary, insightful Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/principles-of-democracy-current-issues-thinglink-poster-idea/
Help students to connect the Principles of Democracy to current events through an interactive poster utilizing a Thinglink platform. It provides an engaging and easy way for Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/taxation/
From iCivics “This lesson teaches the basics of taxes: what they are, who pays them, what kinds exist, and what they’re used for. Students learn Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/supreme-court-nominations/
From iCivics “This lesson teaches the fundamentals of Supreme Court Justice nominations and helps students understand the politics behind the nominations. It challenges students to Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/appellate-courts-lets-take-it-up/
From iCivics What happens in appellate-level courts? “By following the case of a real middle school girl who was strip searched at school, students find Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/james-bond-in-a-honda-trial-simulation-lesson/
From iCivics “Students participate in a scripted fictional trial based on a real case in which the producers of James Bond films sued Honda for Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/building-democracy-for-all/
By Robert W. Maloy & Torrey Trust Building Democracy for All is an interactive, multimodal, multicultural, open access (digital, online, free of charge) eBook for teaching and learning key Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/todays-vote-in-the-classroom/
Real-world policy in your classroom.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/sesame-street-monster-president-elmo-the-musical/
Explore “first, second, and third” with Elmo, the first monster president, as he works to keep the country in order. The video (6:56) features the Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/sesame-street-usher-volunteer/
In this video (1:20), Usher explains the word “volunteer” to Elmo, and together they see various examples of volunteers on Sesame Street.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/teaching-about-controversial-topics-led-by-dr-diana-hess/
This hour-long virtual professional development session (recorded) for social studies educators addresses the following questions - and more: What is the relationship between controversial topics, problems, Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/digital-civics-toolkit/
“The Digital Civics Toolkit is a collection of resources for educators to support youth to explore, recognize, and take seriously the civic potentials of digital life… The Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/advanced-placement-supreme-court-cases-organized-by-era-of-history/
Useful for studying/review, or Each One Teach One, Texas Law-Related Education provides summaries of select landmark Supreme Court Cases from the Early Republic to Contemporary America.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/throughline-npr-vaccination/
“It’s a longstanding fight in the U.S., whether people can opt out of vaccination if that means jeopardizing the greater public’s health. In this episode, Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/throughline-npr-presidential-power/
“What can and can’t the president do, and how do we know? When the framers of the U.S. constitution left vague the powers of the Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/lesson-plans-2020-election-beyond/
A variety of lesson plans that utilize ProCon.org’s Presidential Election site. tags: distance/ online learning
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-challenge-of-democracy-series/
The Constitutional Rights Foundation (CRF) A series of lessons with carefully researched, non-partisan readings to navigate issues on the themes of Information, Diversity, Governance, and Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/freedom-of-speech-and-press-exceptions-to-the-first-amendment/
Congressional Research Service This report (September 2014) provides an overview of the major exceptions to the First Amendment – of the ways that the Supreme Court Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/dc-residents-taxation-with-some-representation/
New Jersey State Bar Foundation The federal government in Washington, D.C. is under federal control and not dependent upon any state for protection. Article I, Section 8, Clause Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/impeachment-its-complicated/
New Jersey State Bar Foundation This reading about impeachment (What the Constitution Says, The Process, First Presidential Impeachment, Not Just for Presidents) includes writing/ discussion Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/miranda-v-arizona-1966-icivics/
From iCivics’ Landmark Library Students will: Describe the 5th Amendment right to silence and the 6th Amendment right to a lawyer. Identify the main arguments put forth Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/plessy-v-ferguson-1896-icivics/
From iCivics’ Landmark Library This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court’s decision that it was constitutional to keep black and white people segregated as Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/an-independent-judiciary-cherokee-nation-v-georgia-and-cooper-v-aaron/
From Annenberg Classroom This documentary (34 minutes) about the importance of an independent judiciary features Justice Stephen G. Breyer and chronicles Cherokee Nation v. Georgia(1831) Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-supremacy-clause-mcculloch-v-maryland/
From Annenberg Classroom This video (24 minutes) explores the supremacy clause in Article VI of the Constitution and key moments in the power struggle, including Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/iowa-caucus-history/
This 2-hour segment from Iowa Public Television’s Caucus Iowa: Journey to the Presidency documentary explores how Iowa became the political epicenter and first major electoral event Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/lesson-plan-what-are-the-primaries-and-caucuses/
From PBS Newshour Extra Students will identify and understand differences between primaries and caucuses and key terms related to the primary season. Videos, readings, graphic Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/how-voters-decide-crash-course-government-and-politics-38/
From CrashCourse What factors influence voter decisions? This video (7:35) focuses on party loyalty, the issues involved in an election, and candidate characteristics. tags: voting, distance/ online Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/lesson-plan-to-vote-or-not-to-vote/
From PBS Newshour Extra Students view three short films that explore the importance of voting. Each film/activity examines the topic from a different perspective. Handouts Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/so-you-think-you-can-vote/
Video (5:23) - “With 50 states, 5 territories, and over 7,000 voting districts, our elections can get pretty chaotic. A quick look at the history of Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/american-party-animals/
Why are there only two major parties? This animated film (3:25) looks at the pros and cons of America’s two-party system. tags: elections, multi-party systems
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/black-lives-matter-the-killing-of-george-floyd-and-the-long-fight-for-racial-justice/
From: The Choices Program Students will: Review an interactive timeline of black activism in the United States from the 1950s to today (includes videos, images, Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/lets-start-a-petition-lesson-plan/
“This lesson discusses the constitutional right to petition, and how petitions have been used in American history… Students will review historical and contemporary petitions and Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/state-by-state-race-to-ratification-of-the-19th-amendment/
Follow the state by state stories and timeline of the ratification of the Nineteenth (19th) Amendment.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/storymap-places-of-womens-suffrage/
Explore this StoryMap to discover places associated with the ratification of the 19th Amendment. This StoryMap features places related to women’s suffrage (the right to Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-19th-amendment-by-state/
Explore the state histories of the ratification of the Nineteenth (19th) and women’s right to vote. tags: suffrage, voting
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/african-american-women-and-the-nineteenth-amendment/
By Sharon Harley, National Parks Service Read this article to learn about the important role of African American women in the struggle for the Nineteenth Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/aba-supreme-court-preview-featured-cases-2018-2019/
Scroll down to “Past Cases” to find modified case studies and focus questions for classroom use. Featured Cases from the Supreme Court’s 2018-2019 session - Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-fourth-amendment-past-and-present/
Presented in partnership with the National Constitution Center (NCC) and the Federal Judicial Center Podcast (44:30): “Two leading Fourth Amendment scholars join NCC President Jeffrey Rosen Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/scholar-exchange-voting-rights-in-america/
“Join Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, to examine the history of voting rights in America. Where in the Constitution are Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/scholar-exchange-ap-landmark-supreme-court-cases-encore-session/
“This fast-paced and fun session will review the top 15 court cases from a typical course of study for an AP Government class. Join Jeffrey Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/a-national-town-hall-on-policing-and-the-constitution/
Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, moderates this virtual national Town Hall on policing and the Constitution (recorded June 5, 2020). Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/trigger-warning-safe-spaces-are-dangerous/
Intelligence Squared U.S. is a nationally broadcast debate series based on the traditional Oxford-style debate format, with one side proposing and the other side opposing a Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/pathways-to-the-bench-judge-donovan-frank/
Watch this U.S. Courts video series in which judges talk about challenges they overcame on their way to service on the federal bench. Featured Judges: Donovan Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-courts-and-you-from-suffragist-sashes-to-antiwar-armbands/
This 5-minute video portrays two rights activists from different eras: suffragist Virginia Minor and Vietnam war protester Mary Beth Tinker.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/classroom-strategies-reading-rockets/
Effective, research-based classroom strategies to help teachers build and strengthen literacy skills in phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing. Each strategy includes: Instructions Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/strategies-oregon-educator-network/
Search for teaching strategies by type, audience, or learning style. tag: distance learning
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/why-are-american-symbols-important/
From DCPS - Instructional Continuity Plan (distance learning) Students identify American symbols such as the American flag, the bald eagle, the Statue of Liberty. Then, Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/who-leads-our-country/
From DCPS - Instructional Continuity Plan (distance learning) Who leads our country? Students write one paragraph that explains what the president does and how presidents Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/what-makes-america-special/
From DCPS - Instructional Continuity Plan (distance learning) Students read: about the “Star-Spangled Banner” and “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and answer the questions in Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/how-did-d-c-become-our-nations-capital/
From DCPS - Instructional Continuity Plan (distance learning) Students will read from several sources and then write an informational paragraph describing how Washington, D.C. became Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/how-to-use-the-concept-attainment-strategy/
This strategy involves students in their own learning by helping them discover information on their own. tag: distance learning
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/kick-the-idk-bucket-how-to-rid-your-classroom-of-i-dont-know/
“When a student recognizes they don’t know something, it should be a transition to knowing, not a termination of thinking.” Help students explore the reasons Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-big-list-of-class-discussion-strategies/
“Students will discuss…” Here is help to make this learning objective more specific! This podcast/ reading contains 15 strategies for structuring a class discussion; they are separated into Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/instructional-strategies-guide/
75+ Tools to Improve Student Learning Strategies compiled by Stefanie Wager (National Council for the Social Studies, Iowa Department of Education) tag: distance learning
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/what-does-washington-d-c-look-like/
From DCPS - Instructional Continuity Plan (distance learning) This lesson is designed for elementary level students; however, it can be used or adapted for anyone as an introduction to: Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/what-is-special-about-the-constitution/
From DCPS - Instructional Continuity Plan (distance learning) How does the Constitution work? Students complete a scavenger hunt using The Constitution of the United States of Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/creation-of-the-constitution-how-do-you-build-a-good-government/
From DCPS - Instructional Continuity Plan (distance learning) Students describe the people and events associated with the development of the U.S. Constitution. After reading primary Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/why-do-countries-declare-independence/
From DCPS - Instructional Continuity Plan (distance learning) This inquiry focuses on the arguments made in the United States Declaration of Independence. Students describe the people Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/language-acquisition-beginner-esl-washington-d-c/
From DCPS - Instructional Continuity Plan (distance learning) Lesson: https://dcps.instructure.com/courses/179580/pages/learners-elementary-language-acquisition-beginner-esl - Week 7 Learning Plans Students read sentences and match to pictures; read and state details from Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/voting-rights-for-women-what-did-it-take-for-women-to-be-considered-equal-to-men/
From DCPS - Instructional Continuity Plan (distance learning) This inquiry leads students through an investigation of the women’s suffrage movement as an example of how Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/what-makes-a-good-citizen/
From DCPS - Instructional Continuity Plan (distance learning) What makes a good citizen? What were the different forms of government in ancient Greek city-states? What Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/does-religious-freedom-exist/
From DCPS - Instructional Continuity Plan (distance learning) Does religious freedom exist? What are the major religions of the world? What is religious freedom? How Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/a-guide-to-emergency-powers-and-their-use/
What statutory powers may become available to the U.S. president upon declaration of a national emergency? The Brennan Center’s research is presented in two tables: One lists Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-emergency-powers-of-the-governor/
What are a governor’s emergency powers? Listen to podcast (16:00): https://www.civics101podcast.org/civics-101-episodes/governoremergencypowers Transcript and graphic organizer included.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-ap-us-government-and-politics-prepisode/
What is taught in the AP US Government and Politics course? What are the nine foundational documents that students are expected to know? Hear some Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/big-civics-ideas-through-political-cartoons/
Florida Joint Center for Citizenship How do the political cartoons illustrate big civics ideas? This activity can be used to introduce big civics concepts or Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/representing-congress-clifford-k-berrymans-political-cartoons-e-book/
Representing Congress is designed to teach students about Congress—its history, procedures, and constitutional roles— through the analysis of political cartoons. This e-book was created by the Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/guidance-on-government-federal-edition/
Florida Joint Center for Citizenship How does the U.S. Constitution organize the government? Students: identify responsibilities of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/guidance-on-government-state-edition/
Florida Joint Center for Citizenship How does the Florida Constitution organize the government? (Adaptable for other states) Students: identify the legislative, judicial, and executive Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/thinking-through-timelines-creating-the-constitution/
Florida Joint Center for Citizenship Why do we celebrate Constitution Day? Activity Documents and Handouts – Creating the Constitution PowerPoint Presentation Copies of Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/thinking-through-timelines-inching-toward-independence/
Florida Joint Center for Citizenship Why do we celebrate Independence Day? Activity Documents and Handouts – The Road to Independence PowerPoint Presentation Copies of Primary Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-in-real-life/
Florida Joint Center for Citizenship Concise resources to explore civics concepts connected to current events. Sample topics include: Public Health and the Social Contract - How Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/meme-machine/
This Emerging Citizens game encourages players to engage with culturally and politically relevant topics while focusing on a specific 21st digital modality (Memes). Meme machine is a Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/wikigeeks/
This Emerging Citizens game encourages players to engage with culturally and politically relevant topics while focusing on a specific 21st digital modality (Hyperlinks). WikiGeeks is a realtime Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/hashtag-youre-it/
This Emerging Citizens game encourages players to engage with culturally and politically relevant topics while focusing on a specific 21st digital modality (Hashtags). Hashtag You’re It is Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/songs-for-free-men-and-women/
“How can songs—moving speech, set to rhythmic music—shape hearts and minds? What do America’s national songs mean, and what feelings does singing them inspire? Songs Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/benjamin-franklins-virtues/
Background materials and discussion questions to enhance reading and understanding of Benjamin Franklin’s “The Project of Moral Perfection” a passage from his Autobiography. After learning about Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civic-virtue-and-why-it-matters-we-the-people/
The National Constitution Center What values did the founders think were necessary to uphold American government? Are the people and our representatives living up to them? “The Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-constitution-and-the-coronavirus-we-the-people/
The National Constitution Center In this 55 minute podcast, host Jeffrey Rosen and public health law experts examine the history of quarantines prior to and during the Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/safeguarding-democracy-understanding-allegations-of-russian-election-interference/
From The Choices Program, May 2018 This lesson involves an adapted version of an ancient Egyptian board game called Senet. Students will complete the game with Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-impeachment-process-and-president-trump/
From The Choices Program, lesson published October 2, 2019 Students will: Understand the Constitutional basis and historical precedents for impeachment. Develop media source analysis skills. Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/boston-plays/
Students take part in a series of short plays illustrating the lack of various rights during the American Revolutionary War period and then identify those Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/bill-of-rights-in-action/
The Constitutional Rights Foundation (CRF) has published the Bill of Rights in Action, since 1967. Scroll to the view the issues available online or browse the Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/federal-budget-simulation/
“…After analyzing the proposed FY 2020 discretionary budget, students will be asked to design a FY 2021 budget with a group of their peers. Through the simulation, Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/recipe-for-an-inaugural-address/
Students consider what “ingredients” might go into a speech that will launch a president’s term in office as they examine some of the most memorable Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/jacqueline-kennedys-white-house-restoration/
What symbols of democracy can you find in the White House and what do they signify? Students will learn about ancient symbols and ornamental and Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/8630-2/
“If you are elected to the nation’s highest office, what are you actually expected to do? Spend a day at the White House with John Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/8627-2/
What are the Roles of the Citizen in American Democracy? Students use primary source material from the 1960 debates between John F. Kennedy and Richard Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/60-second-presidents/
Support materials (student handout and background reading) are included with each 1-minute presidential biography video.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/lets-vote-everyday-learning/
In this 2 minute video, students (PreK-1), taste three different apples, vote for their favorite, and tally the results.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/governors-power-and-authority/
“Governors, all of whom are popularly elected, serve as the chief executive officers of the fifty states and five commonwealths and territories.” Learn more with Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/activity-guides-grades-9-12-learn-at-home-nyc/
Worksheets with activities for distance learning - these materials are designed to provide supplementary learning resources; they do not replace learning at school. 9th Grade Lesson – Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/activity-guides-grades-6-8-learn-at-home-nyc/
Worksheets with activities for distance learning - these materials are designed to provide supplementary learning resources; they do not replace learning at school. Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/activity-guides-grades-k-5-learn-at-home/
Worksheets with activities for distance learning - these materials are designed to provide supplementary learning resources; they do not replace learning at school. Kindergarten Lesson - Civics Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/icivics-we-the-jury-game/
In We The Jury, students will: Choose from different civil cases Analyze evidence Weigh testimony Use the right arguments to reach a fair and impartial verdict Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/icivics-race-to-ratify-game-and-extension-pack/
Race to Ratify drops your students into 1787, where the ink is still drying on the new Constitution. Will it become the law of the land Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/icivics-newsfeed-defenders-game/
NewsFeed Defenders is a challenging game designed to sharpen students’ news literacy skills. Objectives – Identify markers of verification, transparency, accountability, and independence in news stories. Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/icivics-crisis-of-nations-game/
In Crisis of Nations, students take the helm of their own country and work together with others to solve international problems. Students: Determine the appropriate course Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/icivics-branches-of-power-game/
Do your students like running things? Branches of Power allows them to do something that no one else can: control all three branches of government! They’ll have the power Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/dialogue-on-the-courts/
American Bar Association Explore the role of the courts in our constitutional democracy. “Part 1 introduces the judiciary as the third branch of American government, Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/8455-2/
American Bar Association “The Dialogue offers numerous perspectives on the topic of youth and justice, giving you different options for different audiences or classrooms. Parts Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/8450-2/
American Bar Association “The Dialogue offers numerous perspectives on the rule of law, giving you different options for different audiences or classrooms. Part I offers Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/political-gerrymandering-explained/
What is political gerrymandering? Infographic with text. Also see: Rucho v. Common Cause and Lamone v. Benison (https://www.subscriptlaw.com/blog/rucho-v-commo-cause-and-lamone-v-benisek)
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/levels-of-scrutiny/
How courts determine if the government is violating the Constitution - infographic with text. tags: Equal Protection Clause, 14th Amendment
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/infographic-coverage-of-the-supreme-court/
These one-page graphics with minimal text, introduce complex legal concepts in an accessible way. Coverage goes back to the Supreme Court’s 2017-2018 term.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-year-of-the-woman-a-history-of-women-in-congress/
From BackStory With The American History Guys When the 116th Congress was sworn in, a historic number of women took office. In 2019, 131 women serve Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/digital-dilemma-your-iot-device-may-be-testifying-against-you/
This podcast (33:32) explores the scope of the Internet of Things (IoT) and gives an understanding of the privacy, security, and legal issues associated with Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/gag/
Make No Law: The First Amendment Podcast How far can judges go to restrict the dissemination of case information? This episode outlines the constitutionality of Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/is-the-u-s-bail-system-fair/
From KQED This series investigates controversial current issues to help young viewers draw their own informed conclusions. What is bail? How does the U.S. bail system work? What Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/is-the-electoral-college-killing-democracy/
From KQED This series investigates controversial current issues to help young viewers draw their own informed conclusions. What is the electoral college? Why does the United States Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/is-facial-recognition-invading-your-privacy/
From KQED/ By Derek Lartaud This series investigates controversial current issues to help young viewers draw their own informed conclusions. What is facial recognition? How are Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/elm-elibrary-minnesota/
ELM is available to Minnesota residents and gives access to magazine, journal, newspaper and encyclopedia articles, media, including images, videos, and audio files, and other information Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/direct-election-of-senators-it-wasnt-always-that-way-the-17th-amendment-turns-100/
Insights on Law & Society 13.1, Fall 2012 Read about how before the 17th Amendment was ratified in 1913, providing for the direct election of U.S. Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/teaching-the-constitution-with-political-cartoons/
This recording (39:50), designed for middle school and high school educators, is a condensed version of a webinar during which participants practiced techniques for helping students Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/how-classroom-political-discussions-controversies-too-prepare-students-for-needed-civic-participation/
By Holly Korbey This excerpt highlights research that supports well-planned, controversial political discussions in the classroom, as well as civic engagement skills and civil discourse. Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/cartoon-carousel-the-nations-cartoonists-on-the-week-in-politics/
“Every week political cartoonists throughout the country and across the political spectrum apply their ink-stained skills to capture the foibles, memes, hypocrisies and other head-slapping Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/cartoons-for-the-classroom-2/
Look through this editorial cartoon lesson library to download lessons and a two-page Cartoon Evaluation Worksheet for students: https://nieonline.com/sfchronicle/cftc.cfm?cftcfeature=archive current/ historical/ primary source
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/teaching-with-primary-sources-videos-for-teachers/
Presenter: Jessica Ellison 15 minute professional development videos - Teaching with Census Records Using Primary Sources: Newspapers Using Primary Sources: Photographs Using Primary Sources: Objects Using Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-first-five-podcast-context-please/
Researcher Emily Thorson, author of Contextual Fact-Checking: A New Approach to Correcting Misperceptions and Maintaining Trust, speaks about Americans’ misperceptions about public policy issues and how lack Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-first-five-podcast-call-it-what-you-want/
Is requiring someone to have a license to call themselves a certain type of professional–like a psychologist–a violation of freedom of speech? Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/womens-suffrage-in-sheet-music-collection/
“Women’s Suffrage in Sheet Music includes over 200 pieces of sheet music spanning the years 1838-1923, over half of which highlight women’s emerging voices and suffrage Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/extending-suffrage-to-women-2/
Students must analyze and chronologically sort eleven different documents arguing both for and against women’s suffrage.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/teachers-guides-and-analysis-tool/
Teacher’s Guides for analyzing various types of primary sources, as well as an Analysis Tool for students.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/suffering-through-suffrage-arguing-womens-right-to-vote/
From The Florida Joint Center for Citizenship Primary Source Document: Memorial of Alice Wadsworth of the National Association Opposed to Woman Suffrage, 12/11/1917 Why do the Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-informed-citizen-blog/
The Informed Citizen is the New Jersey State Bar Foundation’s civics blog for Grades 5 through High School. This blog explains civics- related topics in Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/beyond-the-bill-of-rights-explaining-constitutional-amendments-11-through-27/
This newsletter from the New Jersey State Bar Foundation contains 10 articles on Constitutional Amendments 11-27. Writing/ Discussion questions and glossary are included.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/history-of-impeachment-from-andrew-johnson-to-today/
Understanding the Constitution’s Impeachment Clause – Join two of America’s leading scholars on the impeachment of President Andrew Johnson to listen to the history of Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/consource-the-united-states-constitution-for-kids/
Explore the history of the Constitution, particular Constitutional sections, themes and topics through primary source documents. You will find the text of the U.S. Constitution, Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-constitution-in-action-who-shapes-foreign-policy/
“This simulation places students in the Early Republic and asks them to engage with a fundamental question of Constitutional interpretation faced at that time: Who Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/teaching-with-the-news-oral-history-and-september-11/
From: The Choices Program This lesson helps students explore the human dimension of the September 11 attacks by conducting an interview. Students also consider the Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/how-to-become-the-us-president-a-step-by-step-guide/
Meet Eligibility Guidelines Set by the US Constitution Test the Water: Pre-Candidacy Process Declare Candidacy & File Applications with Federal Election Commission Fundraise and Campaign Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/procon-org-2020-presidential-election-site/
Researched non-partisan pro-con presentations of where US presidential candidates stand on issues.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/mr-madison-needs-some-help/
From the Constitutional Rights Foundation Why was the Constitution necessary? In this free unit from CRF’s Adventures in Law and History, students explore the meaning of Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/captain-kirk-preamble/
Star Trek’s Captain Kirk, reads the preamble from the US constitution.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/constitution-day-scavenger-hunt-with-60-second-civics-the-framers-of-the-constitution/
From the Center for Civic Education In this lesson students will familiarize themselves with the delegates to the Constitutional Convention (Philadelphia, 1787) by listening to a series Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/primary-source-analysis-worksheets-elementary/
Artifact Artwork Document Film Map Newspaper Article Oral History Picture/ Photograph (Image) Political Cartoon Poster tag: distance learning
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-first-five-podcast-access-denied/
Journalists are supposed to serve as “watchdogs” on the government – supplying the people with information about what government is doing so that the people Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-first-five-podcast-treading-on-sacred-ground/
Does the freedom of religion protect sites that are sacred to Native Americans? Nicole Ducheneaux, lead attorney for the Cheyenne River Sioux tribe in the Dakota Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-first-five-podcast-the-first-amendment-and-symbolic-speech/
Kneeling during the national anthem, burning the American flag, burning draft cards, hanging effigies of political leaders — these are all examples of symbolic speech, Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/8245-2/
From the Esri GeoInquiries collection for Government Examine factors affecting voting and registration in presidential and midterm elections. How does the percent voting vary by Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/this-land-is-your-land/
From the Esri GeoInquiries collection for Government Examine the lands that have special designations, or that the U.S. government has set aside for its citizens. Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/wheres-the-money/
From the Esri GeoInquiries collection for Government Students will compare the distribution of campaign funds at state and district levels, and examine sources of campaign Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/8238-2/
From the Esri GeoInquiries collection for Government Students will explore the distribution of federal court districts, and will identify how the court system affects individuals. Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/power-to-the-people/
From the Esri GeoInquiries collection for Government Students will be able to explain the purpose and use of the recall to hold state and local Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/what-is-a-gerrymander/
From the Esri GeoInquiries collection for Government Students will analyze the connection between congressional districts and population, and assess the fairness of the congressional districts Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/allsides/
Allsides is a media technology company that exposes people to information and ideas from all sides of the political spectrum. They display, side-by-side, the day’s top news Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/street-law-teaching-strategies/
From Street Law Four short “how-to” videos to help law students, lawyers, and educators master some of Street Law’s popular interactive teaching strategies - Take a Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/60-second-civics/
Produced by the Center for Civic Education 60-Second Civics is a daily podcast that explores themes related to civics and government, the constitutional issues behind the Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-72-the-2nd-amendment/
Jeffrey Rosen, CEO and President of the National Constitution Center, is the guest on this episode about the Second Amendment. “For ages, the right to bear arms Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-76-native-american-reservations/
“On this episode: What is a Native American reservation? What is a pueblo? What does it mean to be a sovereign nation? What is the Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/naep-questions-tool/
From: National Center for Education Statistics Each time the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) releases the results of a subject-level assessment, a portion of the Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/teaching-about-controversial-issues-a-resource-guide/
From: The Choices Program “This resource guide aims to provide teachers with resources and pedagogical tools so they can feel more prepared to address controversial Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/myanmar-and-the-rohingya/
From: The Choices Program Students will: Learn more about the Rohingya people of Myanmar and the current conflict. Read and analyze personal accounts from numerous Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/seeking-asylum-in-the-united-states/
From: The Choices Program Students will: Practice image analysis skills. Understand the process for applying for asylum in the United States. Review a timeline of Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/an-interactive-timeline-u-s-immigration-policy-past-and-present/
From: The Choices Program Students access an interactive timeline with videos and images to: Review a timeline of U.S. immigration policy and laws from European Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/analyzing-historical-sources-images/
From: The Choices Program Suzanne Enzerink, American Studies scholar with Brown University, discusses how to analyze images as historical sources. As an example, she uses Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/27-the-most-perfect-album/
Produced by WNYC Studios. In partnership with musicians such as Dolly Parton, Kevin Morby, Devendra Banhart, Aisha Burns, and more, More Perfect created songs inspired by the Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/social-media-c3-teachers/
From C3 Teachers: College Career & Civic Life This inquiry leads students through an investigation of rights and responsibilities involved when posting to social media. Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/symbols-c3-teachers/
From C3 Teachers: College Career & Civic Life Compelling Question: “What symbol best represents the United States?” Students investigate what each American symbol represents, how we Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-founding-documents-declaration-of-independence/
Civics 101 is the podcast refresher course on the basics of how the U.S. government works. Each episode explores topics through interviews with experts and teachers. The Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-founding-documents-articles-of-confederation/
Civics 101 is the podcast refresher course on the basics of how the U.S. government works. Each episode explores topics through interviews with experts and teachers. The Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-founding-documents-the-constitution/
Civics 101 is the podcast refresher course on the basics of how the U.S. government works. Each episode explores topics through interviews with experts and teachers. The Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-founding-documents-the-federalist-and-anti-federalist-papers/
Civics 101 is the podcast refresher course on the basics of how the U.S. government works. Each episode explores topics through interviews with experts and teachers. The Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-founding-documents-the-bill-of-rights/
Civics 101 is the podcast refresher course on the basics of how the U.S. government works. Each episode explores topics through interviews with experts and teachers. The Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-life-stages-birth/
Civics 101 is the podcast refresher course on the basics of how the U.S. government works. Each episode explores topics through interviews with experts and teachers. The Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-life-stages-school/
Civics 101 is the podcast refresher course on the basics of how the U.S. government works. Each episode explores topics through interviews with experts and teachers. The Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-life-stages-marriage/
Civics 101 is the podcast refresher course on the basics of how the U.S. government works. Each episode explores topics through interviews with experts and teachers. The Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-life-stages-retirement/
Civics 101 is the podcast refresher course on the basics of how the U.S. government works. Each episode explores topics through interviews with experts and teachers. The Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-life-stages-death/
Civics 101 is the podcast refresher course on the basics of how the U.S. government works. Each episode explores topics through interviews with experts and teachers. The Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-first-five-podcast-unprotected-speech/
What are the limits to free speech? In this episode, host Lata Nott, Executive Director of the Freedom Forum Institute’s First Amendment Center, walks through all of Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/is-your-speech-protected-by-the-the-first-amendment/
When does the First Amendment protect your speech from censorship or punishment? Here is a primer of some questions to ask – Is it speech? Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/null-and-void/
Produced by WNYC Studios. “Should a juror be able to ignore the law? From a Quaker prayer meeting in the streets of London, to riots Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/match-the-slogan-with-the-presidential-candidate-game/
Match the slogan with the presidential candidate; get different quotes with each new game. Scatter game on Quizlet: https://quizlet.com/142564521/match
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-infrastructure-roads/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a basic, non-partisan, topical reintroduction to how the U.S. government works. The history of the topic, as Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/how-to-read-a-u-s-supreme-court-opinion/
Insights on Law & Society 13.1, Fall 2012 A basic guide for reading a U.S. Supreme Court opinion. See pages 10 – 11.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-door-study/
by Daniel Simons and Daniel Levin “This video shows footage from a 1998 study by Daniel Simons and Daniel Levin in which a participant fails Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/understanding-injunctions/
Insights on Law and Society, Winter 2014 What is an injunction? This overview of injunction types and requirements for their issue demystifies this oft-referenced legal document. Teaching Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/miranda-v-arizona-quimbee-video/
Does the Fifth (5th) Amendment’s protection against self-incrimination extend to the police interrogation of a suspect? A 5 minute video case brief of Miranda v. Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/wickard-v-filburn-quimbee-video/
Wickard v. Filburn (1942) was a landmark decision in which the Supreme Court interpreted Congress’s Commerce Clause authority to reach purely in-state activities using the Aggregation Doctrine. Overview video (3:28): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGZIAf_-Ckw
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/youngstown-sheet-and-tube-co-v-sawyer-primary-source-jigsaw/
“In this activity, students study five primary sources related to the 1952 U.S. Supreme Court case, Youngstown Sheet and Tube Co. v. Sawyer. The landmark Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/separate-powers-comparing-constitutions/
“In this activity, students will analyze historical readings about the system of separated powers, or checks and balances, outlined in the U.S. Constitution. They may Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/search-me-understanding-the-fourth-amendment/
by Catherine Hawke Students will examine definitions and interpretations of the Fourth (4th) Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, read about and discuss the role of the Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-69-the-federalist-papers/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a basic, non-partisan, topical reintroduction to how the U.S. government works. The history of the topic, as Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-67-the-1st-amendment-freedom-of-assembly/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a basic, non-partisan, topical reintroduction to how the U.S. government works. The history of the topic, as Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-66-the-epa/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a basic, non-partisan, topical reintroduction to how the U.S. government works. The history of the topic, as Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-63-the-cdc/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a basic, non-partisan, topical reintroduction to how the U.S. government works. The history of the topic, as Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-61-the-attorney-general/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a basic, non-partisan, topical reintroduction to how the U.S. government works. The history of the topic, as Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/tribal-government-hs/
From iCivics Tribal Structure Activity: Read the excerpts that establish the structure of government from two different tribal constitutions. Then consider the pros and cons Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/sal-teaches-grover-about-the-electoral-college/
Grover, a character from Sesame Street, helps students understand how the president of the United States is elected. Watch video (3:36): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-n_YOtUnqU
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/see-wonder-think-strategy/
Help students build analysis skills by using the See-Wonder-Think sequence: (video – 2:38) https://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/thinking-routine-getty
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-schoolhouse-gates/
Make No Law: The First Amendment Podcast The episode features the Tinker v. Des Moines case and how it has impacted freedom of speech for students on Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/disparagement-contempt-and-disrepute/
Make No Law: The First Amendment Podcast “Simon Tam named his band ‘The Slants’ as a form of self empowerment, but ran into problems when Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/on-the-job-freedom-of-speech-in-the-workplace/
Make No Law: The First Amendment Podcast Explore the Garcetti v. Ceballos case, the results of which saddle government employees with a tough decision when Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/to-what-extent-should-the-federal-government-impose-limits-on-immigration/
From C-SPAN Classroom Deliberations “This deliberation explores the range of limitations that might be applied to immigration in the United States, largely in the context Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-60-federalism/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a basic, non-partisan, topical reintroduction to how the U.S. government works. The history of the topic, as Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-59-the-census/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a basic, non-partisan, topical reintroduction to how the U.S. government works. The history of the topic, as Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-58-government-shutdown/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a basic, non-partisan, topical reintroduction to how the U.S. government works. The history of the topic, as Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-57-commander-in-chief/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a basic, non-partisan, topical reintroduction to how the U.S. government works. The history of the topic, as Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-121-the-white-house-press-secretary/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a basic, non-partisan, topical reintroduction to how the U.S. government works. The history of the topic, as Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-constitutional-podcast-finale-ourselves-and-our-posterity/
From The Washington Post What do the 27 successful amendments to the Constitution have in common? What trends have emerged among the 11,000 amendment proposals in Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/episode-6-of-the-constitutional-podcast-senate-and-states/
From The Washington Post In 1912, the U.S. Congress decided to approve a fundamental change to the Constitution by passing the Seventeenth (17th) Amendment, which Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/episode-2-of-the-constitutional-podcast-ancestry/
From The Washington Post Does an American Indian have a legal right to sue the government of the United States and ask for his freedom? Does the Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/episode-1-of-the-constitutional-podcast-framed/
From The Washington Post The Constitutional Convention – “… During a sweltering summer in Philadelphia, a group of revolutionary Americans holed themselves up in Independence Hall Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/episode-8-of-the-constitutional-podcast-fair-trials/
From The Washington Post In addition to telling the historical narrative of the landmark Supreme Court case Gideon v. Wainwright, the episode explores the challenges that have accompanied the change Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/10-supreme-court-cases-every-teen-should-know/
By Tom Jacobs, From The Learning Network “In a landmark 1967 case known as In re Gault (“in re” is Latin for “in reference to”), Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/naturalized-citizens-and-the-presidency/
Constitutional Rights Foundation - Civics On Call “Students will role play state senators from their home state. Imagine Congress has just passed a joint resolution to Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-emoluments-clause-and-the-president-civil-conversation/
Constitutional Rights Foundation - Civics On Call In preparing for a Civil Conversation activity (guide included), students read about the emoluments clause in Article 1, Section Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-102-the-fourteenth-amendment/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a basic, non-partisan, topical reintroduction to how the U.S. government works. The history of the topic, as Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-119-the-national-guard/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a basic, non-partisan, topical reintroduction to how the U.S. government works. The history of the topic, as Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-116-infrastructure-roads/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a basic, non-partisan, topical reintroduction to how the U.S. government works. The history of the topic, as Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/state-and-federal-courts-jurisdiction/
From The Federal Judicial Center This animated video (5:25) details the difference between Federal and State Courts, how Federal Courts are organized, and how Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/off-paper-episodes-4-and-5-trends-in-federal-and-state-pretrial-justice-parts-1-and-2/
Off Paper: The Criminal Justice Podcast from the FJC “The Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits the government from requiring a criminal defendant to Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/episode-3-of-the-constitutional-podcast-nationality/
From The Washington Post “What makes someone American? A landmark Supreme Court case in 1898, involving a child born in San Francisco to Chinese immigrant Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/episode-9-of-the-constitutional-podcast-fair-punishment/
From The Washington Post “There is so much feeling of racial injustice around the issue of punishment. And you have to understand that those feelings Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/you-have-the-right-to-remain-silent-a-history-of-the-miranda-warning/
From BackStory With The American History Guys “… A man named Ernesto Miranda confessed to rape and kidnapping in a Phoenix police station. His trial would Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-video-reading-supreme-court-cases/
New Hampshire Public Radio An “explainer” of how to read Supreme Court Cases, using Texas v. Johnson as an example. Go to: Civics 101 video (7:42): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wk-uMa04ovo
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-video-the-exclusionary-rule/
New Hampshire Public Radio Go to : Civics 101 video (10:36): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0W3y1flhiVw “Learn about the Supreme Court cases that defined use of illegally-obtained evidence! Also a Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-irl1-free-speech-in-schools/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a basic, non-partisan, topical reintroduction to how the U.S. government works. The Civics 101 IRL installments dive into the Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-video-john-and-mary-beth-tinker/
New Hampshire Public Radio Go to : Civics 101 video (6:47)- John and Mary Beth Tinker (Tinker v Des Moines): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeK9t8uMXTY “John and Mary Beth Tinker Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-56-the-1st-amendment-freedom-of-speech/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a basic, non-partisan, topical reintroduction to how the U.S. government works. The history of the topic, as Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-115-foreign-aid/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a basic, non-partisan, topical reintroduction to how the U.S. government works. The history of the topic, as Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-114-the-cia/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a basic, non-partisan, topical reintroduction to how the U.S. government works. The history of the topic, as Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-113-the-americans-with-disabilities-act/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a basic, non-partisan, topical reintroduction to how the U.S. government works. The history of the topic, as Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-112-the-eighth-amendment/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a basic, non-partisan, topical reintroduction to how the U.S. government works. The history of the topic, as Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-109-the-fourth-amendment-2/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a basic, non-partisan, topical reintroduction to how the U.S. government works. The history of the topic, as Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-109-the-fourth-amendment/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a basic, non-partisan, topical reintroduction to how the U.S. government works. The history of the topic, as Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-108-the-fbi/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a basic, non-partisan, topical reintroduction to how the U.S. government works. The history of the topic, as Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/chronicling-america-historic-american-newspapers/
From the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Library of Congress “Search America’s historic newspaper pages from 1789-1963 or use the U.S. Newspaper Directory Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/document-analysis-worksheets/
Social Education 67(7), pp. 417-428 © 2003 National Council for the Social Studies “Teaching students to successfully analyze primary sources begins with teaching them to Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-words-we-live-by-the-constitution-in-context/
Linda R. Monk, Social Education 67(7), pp. 381-385 © 2003 National Council for the Social Studies To help students understand the context of the Constitution’s original Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/independent-prosecutors-the-trump-russia-connection-and-the-separation-of-powers/
Steven D. Schwann, Social Education November/December 2017 “The U.S. Constitution codifies a complex system of governmental checks and balances. But for all its innovation, our founding Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/teaching-strategy-oxford-style-debate/
From United States Courts The following details modified rules for courtroom Oxford-Style debate: http://www.uscourts.gov/about-federal-courts/educational-resources/about-educational-outreach/activity-resources/oxford
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/elonis-v-u-s-artistic-expression-or-serious-threat/
Office of the U.S. Courts – Educational Resources This First Amendment activity applies the landmark Supreme Court case Elonis v. U.S. to a teen conflict Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-monkey-business-illusion/
by Daniel Simons Watch this Selective Attention task, part of Psychology research showing that people are less aware of their visual surroundings than they think. Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/episode-11-of-the-constitutional-podcast-war/
From The Washington Post This episode examines the colonial and revolutionary roots of the Second and Third Amendments. Together they were supposed to help “ensure domestic tranquility,” Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/more-perfect-the-gun-show/
Produced by WNYC Studios. A mini series. “For nearly 200 years of our nation’s history, the Second Amendment was an all-but-forgotten rule about the importance Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/episode-13-of-the-constitutional-podcast-taxes/
From The Washington Post “Congress today faces the same question it faced a century ago when creating the modern tax system: What kind of society Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/episode-15-of-the-constitutional-podcast-privacy/
From The Washington Post What is the role of new technologies that are transforming privacy? In this episode, “National Constitution Center leader Jeffrey Rosen explores the Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/episode-16-of-the-constitutional-podcast-the-first-amendment/
From The Washington Post “Between 1938 and 1946, [Jehovah's Witnesses] argued 23 cases for their rights before the Supreme Court. Their relentless litigation forced the court Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/american-panorama-an-atlas-of-united-states-history/
By Digital Scholarship Lab, University of Richmond “American Panorama is an historical atlas of the United States for the twenty-first century. It combines cutting-edge research with Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/street-law-resource-library/
Street Law has compiled hundreds of teaching activities and methods, case summaries, mock trials, and articles—many of which are free—and organized them by topic, audience, and Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-103-the-fifteenth-amendment/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a basic, non-partisan, topical reintroduction to how the U.S. government works. The history of the topic, as Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-104-voting-rights/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a basic, non-partisan, topical reintroduction to how the U.S. government works. The history of the topic, as Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-irl2-the-flag-and-the-pledge/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a basic, non-partisan, topical reintroduction to how the U.S. government works. The Civics 101 IRL installments dive into the Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-107-torture/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a basic, non-partisan, topical reintroduction to how the U.S. government works. The history of the topic, as Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/whos-gerry-and-why-is-he-so-bad-at-drawing-maps/
Produced by WNYC Studios. A mini series. “Politicians have been manipulating district lines to favor one party over another since the founding of our nation. Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/constitutional-rights-origins-and-travels/
From the National Constitution Center Writing Rights: “Which documents and ideas influenced the Founders when drafting the bill of Rights? Rights Around the World: How Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/interactive-constitution/
“In the Interactive Constitution, scholars from across the legal and philosophical spectrum interact with each other to explore the meaning of each provision of the Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/federalism-mr-raymond/
From Mr. Raymond’s Civics and Social Studies Academy This lesson teaches students about Federalism – the sharing of power between the national, state and local Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/how-do-executive-orders-work-video/
From TED-Ed The framers of the U.S. Constitution made the power of executive order available to the president. How does it work? What’s the extent of Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/whose-heritage-public-symbols-of-the-confederacy/
From Southern Poverty Law Center “Across the South, communities began taking a critical look at many other symbols honoring the Confederacy and its icons — statues and Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/history-in-dispute-charlottesville-and-confederate-monuments/
By The Choices Program How should public spaces be used to commemorate the past? Who should decide? How do governments and citizens shape historical memory? Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/icivics-do-i-have-a-right-bill-of-rights-edition-game/
In Do I Have a Right? students run their own firm of lawyers specializing in constitutional law. Students: Identify rights guaranteed by the Bill of Rights Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/icivics-argument-wars-game-and-extension-pack/
In Argument Wars, students try out their persuasive abilities by arguing a real Supreme Court case. The other lawyer plays their competition. Whoever uses the strongest Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/labor-day-all-about-the-holidays/
From PBS LearningMedia “Take your students on a look back to the Industrial Revolution and the establishment of Labor Day in 1894 to honor the Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-55-the-federal-reserve/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a basic, non-partisan, topical reintroduction to how the U.S. government works. The history of the topic, as Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-54-security-clearance/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a basic, non-partisan, topical reintroduction to how the U.S. government works. The history of the topic, as Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-52-state-of-emergency/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a basic, non-partisan, topical reintroduction to how the U.S. government works. The history of the topic, as Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-51-treason/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a basic, non-partisan, topical reintroduction to how the U.S. government works. The history of the topic, as Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-50-u-s-voting-systems/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a basic, non-partisan, topical reintroduction to how the U.S. government works. The history of the topic, as Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-49-sanctions/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a basic, non-partisan, topical reintroduction to how the U.S. government works. The history of the topic, as Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-48-who-gets-to-run-for-president/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a basic, non-partisan, topical reintroduction to how the U.S. government works. The history of the topic, as Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/deferred-action-for-childhood-arrivals-daca/
From C-Span Classroom “Former Commissioner of the U.S. Immigration & Naturalization Service, Doris Meissner discussed DACA and the possible impacts of changing the policy.” Watch Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/7512-2/
From C-Span Classroom “Marking the anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, C-SPAN Classroom has aggregated a number of resources, including oral history Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-47-federal-grand-juries/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a basic, non-partisan, topical reintroduction to how the U.S. government works. The history of the topic, as Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-federalist-debate/
From iCivics After a brief reading, students are provided with Federalist/ Anti-Federalist arguments arranged in a well-organized table (big names and supporters, Who should rule? Which plan Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/7503-2/
From iCivics Students will: • Analyze the basic principles of the U.S. Constitution. • Identify relationships among popular sovereignty, consent of the governed, limited government, Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/podcast-charlottesville-and-free-assembly/
National Constitution Center “Protests in Charlottesville, Baltimore, and Ferguson have prompted many questions about the right to protest in our country. What restrictions can governments Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/10-fascinating-facts-about-the-labor-day-holiday/
National Constitution Center The first Monday in September is celebrated nationally (U.S. A) as Labor Day. “The Labor Day holiday grew out of the late Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/procon-orgs-state-laws-state-data-on/
Many ProCon.org’s websites feature state laws and state-specific research on the issues they cover. Find links to state laws and related state resources here. Be Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/separation-of-powers-game/
From Texas Law-Related Education This game asks students to sort the powers of government into the appropriate branch that exercises that power. Students will also get Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/predicting-the-meaning-of-the-declaration-of-independence/
From Texas Law-Related Education Part One: Students read statements and decide if they think the statement is true or false. Part Two: Students read the Declaration Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-importance-of-what-is-not-said-in-the-constitution/
From Texas Law-Related Education After reviewing the organization of the U.S. Constitution, students fill out an anticipation guide. They are given statements and they need to Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/mastering-the-bill-of-rights/
From Law Focused Education, Inc To complete the study of the Bill of Rights, students play “Bill of Rights Bingo.” Pass out one of four Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/can-they-do-that/
From Law Focused Education, Inc Students will gain knowledge of two constitutional principles: Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances, as well as become familiar Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/federalism-the-role-of-government-in-my-life/
From Law Focused Education, Inc Students will… 1. Understand the role of local, state, and the federal governments in their lives. 2. Analyze which level Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/theft-a-history-of-music/
Published by The Center for the Study of the Public Domain at Duke Law School “Theft! A History of Music is a graphic novel laying Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/aba-legal-fact-check/
The American Bar Association will use case and statutory law and other legal precedents to separate legal fact from fiction. ABA Legal Fact Check: http://www.abalegalfactcheck.com/indexa.html Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/prohibition-episode-1-a-nation-of-drunkards/
“PROHIBITION is a three-part, five-and-a-half-hour documentary film series directed by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick that tells the story of the rise, rule, and fall Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/national-lampoon-a-history-of-american-satire/
From BackStory With The American History Guys Take a look at the history of political satire in America, including the 1987 Supreme Court case, Hustler Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-shifting-history-of-confederate-monuments/
Charlottesville, Virginia – a plan to remove a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee from the city’s downtown leads to violence. In this video, Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-pursuit-a-history-of-happiness/
From BackStory With The American History Guys “Here’s a line you might have heard once or twice: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/7431-2/
The National Constitution Center Event Date: November 2016 Watch video (1:46:15): “It is alleged that the practice of gerrymandering -dividing election districts into units to favor Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/lesson-plan-redistricting-and-gerrymandering/
From KQED/ By Rachel Roberson How do redistricting and gerrymandering work? Does gerrymandering silence voters? Who should decide how legislative districts are drawn? Students watch Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/presidential-baseball/
Building Presidential knowledge through America’s favorite pastime. “Presidential Baseball is a multiple choice quiz in which one or more players test their knowledge to identify Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-46-ambassadors/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a basic, non-partisan, topical reintroduction to how the U.S. government works. The history of the topic, as Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-45-speaker-of-the-house/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a basic, non-partisan, topical reintroduction to how the U.S. government works. The history of the topic, as Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-44-intelligence-agencies/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a basic, non-partisan, topical reintroduction to how the U.S. government works. The history of the topic, as Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/american-government-document-based-questions/
From Copy/ Paste Gr. 5 Government – Document Based and Constructed Response Questions For Elementary Students (DBQ CRQ Directions: Write an introductory paragraph. Use specific details Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-43-presidential-pardons/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a basic, non-partisan, topical reintroduction to how the U.S. government works. The history of the topic, as Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/free-speech-on-campus-trigger-warnings-safe-spaces-and-controversial-speech-at-u-s-colleges/
Constitutional Rights Foundation “Public colleges and universities are government institutions and must abide by the First Amendment in protecting free speech. But what if college Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/understanding-fake-news/
Constitutional Rights Foundation “In this lesson, students learn about the phenomenon of “fake news,” how it spreads quickly on the Internet, and how to recognize Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/fake-news-how-a-partying-macedonian-teen-earns-thousands-publishing-lies/
From NBC News via YouTube – An 18-year-old, who lives in the small Eastern European town of Veles, says he made at least $60,000 in Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/distinguish-fact-from-opinion/
This site has 50 ideas to help teachers bring current events into the classroom. Idea #43: News vs.opinion: what’s the difference? Use this skills practice lesson to Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/reliability-of-sources/
From The Learning Network’s “50 Ways to Teach With Current Events” by Michael Gonchar This site has 50 ideas to help teachers bring current events into the classroom. Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/scicheck/
FactCheck.org’s SciCheck feature focuses exclusively on false and misleading scientific claims that are made by partisans to influence public policy. Go to: http://www.factcheck.org/scicheck/ tags: fake news, Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/virology-report-online-rumor-breakdown/
From The News Literacy Project A guide to help students fact-check rumorous claims. Go to: http://thenewsliteracyproject.org/sites/default/files/Viral-GO-071415.pdf tag: fake news
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/ten-questions-for-fake-news-detection/
From The News Literacy Project Use these questions to assess the likelihood that a piece of information is fake news. Go to: http://www.thenewsliteracyproject.org/sites/default/files/GO-TenQuestionsForFakeNewsFINAL.pdf
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/believe-it-or-not-putting-the-consumers-questions-to-work/
From NewseumED In this activity, students apply the “consumer’s questions” to a chosen research topic in order to improve their media literacy skills. Go to: https://newseumed.org/activity/believe-it-or-not-putting-the-consumers-questions-to-work/ This Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/media-ethics-scenarios/
From NewseumED “This activity helps students apply journalism standards of accuracy, fairness and clarity in deciding how to report the news.”
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/news-literacy-mini-lesson-a-monetization/
From iCivics “In this mini-lesson, give your students a reality check about the news industry by helping them understand that news is a business. Students Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/news-literacy-mini-lesson-b-satire/
From iCivics “Don’t let your students be fooled into believing satire is real news. Satirical news stories, like political cartoons, are meant to poke fun—not Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/propaganda-whats-the-message/
From iCivics OVERVIEW Examine the seven forms of propaganda found in advertising and politics. Discover the persuasive methods behind the messaging we see every day Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-role-of-media/
From iCivics OVERVIEW What is the media? What does it do? Students examine the types and roles of the media by taking on the role Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/icivics-cast-your-vote-game/
Election Day is coming! In Cast Your Vote, students will discover what it takes to become an informed voter — from knowing where they stand on Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/icivics-win-the-white-house-game-and-extension-pack/
Objectives – Explain the electoral process (primary and general elections, Electoral College) Identify the influence of the media in forming public opion Analyze how parts Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/freedom-of-the-press-new-york-times-v-united-states/
From Annenberg Classroom This documentary examines the First Amendment’s protection of a free press as well as the historic origins of this right and the Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-42-u-s-territories/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a non-partisan, topical “refresher course on how American democracy was designed and how it is practiced in Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/assignment-media-literacy-high-school-unit-5-the-language-of-politics/
From the Media Education Lab Analyze policial communication strategies and evaluate the impact of mass media on the political campaign process. 5.1 – Distortion Tactics Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/hate-speech-campus-speech-codes/
By David L. Hudson Jr., Freedom Forum Institute This article looks at some of the speech codes implemented by public colleges and universities in order to combat discrimination, Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/freedom-of-information-overview/
By David C. Vladeck, Freedom Forum Institute This reading is divided into two parts – an overview of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and how it Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/how-to-separate-fact-and-fiction-online/
TED Talk by Markham Nolan “By the end of this talk, there will be 864 more hours of video on YouTube and 2.5 million more photos Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/habeas-corpus-the-guantanamo-cases/
From Annenberg Classroom “One of our oldest human rights, habeas corpus safeguards individual freedom by preventing unlawful or arbitrary imprisonment. This documentary examines habeas corpus Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/photographic-dictionary/
The Photographic dictionary is designed to appeal to a wide audience – children and people who speak English as a second language, in particular. Browse Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-key-to-keywords/
Which keywords will give you the best search results? Students will be able to … -experiment with different keyword searches and compare their results. -refine Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/strategic-searching/
“Students learn that to conduct effective and efficient online searches, they must use a variety of searching strategies rather than relying on a single source. Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/identifying-high-quality-sites-6-8/
Students explore the idea that anyone can publish on the Internet, so not all sites are equally trustworthy. Students will: understand how the ease of publishing Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/reading-like-a-historian-historical-thinking-chart/
“This chart elaborates on the historical reading skills of sourcing, corroboration, contextualization, and close reading. In addition to questions that relate to each skill, the Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/reading-like-a-historian-evaluating-sources/
“In this activity, students sharpen their ability to source documents and learn to think critically about what sources provide the best evidence to answer historical Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-first-five-podcast-the-band-who-must-not-be-named/
Does a law that prohibits trademarking an offensive or racist name violate freedom of speech? “When Simon Tam formed the world’s first all-Asian-American dance rock band, he Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/quiz-how-good-are-you-at-detecting-bias-with-lesson-plan/
This lesson plan features an interactive quiz: Do You Recognize These Types of Biases? as well as a video (5:20): Why Do Our Brains Love Fake Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/anticipation-guide/
“An anticipation guide is a comprehension strategy that is used before reading to activate students’ prior knowledge and build curiosity about a new topic. Before reading, students Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/not-all-scientific-studies-are-created-equal/
“Every day, we are bombarded by attention grabbing headlines that promise miracle cures to all of our ailments — often backed up by a Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/freedom-of-information-foi-curriculum-and-classroom-ideas-for-instructors/
Sone ideas for teaching FOI in the college or high school classroom (Record requests, Organized FOI audits, I seek dead people, Secret justice, Dream House, Bleachers Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/stake/
“@Stake is a multiplayer role-playing game that builds empathy and creativity for small group deliberation… players are provided a deeper understanding of community needs by Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/icivics-the-role-of-media/
What is the media? What does it do? Students examine the types and roles of the media by taking on the role of newsmaker and Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-41-obstruction-of-justice/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a non-partisan, topical “refresher course on how American democracy was designed and how it is practiced in Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-40-church-state/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a non-partisan, topical “refresher course on how American democracy was designed and how it is practiced in Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-39-lobbying/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a non-partisan, topical “refresher course on how American democracy was designed and how it is practiced in Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-38-the-25th-amendment/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a non-partisan, topical “refresher course on how American democracy was designed and how it is practiced in Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-37-autocracies-oligarchies-democracies-oh-my/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a non-partisan, topical “refresher course on how American democracy was designed and how it is practiced in Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/7218-2/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a non-partisan, topical “refresher course on how American democracy was designed and how it is practiced in Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-34-separation-of-powers/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a non-partisan, topical “refresher course on how American democracy was designed and how it is practiced in Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/educating-about-immigration/
“Educating About Immigration helps teachers and students address issues of immigration productively and critically. It is a one-stop informational and interactive clearinghouse on topics of U.S. Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/image-detective-women-and-suffrage/
Pose a question, gather clues, get background information, draw a conclusion using primary source documents with this online media literacy activity. Go to: http://cct2.edc.org/PMA/image_detective/main/index.html?women
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/constitute/
Constitute is a powerful research tool. Read, search, and compare the world’s constitutions. Go to: https://www.constituteproject.org tag: interactive constitution
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/factitious/
By The American University Game Lab and JoLT This game was designed to “playfully show how to detect fake news.” The player is shown an Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/photo-ethics-todays-front-pages-photographs/
From NewseumED “This case study explores a photojournalist’s ethical duty to be fair, accurate and clear, specifically in regard to manipulating photographs.” Divide students into small groups. Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/believe-it-or-not-when-the-news-media-make-mistakes/
From NewseumED “Freedom of press doesn’t promise perfection. By exploring corrections, students learn why the news media make mistakes and what happens.” Option to focus on Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/todays-front-pages-archives-wednesday-september-12-2001/
From the Newseum “Through a special agreement with more than 2,000 newspapers worldwide, the Newseum displays these front pages each day on its website. The Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-press-and-the-presidency-heres-what-we-think-editorials-and-opinion-articles/
From NewseumED “In this activity, students learn the purpose of editorials and opinion articles and evaluate their effectiveness.” Go to: https://newseumed.org/activity/the-press-and-the-presidency-heres-what-we-think-editorials-and-opinion-articles/ tags: fake news, media literacy
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/evaluating-election-ads/
From NewseumED “In this activity, students examine some of the techniques political campaigns use in ads to persuade voters.” Go to: https://newseumed.org/activity/evaluating-election-ads/ tag: media literacy
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-fundamentals-of-news/
From NewseumED This video (4:06 min.) defines essential terms that will help students understand the media. Worksheet provided. tags: fake news, media literacy
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-media-literacy-maven/
“NewseumED’s Media Literacy Maven is your resource for teaching the importance of being critical news consumers. Periodically, she takes viewers through her favorite media literacy Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/source-can-i-trust-the-creator/
From NewseumED Students find a news story that includes information/facts from at least two different individuals. Then, they determine whether they can trust the story by investigating Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/evidence-do-the-facts-hold-up/
From NewseumED Students dig into an article to determine whether they can trust the information by verifying the evidence it presents. An easy to use worksheet Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/is-this-story-share-worthy-flowchart/
From NewseumED Students use an infographic to gauge the value of a news story and weigh what they should do with it. Go to: https://newseumed.org/activity/is-this-story-share-worthy-flowchart/ tags: fake news, Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/e-s-c-a-p-e-junk-news/
From NewseumED Students learn a handy acronym to help them remember six key concepts for evaluating information (Evidence, Source, Context, Audience, Purpose, Execution), then test the Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/u-s-v-alvarez-united-states-courts/
“This First Amendment activity is an appellate hearing on the landmark Supreme Court case U.S. v. Alvarez dealing with lies and free speech. Using this Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-14th-amendment-transforming-american-democracy/
From the American Bar Association’s Division for Public Education On pages 4-9 of the 2017 Law Day Planning Guide: Fourteenth Amendment Overview (with Questions to Consider), Fourteenth Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/fourteenth-amendment-fundamental-rights-and-same-sex-marriage/
by Evan Gerstmann “While the meaning of the Thirteenth and Fifteenth Amendments has always been reasonably clear, the courts have struggled considerably with the meaning Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/tracking-the-transformative-fourteenth-amendment/
By JoEllen Ambrose - Insights on Law & Society 17.2, Winter 2017 DURATION: One class period for speaking strategy and research; one class period for role-play Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-33-declaring-war/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a non-partisan, topical “refresher course on how American democracy was designed and how it is practiced in Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-32-budget-basics/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a non-partisan, topical “refresher course on how American democracy was designed and how it is practiced in Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-30-the-national-debt-and-the-deficit/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a non-partisan, topical “refresher course on how American democracy was designed and how it is practiced in Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/knowledge-seminar-jury-service-overview/
From United States Courts An overview of jury service and what to expect if called for jury duty. Video (3:33): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grnUvCNAfGA
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/court-shorts-an-impartial-federal-judiciary/
From United States Courts Federal judges answer questions regarding a fair and impartial judiciary. Video (5:15): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TywjEd6QPuk
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/legal-stuff-booklets/
Produced by the Hennepin County Bar Association, Legal Stuff, is a 48-page booklet of practical legal information about the laws that impact the daily life of Minnesota residents. The booklet Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/executive-branch-presidential-powers-structure-mr-raymond/
From Mr. Raymond’s Civics and Social Studies Academy This video teaches students the structure, functions and processes of the Executive Branch of the United States Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/c-spans-constitution-clips/
“C-SPAN’s Constitution Clips makes the U.S. Constitution come alive by providing teachers and students with video clips from C-SPAN’s Video Library of the Constitution in Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/hearing-questions-we-the-people-the-citizen-and-the-constitution/
From the Center for Civic Education “The simulated congressional hearing questions are an excellent way for students to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/how-to-use-google-reverse-image-search-to-fact-check-images/
“Have you ever wondered about the source or history behind an image? Google image search can help provide answers.” This video demonstrates how Google’s reverse Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/how-to-spot-fake-news-video/
From FlackCheck Tips on consuming news like a fact-checker. Video (3:22): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkwWcHekMdo tags: fake news, media literacy
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-29-political-speechwriting/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a non-partisan, topical “refresher course on how American democracy was designed and how it is practiced in Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-28-congressional-caucuses/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a non-partisan, topical “refresher course on how American democracy was designed and how it is practiced in Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-27-how-a-case-gets-to-the-supreme-court/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a non-partisan, topical “refresher course on how American democracy was designed and how it is practiced in Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/more-perfect-cruel-and-unusual/
Produced by WNYC Studios. A mini series. In context of the death penalty as punishment, explore three little words embedded in the Eighth 8th Amendment Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/more-perfect-presents-adoptive-couple-v-baby-girl/
Produced by WNYC Studios. A mini series. “This is the story of a three-year-old girl and the highest court in the land. The Supreme Court Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/first-amendment-freedoms-and-fourteenth-amendment-due-process-equal-protection-mr-raymonds-civics-and-social-studies-academy/
From Mr. Raymond’s Civics and Social Studies Academy In this video, students will learn about the five basic freedoms of the First Amendment – freedom Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/us-supreme-court-landmark-cases-mr-raymonds-civics-and-social-studies-academy/
From Mr. Raymond’s Civics and Social Studies Academy “This lesson teaches students about the landmark US Supreme Court Cases: Marbury v. Madison, Plessy v. Ferguson, Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/usafacts/
USAFacts: a non-partisan, not-for-profit civic initiative that uses publicly available government data sources to create a portrait of the American population, government finances, and government’s Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-story-of-earth-day-everythings-gone-green/
National Constitution Center Explore the history of the environmental movement in the United States and the origins of Earth Day. Video (27:02): https://constitutioncenter.org/learn/hall-pass/the-story-of-earth-day
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/american-governance/
Shared by Gale – Cengage Learning for the Center for Civic Education A special series of articles explores key concepts behind each of the six Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/correlated-primary-source-documents-for-we-the-people-textbook-middle-school-and-high-school/
From the Center for Civic Education and ConSource Looking for a quick and easy way to read the primary sources mentioned in the We the Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-26-the-cabinet/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a non-partisan, topical “refresher course on how American democracy was designed and how it is practiced in Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-25-term-limits/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a non-partisan, topical “refresher course on how American democracy was designed and how it is practiced in Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-24-the-irs/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a non-partisan, topical “refresher course on how American democracy was designed and how it is practiced in Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-23-emoluments/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a non-partisan, topical “refresher course on how American democracy was designed and how it is practiced in Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-22-congressional-investigations/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a non-partisan, topical “refresher course on how American democracy was designed and how it is practiced in Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/everything-you-need-to-know-about-omnibus-bills-and-why-theyre-so-popular-at-the-minnesota-legislature/
By Briana Bierschbach, MinnPost What, exactly, is an omnibus bill? How does Minnesota handle omnibus bills? Other states? Terms explained: Omnibus, Christmas Tree Bills or Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-20-the-electoral-college/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a non-partisan, topical “refresher course on how American democracy was designed and how it is practiced in Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-19-senate-rules/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a non-partisan, topical “refresher course on how American democracy was designed and how it is practiced in Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-17-veto/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a basic, non-partisan, topical reintroduction to how the U.S. government works. The history of the topic, as Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-16-gerrymandering/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a basic, non-partisan, topical reintroduction to how the U.S. government works. The history of the topic, as Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-15-department-of-state-and-department-of-defense/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a non-partisan, topical “refresher course on how American democracy was designed and how it is practiced in Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/deliberation-sanctuary-cities/
From Street Law Should cities or counties be able to declare themselves “sanctuaries” and refuse to cooperate with Immigrations and Customs Enforcement detainer requests? Current Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/2017-supreme-court-nomination-advising-senators-activity/
From Street Law Are you teaching about President Trump’s nomination of Neil Gorsuch to the U.S. Supreme Court? Street Law has new resources for teaching Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/federal-vs-state-laws-video/
Produced by the Robert H. Smith Center for the Constitution at James Madison’s Montpelier Learn about the Supremecy Clause of the US Constitution in this Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-house-rules-committee-video/
Produced by the Robert H. Smith Center for the Constitution at James Madison’s Montpelier This short video covers the role of the House Rules Committee Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-13-filibuster/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a non-partisan, topical “refresher course on how American democracy was designed and how it is practiced in Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-12-the-nuclear-codes/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a non-partisan, topical “refresher course on how American democracy was designed and how it is practiced in Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-11-the-state-of-the-union/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a non-partisan, topical “refresher course on how American democracy was designed and how it is practiced in Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/america-under-the-articles-of-confederation-video/
Produced by the Robert H. Smith Center for the Constitution at James Madison’s Montpelier What were some problems under the Articles of Confederation? Video (6:26): Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/constitutional-bingo-by-the-number/
From Law Focused Education, Inc Students review their understanding of the Constitution of the United States by playing a Bingo game in which every answer Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/looping-through-the-constitution/
From Law Focused Education, Inc Students will review key facts about the ideas and key people involved in the writing of the U.S. Constitution by Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/legislative-process-videos/
The Congress.gov Legislative Process Videos site provides a series of short videos on the legislative process. A transcript is included with each video. 1. Overview Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/bell-ringer-13th-14th-and-15th-amendments/
From C-Span Classroom Students will be able to explain the relationship among the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments. Bell ringer video (4:32): https://www.c-span.org/classroom/document/?1323 Username: students Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-1-chief-of-staff/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a non-partisan, topical “refresher course on how American democracy was designed and how it is practiced in Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-2-white-house-press-corps/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a non-partisan, topical “refresher course on how American democracy was designed and how it is practiced in Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-3-understanding-the-public-comment-period/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a non-partisan, topical “refresher course on how American democracy was designed and how it is practiced in Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-4-how-to-amend-the-constitution/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a non-partisan, topical “refresher course on how American democracy was designed and how it is practiced in Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-10-impeachment/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a non-partisan, topical “refresher course on how American democracy was designed and how it is practiced in Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-9-overturning-a-supreme-court-ruling/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a non-partisan, topical “refresher course on how American democracy was designed and how it is practiced in Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-5-calling-your-congressperson/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a basic, non-partisan, topical reintroduction to how the U.S. government works. The history of the topic, as Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-6-the-national-security-council/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a basic, non-partisan, topical reintroduction to how the U.S. government works. The history of the topic, as Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/researching-a-supreme-court-justice-how-they-work/
From C-Span Classroom “How does the Supreme Court decide what cases to hear and what is the process they go through in hearing a case? Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/lesson-plan-2016-2017-supreme-court-oral-arguments/
From C-Span Classroom As a class, students watch a brief video (7:42) of Supreme Court Justices explaining the process and importance of oral arguments during Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/lesson-plan-media-confidential-sources-and-shield-laws/
From C-Span Classroom In this lesson, students work in small groups. They consider why confidential sources are important to journalists and analyze a series of Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/1st-amendment-and-classified-leaks/
From C-Span Classroom What is the balance between security and transparency? Students work in small groups to analyze video clips portraying different sides of the Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-7-executive-orders/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a basic, non-partisan, topical reintroduction to how the U.S. government works. The history of the topic, as Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civics-101-episode-8-federal-courts/
Each podcast episode of Civics 101 gives listeners a basic, non-partisan, topical reintroduction to how the U.S. government works. The history of the topic, as Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/icivics-power-play-game/
In Power Play, students coach a team of players to develop arguments that, if persuasive, will pull power statues toward a side: state or federal government. Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/icivics-peoples-pie-game/
In People’s Pie, students will learn to control the budget of the federal government. They will choose how federal revenues should be raised and how taxpayers’ Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/6863-2/
From iCivics Lesson Objectives: The student will… • Explain the origin of states’ power as pre- existing the Constitution. • Define and distinguish reserved, expressed, Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/state-legislatures-hs/
From iCivics “Students are introduced to the basic structure and function of state legislatures, as well as the variety in those structures. They will also Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/constitution-class-video-sixth-amendment/
From Annenberg Classroom Topics: What is the purpose of the Sixth Amendment? What rights are guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment? This video is “…part of Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/constitution-usa-episode-iv-built-to-last-we-the-people/
Part IV of a four-part series hosted by Peter Sagal. Viewers are introduced to some of today’s major constitutional debates. For “each contemporary story, Sagal Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/a-quick-guide-to-libel-law/
What is libel law? How does it work? Are newspapers “totally protected” from lawsuits? Can libel laws be “opened up”? Is freedom of the press Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/free-expression-on-social-media/
“The First Amendment protects individuals from government censorship. Social media platforms are private companies, and can censor what people post on their websites as they Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/leaks-and-the-media/
by Lata Nott, Executive Director, First Amendment Center This primer’s interactive graphics and visual aids addresses the questions: What is a leak? Is leaking illegal? Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/high-crimes-and-misdemeanors/
Constitutional Rights Foundation The grounds for most impeachments is the phrase “High Crimes and Misdemeanors” in the U.S. Constitution. Students complete a reading that examines Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/animated-atlas-growth-of-a-nation/
By Peter Mays This 1o minute presentation illustrates the growth of the United States from the original 13 states in 1789. tag: map
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/america-101-videos-donkey-for-democrats-elephant-for-republicans/
From History.com David Eisenbach explains the origin of the donkey as a symbol of the Democratic party and how the Republican party and the symbol of Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/mission-citizen-student-resources/
From Mission: Citizen These materials are part of a series of free, eight week classes (in Portland, Oregon) designed to provide a basis in American history, citizenship Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/cartoons-for-the-classroom/
Browse current/ historical editorial cartoons here: https://www.editorialcartoonists.com/editorial-cartoon-galleries/.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/sanctuary-cities-in-the-spotlight/
From TeachableMoment “What are sanctuary cities, and why are they girding for conflict in the wake of Trump’s election? This lesson consists of two student Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/due-process-of-law-crash-course-government-and-politics-28/
From CrashCourse Topic: Due Process of Law – 5th and 6th amendments and how they ensure a fair trial; Gideon v. Wainwright and Miranda v. Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/constitution-class-video-equal-protectionwhat-is-discrimination/
From Annenberg Classroom Topics: What is the purpose of the equal protection clause? What did Plessy v. Ferguson and Brown v. Board of Education say? Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/constitution-class-video-article-ii-executive-branch/
From Annenberg Classroom Topics: What does the president do? How has presidential power expanded? This video is “…part of an online course called Introduction to Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/yick-wo-and-the-equal-protection-clause/
From Annenberg Classroom “This documentary examines the case Yick Wo v. Hopkins (1886) in which the Supreme Court held that noncitizens have due process rights Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/short-take-native-americans-the-u-s-government-and-a-history-of-treaties/
From BackStory With The American History Guys “In this Short Take, Brian talks to Robert T. Anderson, a Professor of Law and Director of the Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/liam-learns-seven-principles-of-the-constitution-videos/
From Texas Law-Related Education Liam Learns is a video series designed to help teach and reinforce the seven principles of constitutionalism: Checks and Balances, Federalism, Individual Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/gideon-v-wainwright-1963-icivics/
From iCivics’ Landmark Library This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court’s decision that gave defendants in state criminal courts the right to a lawyer. Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/marbury-v-madison-1803-icivics/
From iCivics’ Landmark Library Students will: Define “judicial review” and describe its importance. Identify the main arguments put forth in the case. Describe the Supreme Court’s Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/korematsu-v-united-states-1944-icivics/
From iCivics’ Landmark Library After a brief reading, students use a word bank to complete President Reagan’s apology to Japanese Americans who were interned during World Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/gibbons-v-ogden-1824-icivics/
From iCivics’ Landmark Library Students will: Describe the Commerce Clause and the Supremacy Clause, and their effect Identify the main arguments put forth in the case. Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/texas-v-johnson-1989-icivics/
From iCivics’ Landmark Library Students will: Describe the First Amendment right to freedom of speech and the kind of speech it protects. Identify the main arguments Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/brown-v-board-of-education-1954-icivics/
From iCivics’ Landmark Library This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court’s decision that overturned “separate but equal” in public schools. Students learn about segregation Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/u-s-v-nixon-1974-icivics/
From iCivics’ Landmark Library Students will: Describe basic events surrounding the Watergate break-in. Explain the president’s privilege of confidentiality. Identify the main arguments put forth in Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/a-very-big-branch/
From iCivics Students will be able to: Explain the roles and responsibilities of executive departments and the president’s cabinet. Describe how executive departments and agencies Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/6720-2/
From iCivics After a 2-page reading, students will complete 2 pages of guided activities designed to generate discussion. Students will: explain the origin of the Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/theweekincongress-com-weekly-summary/
By theweekincongress.com This website is published weekly when the House and / or Senate is in session and doing legislative business. They provide weekly summaries Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/congressional-moments-videos/
From Indiana University Center on Representative Government “Examine key legislation throughout our country’s history that impacts our lives today. Watch videos featuring primary source images Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/civil-rights-liberties-crash-course-government-23/
From CrashCourse This video gives an overview of civil rights and civil liberties. “Often these terms are used interchangeably, but they are actually very different. Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/controlling-bureaucracies-crash-course-government-and-politics-17/
From CrashCourse How do we keep bureaucracy, expanding power within the executive branch, in check? Video (7:24): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12MCVhfo4j4&index=17&list=PL8dPuuaLjXtOfse2ncvffeelTrqvhrz8H
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/types-of-bureaucracies-crash-course-government-and-politics-16/
From CrashCourse What are some of the agencies of the executive branch and different types of bureaucracies? Find out by watching this video. Video (5:57): Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/different-voices-different-occasions/
From “Five Easy Drama Games for the Early Elementary Classroom” by ArtsEdge Help young students begin to develop speaking skills that enable them to influence Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/gerrymandering-crash-course-government-and-politics-37/
From CrashCourse This video covers the topic of Gerrymandering, the process in which voting districts are redrawn (usually in census years) in a way to Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/congressional-leadership-crash-course-government-and-politics-8/
From CrashCourse Explore the leadership structure of Congress. Examine the responsibilities of the speaker of the house, the majority and minority leaders as well as Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/congressional-committees-crash-course-government-and-politics-7/
From CrashCourse What is the role of committees in the legislative process? Learn about standing committees, joint committees, conference committees, and caucuses (not the candidate-choosing Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/congressional-elections-crash-course-government-and-politics-6/
From CrashCourse Craig Benzine talks about the importance of congressional elections – the frequency of elections in the Senate and House, typical characteristics of a Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/constitutional-compromises-crash-course-government-and-politics-5/
From CrashCourse The United State’s current system of government is it’s second attempt. This video covers some of the failures of the Articles of Confederation Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/separation-of-powers-and-checks-and-balances-crash-course-government-and-politics-3/
From CrashCourse In theory, the Legislative Branch, the Executive Branch, and the Judicial Brach are designed to keep each other in check, and to keep Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/yes-to-violent-video-games-exploring-brown-v-entertainment-merchants-assn/
By Hon. Sue Leeson – Oregon Supreme Court, retired Go to: http://www.classroomlaw.org/resources/teaching-materials/#1st and scroll down to “Media” to find a Powerpoint-like presentation about the First Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/presidential-powers-and-their-limits/
By JoEllen Ambrose – Insights on Law & Society 17.1, Fall 2016 This lesson offers several instructional strategies enabling students to examine more closely presidential Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/what-is-an-executive-order/
Teaching Legal Docs is a feature in each issue of Insights on Law & Society. It considers legal documents as primary sources and attempts to unpack them for students and teachers.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/6650-2/
Street Law, Inc.and the Supreme Court Historical Society present a full range of resources and activities to support the teaching of landmark Supreme Court cases. Case Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-question-formulation-technique-qft-for-summative-assessment-video/
From The Right Question Institute The Question Formulation Technique (QFT) is “an evidence-based strategy that allows all people to produce their own questions, improve their Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/fighting-words-a-history-of-debate-in-america/
From BackStory With The American History Guys Take a look at the history of political debate in America. Listen (59:05): http://backstoryradio.org/shows/fighting-words/
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/pulling-the-curtain-voting-in-america/
From BackStory With The American History Guys “In this episode of BackStory, the History Guys look at voting trends – from the changing mechanisms of Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/u-s-electoral-college-frequently-asked-questions/
From The National Archives and Records Administration Click the links for answers to frequently asked questions about the U.S. Electoral College. https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/electoral-college/faq.html#whyec
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/video-how-does-ranked-choice-voting-work/
Under the Minneapolis’ ranked choice voting system, also called instant runoff voting, voters choose up to three candidates and rank them — first choice, second Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/constitution-usa-episode-iii-created-equal-equality/
Part III of a four-part series hosted by Peter Sagal. Viewers are introduced to some of today’s major constitutional debates. For “each contemporary story, Sagal Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/constitution-usa-episode-ii-its-a-free-country-rights/
Part II of a four-part series hosted by Peter Sagal. Viewers are introduced to some of today’s major constitutional debates. For “each contemporary story, Sagal Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/constitution-usa-episode-1-a-more-perfect-union-federalism/
Part I or a four-part series hosted by Peter Sagal. Viewers are introduced to some of today’s major constitutional debates. For “each contemporary story, Sagal Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/politifact/
PolitiFact staffers research statements made by elected officials, candidates, leaders of political parties and political activists, and rate their accuracy on the Truth-O-Meter, from True Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/american-president-a-reference-resource/
This website includes extensive video, audio, and text of presidential speeches to help expand understanding of the presidency, public policies, and political history. http://millercenter.org/president#classroom-nav
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/all-about-redistricting/
A comprehensive guide to the process of drawing electoral lines by Justin Levitt, Professor of Law at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. http://redistricting.lls.edu/why.php
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/procon-org-2016-presidential-election-the-candidates-and-where-they-stand-on-the-issues/
Researched non-partisan pro-con presentations of where US presidential candidates stand on issues. http://2016election.procon.org
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-living-room-candidate/
The Living Room Candidate: Presidential campaign commercials from 1952-2016. http://www.livingroomcandidate.org
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/270towin-com/
270towin.com: This website educates its audience on the Electoral College system through the use of an interactive Electoral College map for 2016 and a history Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/factcheck/
FactCheck.org: A nonpartisan, nonprofit project which monitors “…the factual accuracy of what is said by major U.S. political players in the form of TV ads, Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/project-vote-smart/
Voting records, campaign finances, interest group ratings, public statements, issue positions, and biographical and contact information for every candidate and elected official from President to Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/6583-2/
Directed by David Deschamps, Leslie D. Farrell and Bennett Singer “Officially endorsed by The National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS), this closed-captioned video is Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/blue-feed-red-feed/
From The Wall Street Journal See Liberal Facebook and Conservative Facebook, Side by Side. To demonstrate how reality may differ for different Facebook users, The Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/pulse-of-the-populace/
The Georgetown ‘Pulse of the Populace’ (GU PoP) is an interactive website which allows the public and students to familiarize themselves with the top ten Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-election-of-1800-animatic/
Published June 12, 2016 by Giselle Duration: 04:03 This animated video depicts the election of 1800 using the lyrics from the Hamilton, the Musical. Students Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/election-lessons-from-classroom-law-project/
From Classroom Law Project To help you through the hype, Classroom Law Project is again offering popular election season lessons. The lessons are well-researched, non-partisan, Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/presidential-debate-analysis-current-and-historical/
From C-Span Classroom This lesson allows students to compare and contrast the current presidential debates with past presidential debates. Students will watch and evaluate Presidential Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/better-questions-better-decisions-voter-engagement/
From the Right Question Institute The BQBD Voter Engagement Workshop offers a free, simple, easy to implement, engagement nonpartisan lesson for any middle school or high school social Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/i-side-with-political-ideology-quiz/
I Side With – Political Ideology quiz. Can take shorter or longer version of quiz. Matches up beliefs with the 5 major candidates and explains Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/political-compass/
Political Compass - The Political Compass has been on the internet since 2001. It is a continually accessible profile of a political personality applicable to all democracies. Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/political-spectrum-quiz/
Political Spectrum Quiz- From GoToQuiz.com (40 questions, give results and also has maps that show leanings of people who taken the quiz by state) Discover Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/political-typology-quiz/
Pew Research Center Are you a Steadfast Conservative? A Solid Liberal? Or somewhere in between? Take this quiz to find out which Political Typology group Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/more-perfect/
From Radiolab, Produced by WNYC Studios Radio lab’s mini series, More Perfect, “…connects you to the decisions made inside the court’s hallowed halls, and explains Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/candidate-for-an-american-america-video-generic-presidential-campaign-ad-video/
From Digg Take a humorous look at how political ads work. This spoof campaign ad uses only stock footage and features a “generic” presidential candidate. Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/debate-observation-and-analysis-sheet/
From The Learning Network “The presidential debates give students a chance to see both candidates side by side, answering questions about the nation’s most serious Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/election-2016-analyzing-a-campaign-ad/
From The Learning Network Students watch two short television commercials, one representing each campaign. A sampling of commercials promoting each candidate (some were created by Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/teaching-with-how-to-win-an-election/
From The Learning Network “In this short documentary, a leading political strategist explains how candidates use the art of storytelling to help swing elections. Encourage Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/election-2016-who-are-the-candidates/
From The Learning Network Part One of a Four-Part Election Unit- Students create candidate profiles to inform voters about the competing candidates in this presidential Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/6454-2/
From Minnesota Senate Media Services Minnesota state lawmakers and committee staff offer advice to people interested in testifying before a legislative committee. Video (approximately 6 Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/understanding-legislation-how-to-read-a-bill/
From Minnesota Senate Media Services This video clip (approximately 7 minutes) contains tips for reading and understanding a bill that is before the Minnesota Legislature. Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/procon-org-critical-thinking-seminar/
By ProCon.org “OVERVIEW: The seminar revolves around a hotly debated topic, such as the pros and cons of social networking or illegal immigration. The students Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/frontline-how-voting-laws-have-changed/
From PBS LearningMedia “Examine data about the voting rights laws that most impact Americans’ access to the ballot box and how they’ve changed across the Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/gun-control-debate-after-sandy-hook-shootings/
From PBS LearningMedia “This video (4:48) adapted from FRONTLINE explores the attitudes of citizens of Newtown, Connecticut in the aftermath of the 2012 massacre at Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/daily-video-apple-cites-privacy-concerns-resists-government-access-to-iphone/
From PBS Newshour Extra Students read a brief summary about the legal battle between the makers of the iPhone and the U.S. government and consider Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/newsela/
From Newsela “Newsela publishes high-interest news articles daily at five levels of complexity for grades 2-12 using Newsela’s proprietary, rapid text-leveling process. Common Core–aligned quizzes Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/pear-deck/
From Pear Deck Pear deck is an Internet-based tool that allows teachers to efficiently understand individual students’ progress in the classroom. Teachers can create and Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/deconstructing-history-american-flag-video-george-washington/
From History.com Watch this short video to get the facts and history of the American Flag. TV-14 (2:06) Deconstructing History: American Flag Video – George Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/deconstructing-history-mount-rushmore-video-presidents-day/
From History.com Studying the executive branch or G. Washington, T. Jefferson, T. Roosevelt, A. Lincoln? Watch this brief video about Mount Rushmore in the Black Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/deconstructing-history-white-house-video-presidents-day/
From History.com “It may not have been home to the president until 1800 or even called the White House until 1901, but it remains a Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/presidential-fun-facts-video-presidentsday/
From History.com “The Oval Office has been filled with extraordinary presidents, but did you know about these not-so-famous firsts?” This brief trivia video is a Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/racial-profiling-and-criminal-justice/
By Close Up Foundation Should Congress pass legislation to end the use of racial profiling in law enforcement, except in matters pertaining to national security? Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/presidential-podcasts/
By The Washington Post “In 44 episodes leading up to Election Day 2016, this podcast explores the character and legacy of each of the American Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/analyze-the-presidents-state-of-the-union-address-using-word-clouds/
From Flocabulary “In this lesson plan, students will use the word cloud to analyze previous State of the Union speeches, make predictions about this year’s Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-american-presidency-project/
From the University of California, Santa Barbara “The American Presidency Project is the only online resource that has consolidated, coded, and organized into a single Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/teachable-instant-refugee-crisis/
From Morningside Center for Teaching Social Responsibility Students read a brief background about the surge of refugees pressing into Europe (9/2015) and then watch a Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/judicial-review-crash-course-government-and-politics-21/
From CrashCourse “Craig Benzine is going to tell you about the Supreme Court’s most important case, Marbury v. Madison, and how the court granted itself Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/structure-of-the-court-system-crash-course-government-and-politics-19/
From CrashCourse Trial courts, district courts, appeals courts, circuit courts, state supreme courts, and of course the one at the top – the U.S. Supreme Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/supreme-court-of-the-united-states-procedures-crash-course-government-and-politics-20/
From CrashCourse Join Craig Benzine to see how the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) works procedurally. Go to video (6:53): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sualy8OiKk Tags: Granting Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/presidential-power-crash-course-government-and-politics-11/
From CrashCourse “Craig looks at the expressed powers of the President of the United States – that is the ones you can find in the Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/presidential-powers-2-crash-course-government-and-politics-12/
From CrashCourse Craig Benzine explores the implied or inherent powers of the president – “how the president uses his or her power to negotiate executive Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/6219-2/
From the National Constitution Center Watch The Thirteenth Amendment to “learn about the ways the Constitutional Convention failed to address the issue of slavery, the Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/3-umbrellas-and-4th-amendment-search-protection/
Three sizes of umbrellas (golf, regular, cocktail) are used to categorize search scenarios, asking students to use search analysis questions: (1) Is there a recognized Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/principles-of-democracy-posters/
By Deliberating in a Democracy in the Americas Print out small posters of each of the 14 principles of democracy for educational use as well Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/how-courts-work-understanding-the-types-of-cases/
From The Judicial Learning Center “The activities in this lesson can be assigned to students individually or in groups. In part 1, students will be Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/supreme-court-case-studies-eeoc-v-abercrombie-fitch/
From Street Law Issue Does Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 require an employer have actual knowledge that an employee’s practice is Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/supreme-court-case-studies-williams-yulee-v-florida-bar/
From Street Law Issue Does a law that prohibits candidates for judicial office from personally asking for campaign funds violate the First Amendment? Precedents Republican Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/supreme-court-case-studies-arizona-state-legislature-v-arizona-independent-redistricting-commission/
From Street Law Issue Does the Elections Clause of the U.S. Constitution permit a state to use an independent commission established by ballot initiative to Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/supreme-court-case-studies-by-topic/
From Street Law Go to Street Law’s Supreme Court Lesson Plans & Teaching Methods page and check out the “Methods for Teaching Supreme Court Cases” Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/supreme-court-case-studies-the-same-sex-marriage-cases-obergefell-v-hodges-and-consolidated-cases/
From Street Law Issues Does the Fourteenth Amendment require a state to license same-sex marriages? Does the Fourteenth Amendment require a state to recognize a Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/supreme-court-case-studies-rodriguez-v-united-states/
From Street Law Issue Does it violate the Fourth Amendment if an officer extends an already completed traffic stop (a seizure) for a dog sniff Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/picking-cotton-eyewitness-misidentification/
From The Street Law Clinic at Georgetown University Law Center – The Innocence Project Curriculum Picking Cotton: Lives Taken/Reason for Wrongful Conviction/Eyewitness Misidentification Go to: Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/okay-fine-i-did-it-false-confessions/
From The Street Law Clinic at Georgetown University Law Center – The Innocence Project Curriculum “Okay, fine, I did it!”: Life Taken/Reason for Wrongful Conviction/False Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-morton-story-prosecutorial-misconduct/
From The Street Law Clinic at Georgetown University Law Center – The Innocence Project Curriculum The Morton story: Lives Taken/Reason for Wrongful Conviction/Prosecutorial Misconduct Go Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/oyez-oyez-oh-yay-gibbons-v-ogden/
From The State Bar of Texas Oyez, Oyez, Oh Yay! Case summaries, videos and other helpful resources for teachers and students. What is the extent Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/defending-gideon/
From: The Street Law Clinic at Georgetown University Law Center (lesson) and The Constitution Project (video) This lesson begins with several student-centered introductory activities designed Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/50-years-after-key-case-problems-defending-the-poor-persist/
From Npr.org “Half-century after Gideon v. Wainwright, many lawyers say the system for providing defense attorneys for the poor is in crisis.” Article and podcast, March Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/interest-groups-and-the-united-states-supreme-court/
From Street Law As a result of this lesson, students will be able to: define the terms: interest group, writ of certiorari, and amicus brief Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-right-to-vote-restrictions-on-voting/
From Street Law Activity: Students consider state voting laws (North Carolina, Texas, North Dakota, Ohio) that limit registration, voting times, or voter identification. They examine Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/why-crime-has-a-time-limit/
From CNN “Why do states have a time limit on when to charge against certain crimes? CNN’s Danny Cevallos explains the reasoning behind statutes of Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/voting-rights-the-march-50-episode-2/
“The Supreme Court decision in Shelby County v. Holder shook the Voting Rights Act to the core. Shukree sits down with Edward Blum, whose firm provided counsel to plaintiffs in the Shelby County case, and Sherrilyn Ifill of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, to determine the reasons behind this turning point case and what it means for the future of voting in America.”
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/from-selma-to-montgomery-an-introduction-to-the-1965-marches/
by Katie Gould, PBS NewsHour Teacher Resource Producer Introduction: Students read a one-page overview of the 1965 Selma to Montgomery Marches and watch three video Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/presidential-timeline-president-nixon-and-the-twenty-sixth-amendment/
From the National Archives’ Presidential Timeline “The Twenty-Sixth Amendment” is one of the interactive Richard Nixon Exhibits: http://www.presidentialtimeline.org/#/exhibit/37/03 It is accompanied by educational activities in Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/memorial-day-all-about-the-holidays/
From PBS LearningMedia “Learn about Memorial Day with this look back at the holiday’s history.” Go to video (1:21): Memorial Day | All About the Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/magna-carta-rule-of-law/
From PBS LearningMedia “Learn how the rule of law and due process, first guaranteed by Magna Carta in 1215, became an essential component in U.S. Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/federalism-crash-course-government-and-politics-4/
From CrashCourse “Craig Benzine teaches you about federalism, or the idea that in the United States, power is divided between the national government and the Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/bureaucracy-basics-crash-course-government-and-politics-15/
From CrashCourse In this video, Craig Benzine discuses bureaucracies. “Bureaucracies tend to be associated with unintelligible rules and time-wasting procedures, but they play an important, Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/meeting-at-runnymede-the-story-of-king-john-and-magna-carta/
Constitutional Rights Foundation After a brief, yet higher level reading about the Magna Carta, students are divided into small groups and each group is assigned Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/colonial-influences/
From iCivics “American colonists had some strong ideas about what they wanted in a government. These ideas surface in colonial documents, and eventually became a Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/john-philip-sousa-magna-charta/
From YouTube For a lively anticipatory set to your lesson on Magna Carta, listen to John Philip Sousa’s “Magna Charta” (PRESIDENT’S OWN UNITED STATES MARINE Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/magna-carta-timelines-tv-history-of-britain/
From Timelines.tv History of Britain – Rulers & Ruled: How did medieval kings share power with their barons? The story of King John reveals the Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/magna-carta-the-federalists-and-the-anti-federalists/
“The mention of Magna Carta appears in both Federalist and Anti-Federalist papers discussing ratification of the new U.S. Constitution. This exercise uses primary source excerpts Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/faces-of-king-john/
From Insights on Law & Society This image analysis activity asks students to compare and contrast depictions of King John sealing Magna Carta at Runnymede. Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/what-is-magna-carta/
From the British Library “Narrated by Monty Python’s Terry Jones, this animation takes you back to medieval England to explore the tyranny of King John, Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-constitution-board-game/
From Texas Law-Related Education Review facts about the Constitution and the Constitutional Convention using a board game. Answer options are multiple choice and the correct answer Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/federalist-anti-federalist-game/
From Texas Law-Related Education Players decide whether statements describe Federalist or Anti-Federalist positions. There is no scoring and players are directed to the correct Federalist or Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/objection-your-honor-game/
From Texas Law-Related Education Players are faced with different legal scenarios – with a case, a witness on the stand, and a question – and must Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/serve-protect-a-history-of-the-police/
From BackStory With The American History Guys What is the role of local police in their communities? In this public radio podcast (52:02), U.S. historians Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/dollars-and-sense-tax-day/
From the National Constitution Center Learn how the Constitution was amended to allow the federal government to impose an income tax, and learn where Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/america-inc-a-history-of-corporations/
From BackStory With The American History Guys The recent Citizens United and Hobby Lobby cases raised questions about “corporate personhood” and fueled debate over corporate Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/wall-of-separation-church-state-in-america/
From BackStory With The American History Guys “Are Christian Nativity scenes, Jewish Menorahs, or even atheistic symbols appropriate for display at public buildings? And what Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/tyrannophobia-the-uses-abuses-of-executive-power/
From BackStory With The American History Guys In this public radio program (1:01:07), U.S. historians Ed Ayers, Peter Onuf, and Brian Balogh “…ask how perceptions Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/censoring-the-press/
From The Learning Network’s “50 Ways to Teach With Current Events” by Michael Gonchar This site has 50 ideas to help teachers bring current events into Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/teenagers-in-the-times/
From The Learning Network Teenagers in the Times, a monthly feature from the New York Times, is a collection of recent articles, slide shows and Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/city-council-simulation-dogwood-citys-proposed-curfew-ordinance/
From The North Carolina Civic Education Consortium “In this experiential activity, students will gain an understanding of the role of city councils, the responsibilities of Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/voting-matters-to-me/
by JoEllen Ambrose, Jennifer Bloom, Alex Gray, and Filiz Yargici This 3-4 day unit will prepare students to vote by showing them why voting matters Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/teaching-strategies-for-civics-law-and-government-education/
Instructions including student handouts for the most often used engaging strategies in civics, government, and law education. Includes case study, mock trial, jigsaw, mock appellate Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/one-schools-fight-the-making-of-a-law/
“This documentary tells the story of a tiny school in Yosemite National Park that tries to solve its funding problem by getting a bill passed Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/congress-protects-the-right-to-vote-the-voting-rights-act-of-1965/
From The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration’s Center for Legislative Archives “By analyzing evidence reviewed by the House Judiciary Committee related to the Voting Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/congress-at-work-the-presidential-veto-and-congressional-veto-override-process/
From The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration’s Center for Legislative Archives “Students use a veto message and vetoed bill to make a direct connection Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/teaching-six-big-ideas-in-the-constitution/
From The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration’s Center for Legislative Archives “This lesson engages students in a study of the Constitution to learn the Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/declaration-clarification-game/
From Texas Law-Related Education Students (re-)familiarize themselves with the words of the Declaration of Independence by completing this jigsaw puzzle.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/branches-of-the-federal-government-game/
From Law Focused Education Inc. Students are given 16 statements to categorize as either Legislative, Judicial, or Executive. A correct answer results in that statement, Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/nc-civic-education-consortiums-database-of-k-12-resources/
From Carolina K-12 This is a searchable database for lesson plans/ activities. Files are available in PDF format, and one must have Adobe Reader installed to Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/animations-principles-of-the-u-s-constitution/
From Law Focused Education Inc. Short animations on the Principles of the U.S. Constitution (Checks and Balances, Federalism, Individual Rights, Limited Government, Popular Sovereignty, Republicanism, Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/wikiality/
From Annenberg Classroom By Joe Miller, Ph.D. “This lesson illustrates the potential pitfalls of Wikipedia. Drawing on two controversies – Stephen Colbert’s on-air altering of Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/annenberg-classrooms-faqs-juries-videos/
Constitutional experts, lawyers and judges discuss juries and jury service on these eleven short videos (about 3-5 minutes each). The site also includes a Sixth Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/minnesota-election-vocabulary/
At quizlet.com Use this learning tool to play around with flashcards, matching games, multiple choice tests. Minnesota Election Vocabulary: http://quizlet.com/45297243/minnesota-election-vocabulary-flash-cards/alphabetical
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/historical-documents-vocabulary-lists/
From Vocabulary.com This site offers a personalized vocabulary learning experience. “The Challenge,” an adaptive learning system, and “The Dictionary” help users efficiently learn words. Highlights Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/arson-investigation-video-burned/
Video by ABC’s 20/20 Watch: ABC’s 20/20 Arson Investigation Video “Burned” (41:33) to see the science of fire investigation. http://www.hulu.com/watch/147911 (5/7/2010; Season 32, Episode 19) Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/your-bill-of-rights-the-tenth-amendment-and-states-rights/
From TIME The final amendment in the Bill of Rights was drafted because the states were concerned about the power of a Federal government. What Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/your-bill-of-rights-the-ninth-amendment-and-your-unwritten-rights/
From TIME “When James Madison penned the Bill of Rights, some worried that by writing some things down, it meant other rights were not secured. Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/your-bill-of-rights-he-eighth-amendment-what-would-the-framers-call-cruel-punishment/
From TIME “The 8th amendment of the U.S. constitution protects against excessive bail and cruel or unusual punishments. What was considered cruel or unusual in Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/your-bill-of-rights-what-does-the-seventh-amendment-have-to-do-with-a-20-dollar-bill/
From TIME “The seventh amendment gives the right to a jury trial for any civil case over property more than $20. What could $20 buy Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/your-bill-of-rights-the-sixth-amendment-and-your-right-to-a-speedy-public-trial/
From TIME This video (04:30) from the Your Bill of Rights series gives an overview of the Sixth Amendment. http://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2080345_2080344_2080380,00.html
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/how-a-bill-really-becomes-a-law-what-schoolhouse-rock-missed-2/
By Vox “As Congressional gridlock and dysfunction worsen, Schoolhouse Rock’s “I’m Just a Bill” seems to be missing a few key steps. So [Vox] made Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/your-bill-of-rights-why-the-fifth-amendment-is-much-more-than-pleading-the-fifth/
From TIME This video (03:16) from the Your Bill of Rights series gives an overview of Fifth Amendment protections. http://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2080345_2080344_2080379,00.html
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/historic-supreme-court-decisions-by-justice/
From Cornell University’s Legal Information Institute Click on the name of a Supreme Court Justice (the list includes all the Justices who have served on Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/electing-a-us-president-in-plain-english/
From Dotsub; Directed by Lee LeFever and Produced by Common Craft, LLC A public service video (03:42) about how the electoral college works. Captions available Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/unpacking-our-national-anthem-the-star-spangled-banner/
By ArtsEdge “In this audio story, Leonard Slatkin, Music Director of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (and former Music Director of the National Symphony Orchestra), examines Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/harlan-institutes-national-labor-relations-board-v-noel-canning-corporation/
From the Harlan Institute What is the scope of the President’s recess appointment power? Learn about the 2014 Supreme Court case National Labor Relations Board Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/your-bill-of-rights-why-people-rarely-talk-about-the-third-amendment/
From TIME In this segment of the Your Bill of Rights series: The Framers insisted on the right to refuse to quarter troops in private Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/your-bill-of-rights-second-amendment-the-origins-of-the-right-to-keep-and-bear-arms/
From TIME This video (03:22) from the Your Bill of Rights series asks: Why did the framers of the U.S. constitution demand the right of Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/in-the-light-of-reverence-sacred-ground-or-federal-ground/
From PBS documentary series POV – Documentaries with a point of view Lesson Author: Joan Brodsky Schur “The subject of this lesson is a controversy Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/in-the-light-of-reverence-freedom-of-religion-a-supreme-court-simulation/
From PBS documentary series POV – Documentaries with a point of view Lesson Author: Joan Brodsky Schur This lesson plan explores the Establishment Clause and Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/your-bill-of-rights-your-fourth-amendment-right-to-privacy/
From TIME “The fourth amendment to the constitution guarantees the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures, and is often argued as protecting Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/your-bill-of-rights-why-the-first-amendment-is-foremost/
From TIME “Why did the states want to ensure the Federal government did not establish a national religion? And why were the freedoms of press, Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/federal-revenue-statistics/
The IRS maintains a “Tax Stats” page that provides an excellent overview of tax collection by category by the Federal Government. It does not include information Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/minnesota-v-federal-revenue-and-spending/
Minnesota v Federal Revenue and Spending This lesson gives you the resources to compare and contrast the budgets of the United States and Minnesota governments describing Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/tales-from-the-public-domain-bound-by-law/
Published by The Center for the Study of the Public Domain at Duke Law School This graphic novel explains copyright law.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/minnesota-revenue-and-spending/
Minnesota Revenue and Spending Resource: The Minnesota Office of Management and Budget prepares reports each year that summarize the major sources of revenue and the Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/11-excellent-reasons-not-to-vote/
From New York Times, By Errol Morris In this Op-Doc video, Academy Award-winning filmmaker Errol Morris speaks with young Americans about the merits of voting Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/minnesota-state-fire-marshals-interactive-games-for-public-education/
From the Minnesota State Fire Marshal Fire Safety Education in Quiz Show style! Winter Fire Safety Challenge Summer Safety Challenge Arson Awareness Challenge Fire Marshall Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/death-by-fire-did-texas-execute-an-innocent-man/
By PBS’ FRONTLINE “In this lesson, students will examine evidence used in a 1994 case to convict Cameron Todd Willingham, who was executed for the Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-electoral-college-facts-of-life/
By Slater’s Garage Ads & Audio “With the US Presidential election just days away, a father and son sit down for a heart-to-heart talk about Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/independence-daze-a-history-of-july-fourth/
From BackStory With The American History Guys In this public radio program (52:00), U.S. historians Ed Ayers, Peter Onuf, and Brian Balogh explore the origins Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/flocabularys-check-and-balances/
The song in this video explains the three branches of the US government and the system of checks and balances.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/decoding-the-video-bad-romance-womens-suffrage/
Learn more about the passage of the 19th Amendment by watching Soomo Publishing’s five-minute parody music video of Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance.” (2012 Emmy Award recipient for Best Informational/Instructional Program.)
vote/ voting/ suffrage
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/supreme-court-week-documentary/
By C-SPAN Original Productions “The Supreme Court: Home to America’s Highest Court takes an unprecedented look into the Supreme Court, its role, traditions and history Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/5308-2/
By C-SPAN Original Productions “Each year the Justices and their law clerks review anywhere between 8 to 10 thousand petitions that come to Court – Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/mini-mock-trial-state-v-anderson/
In this mock trial, students role play people in the courtroom as they hear a case involving a driver charged with violating a law that Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/e-learning-module-the-impact-of-congress/
From Indiana University Center on Representative Government “Contrary to many Americans’ opinions, the work of Congress has a significant impact on their everyday lives. This colorful Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/activate/
In Activate, students: Campaign for an issue of their choice Learn how to grow an organization of friends into a national movement Engage the community and elected Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/how-a-bill-really-becomes-a-law-what-schoolhouse-rock-missed/
by Andrew Prokop This article and accompanying video adapts the how-a bill-becomes-a-law narrative to what Prokop refers to as “our polarized, dysfunctional Congress.” The article Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-redistricting-game-2/
USC Annenberg Center for Communication The Redistricting Game is designed to educate, engage, and empower citizens around the issue of political redistricting. Currently, the political system Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/i-do-solemnly-swear-what-does-a-mayor-do/
In this 19 min. video from The Annenberg Classroom, students explore the role and responsibilities of mayors in the United States. Students follow mayors from several Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-personal-side-of-citizenship-process-to-become-a-naturalized-u-s-citizen/
the.News the.News online video reports for the.Gov provide middle and high school students with a valuable exercise in language arts and social studies with this Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/principles-of-democracy-in-the-news/
Students work in small groups to match recent news article headlines to the principles of democracy. Lesson Plan – Democratic Headlines in the News Democratic Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/federalism-pouring-power-into-the-federal-government/
This lesson focuses on the distribution of powers called federalism. Using water in a pitcher and a jar and small cups, it visualizes powers between Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/legal-concepts-from-landmark-cases-org/
Street Law, Inc.and the Supreme Court Historical Society present a full range of resources and activities to support the teaching of landmark Supreme Court cases. Case Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/citizenship-making-government-work-democracy-in-american-video-series/
from Annenberg Learning This session covers the basic elements of government, politics, and democracy. A grounding in these issues will give you a solid foundation Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/federalism-u-s-v-the-states-democracy-in-america-video-series/
From Annenberg Learner This lesson with one-half hour video provides an overview of the workings of federalism in the United States. In this unit, the Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/minimum-voting-age-dda/
This lesson is designed to promote the teaching and learning of democratic principles and the skills of civic deliberation. Students complete a reading (available in Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-perfect-president/
After researching about the U.S. president’s duties, students will brainstorm criteria for the “perfect president.” The information will then be used to create a job description and newspaper article to advertise the presidency.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-many-powers-of-the-president/
Students will use hats as props to enliven a lesson about the powers of the president. Hats will be identified with various powers. Students will match actual presidential actions to the hat which gave the president power to carry it out.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/resources-on-the-presidency/
This site provides a rich source of information regarding the Presidency, the Executive Branch, issues of the day and the White House.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/legalways-investigation-and-arrest/
This lesson from the LegalWays curriculum focuses on the most common questions regarding investigation and arrest including police stops, searches, probable cause, arrest, and the constitutional rights of the accused. Activities include a student reading with guiding questions, a “Police Role-play” activity that provides the students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge and for them to review and reflect with a police officer, and a final case study that asks students to apply their knowledge about interrogation and Miranda rights in a slightly different setting, the principal’s office in a school. This lesson uses basic information and does not include the many small exceptions and interpretations that exist in the law. Where appropriate, Minnesota law has been used. Lessons can be adapted to other states. Remind students they should not attempt to answer specific individual legal problems with the information provided.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/respecting-freedom-of-speech/
In the course of this lesson, students will consider the point where respect and freedom of expression intersect.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/legalways-steps-in-a-criminal-case/
This lesson from the LegalWays curriculum focuses on the procedure followed in a criminal case. In the activity “Creating a Flow Chart” the students can work individually or in small groups. It requires that the students use their knowledge from “Investigation and Arrest” and “Your Right to an Attorney” in addition to the information in this lesson. By asking them to add pieces of information they think are important, the students reflect on their learning. This lesson is designed for the computer. However, it can be accomplished with posterboard and markers. The “Mini-Mock Trial” concerns a stolen wallet and is a two-hour activity. This activity benefits greatly by having a lawyer or judge serve as the judge for the mock trial. (If there are enough students, one can assist the judge, serving as a co-judge.) Although this lesson uses Minnesota law and procedure, it is adaptable.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-scopes-trial-a-mini-unit/
Using the movie Inherit the Wind, text books and internet research students learn about the Scopes Trial. The analyze the key facts, arguments, individuals and historical events.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/schoolhouse-rock-preamble/
The lyrics and the video of the Schoolhouse Rock song about the Preamble to the Constitution.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/jury-nullification/
Though jurors are sworn to uphold the law during their deliberation, they still have the power to decide that a defendant is innocent even when Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/grade-6-civics-and-government-strands-and-benchmarks-lessons-and-resources/
Grade 6 Civics and Government Strands and Benchmarks Aligned with Resources Link to updated Google Docs file
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/introduction-to-the-juvenile-justice-system/
These materials teach middle school students about the Minnesota Juvenile Justice System. Informational powerpoint is followed by chart that compares the adult with the juvenile Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/federalism-and-lawmaking-claim-your-powers-state-v-federal-government/
This lesson focuses on the basic concepts of federalism and lawmaking. It explores powers reserved to the states and those given to the federal government Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/claim-your-powers-elementary/
Students apply their knowledge of the US Constitution and the powers of each branch of government in this activity. Students work in three groups, one Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/minnesota-v-hershberger-freedom-of-religion/
Freedom of religion has been a controversial, yet fundamental, tenet of the United States since even before the nation’s birth. In a instructional activity, the Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/property-ownership-respect-and-responsibility/
Introduces the concepts of personal property and responsibility to very young students. Students will think about the difference between damage done to property on purpose versus accidental damage.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/politics-of-the-equal-rights-amendment/
Students will gain an overall understanding of and insights into arguments for and against the proposed Equal Rights Amendment.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/2729-2/
Students will consider how perseverance effects movements as they exercise their First Amendment rights to petition and assemble.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/painting-presidential-portraits/
Students learn about the duties of the president as they redesign currency to reflect a President’s life and times.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/no-weapons-allowed/
The common “no weapons allowed” school rule is tested through a variety of scenarios. Students place themselves on a line to express their opinion regarding the application of the rule to the situation.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/making-the-grade-what-makes-a-good-president/
This lesson will provide students with a way to evaluate their leaders and with background material to use when studying about various Presidents.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/making-an-appeal/
Students consider the facts in the real case of a boy who was expelled from school. They break into small groups to list the arguments for one of the parties in the case. The groups share their arguments in a class discussion.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/local-stuff-learn-about-local-government/
A collection of 4 units to teach younger students about local government. Leads students through identifying their community, what kinds of work people do in the community, who governs and how decisions are made.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/judicial-ice-breakers/
Two quick activities that can be used to introduce new materials to students in an engaging way. As written the activities focus on Florida law and judiciary, but are easily adaptable to other states.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/its-in-your-pocket/
Students will learn about the Federal government’s power to mint money. They will also learn about the symbols on American money.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/in-the-home-outside-the-home-how-do-we-value-work/
By thinking critically about gender stereotypes in relation to work in the home vs. outside the home, students will gain an awareness of how perceived value of work is connected to embedded views of gender roles.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/in-praise-of-political-parties/
Student groups will be analyzing one current political party and making a presentation to the class about this party’s solutions for the problems that confront the U.S. today.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/immigration-debate/
Gathering information on pro and con arguments can be helpful if making conclusions regarding immigrants’ roles in the United States is to occur.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/if-i-were-president/
This activity is for young students. Students will discuss what a President does. They will then make a classroom book of rules or laws that they would enact if they ever become president.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/honoring-property-rights/
Students will examine how the concepts of private property and honor are inter-connected—how expectation of honorable action protects the private property rights of individuals in a civil society.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/history-of-the-bill-of-rights/
Students play a “Jeopardy” like game to learn about the history of the Bill of Rights. Students should have some basic knowledge of the content of the Bill of Rights and the historical setting in which it was written.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/examining-the-evidence-suffrage-anti-suffrage-ephemera/
By examining and analyzing political cartoons and other ephemera dating to the women’s suffrage campaign era in the U.S., students will investigate and discover what primary source images can tell us about attitudes and events of the period in which they were made.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/serving-on-a-jury/
Students role-play a court room trial based on scenarios involving juvenile offenders.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/shoplifting/
Author: Street Law for Youth Courts Students work in small groups to define shoplifting, thinking about the definition from different perspectives. After learning facts about Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/crimes-and-consequences/
Students identify and rank crimes as juvenile status offenses, misdemeanors, petty offenses and felonies.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/guess-who-did-this-how-does-gender-bias-affect-our-judgment/
By being asked to match a group of men and women (about whom they may know nothing) to a list of feats, students will realize that their own preconceptions based on gender may lead them to make mistaken judgments about people’s roles and abilities.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/freedom-of-speech-and-automatic-language/
This lesson plan asks students to explore this rote learning and their own right to freedom of speech by examining the Pledge of Allegiance from a historical and personal perspective and in relationship to fictional situations in novels they have read.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/exploring-free-speech-in-nothing-but-the-truth/
After reading the novel Nothing But the Truth, students discuss the protagonist Phillip and his right to free speech as well as their own rights.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/examining-the-evidence-gender-and-adverstising/
Students will investigate and discover what primary source [advertising] images can tell us about views on gender equality in different time periods.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/equality-and-the-media-today/
This Class Starter activity is found on page 12 of the guide for K-12 educators that accompanied the temporary exhibition From the Absence of Many to the Presence of All: The Unfinished Business of Women’s Equality at the National Constitution Center, Philadelphia.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/declaration-of-independence-acts-of-courage/
Students begin to construct a definition of courage based on classroom discussion, then consider The Declaration of Independence and an essay about what happened to the signers in the years during and following the American Revolution.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/creating-a-bill-of-rights-in-space/
Students discuss the pros and cons to adding a Bill of Rights to their constitution for their space colony. Hypothetical situations are used to highlight rights. The lesson helps the students discover the need for a Bill of Rights.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/classroom-electorate/
Students take on the role of a political analyst, forecasting the electoral vote count for the presidential election.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/breaking-down-the-declaration-of-independence/
Working in small groups, students will answer questions to help them break down the language and content of the Constitution.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/breaking-barriers-building-bridges-critical-discussion-of-social-issues/
Students read and discuss a series of picture books that highlight social barriers and bridges of race, class, and gender.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/amending-the-constitution/
Students will learn about the process for amending the Constitution and consider what standards should be applied when considering an amendment.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/accommodating-students-religious-needs/
This strategy offers students an opportunity to weigh the establishment clause against the free exercise clause of the First Amendment.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/2nd-grade-your-vote-counts/
2nd graders will vote for a “classroom helper,” using fictional characters as candidates. They learn about the candidate positions through daily messages.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/minnesota-juvenile-justice-jeopardy-game-for-elementary-classroom/
Author: adapted for elementary students from Jeopardy created by Rebecca Swinney, University of Minnesota Law Student, Street Law Course, 2010 This Power Point slide show works Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/school-wide-plan-for-constitution-day-observance/
This plan is designed to help a school participate in Constitution Day in a meaningful way, with as little disruption to the regular school day as is possible.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/trying-teens-development-of-the-juvenile-justice-system/
In this lesson, students will learn about the court cases and legal organizations that were instrumental in creating a system of juvenile justice in the United States, then present their findings in a composite timeline illustrating the history of the juvenile courts.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/sources-of-law/
This lesson teaches students about the sources, types, and unique systems of law that exist in the United States.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/in-re-gault/
This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court’s decision that said juvenile offenders have a right to due process. Students learn about 14th Amendment due process, fairness, and the specific rights afforded juveniles in the justice system.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/recognizing-leaders/
This is an introductory lesson, giving students a basic understanding of the branches of government and the people who work there.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/constitutional-conversation-starters/
Conversation starters are short, easily read text or images that are meant to be thought-provoking. They have been selected to illuminate issues, raise or explore areas of conflict, highlight ideas associated with each Conversation topic, and to foster conversation and ongoing dialogue.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/voting-activities-for-grades-k-2/
The intent of this theme is to educate students about elections, from gaining an appreciation of the power of voting, to studying the candidates and issues, to understanding the registration process and participating in an election.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/bill-of-rights-game/
Help restore the Bill of Rights in this online game.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-tired-king/
Students are introduced to the three functions of government (legislative, executive and judicial) through a story about an over-worked king who must handle too many tasks.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-constitution-the-countrys-rules/
Students develop an awareness of the Constitution by exploring what it is and why it is important.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/symbols-of-america/
A multi-disciplinary 3 week unit that teaches young students about the President, the White House, the Statue of Liberty, the Flag, the Liberty Bell, Mount Rushmore, Pledge of Allegiance and the Bald Eagle. Lessons could be separated if time doesn’t allow for all 3 weeks.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/simple-symbols-and-american-children/
Children begin at a very early age to learn the meaning of symbols in our culture and environment. Understanding the meaning of some universal symbols, such as traffic signs and signals, handicap logos, gender signs on restrooms, etc., is essential for responsible membership in society.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/ask-not-what-your-country-can-do-for-you/
In this lesson, students learn about the theme of President Kennedy’s inaugural address, civic action, and consider how it applies to their own lives.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/constitutional-convention-2/
Students will understand the structure and function of the United States government established by the Constitution by participating in a “Constitutional Convention” in class.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/exploring-the-purposes-of-government-a-lesson-on-the-preamble/
Understanding the Preamble is critically important because it provides the vision for the government.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/what-responsibilities-accompany-our-rights/
From the Center for Civic Education “Suppose your government does everything it can to protect your rights. Is this enough? Will your rights be protected? Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/who-rules/
Students explore several different forms of government ranging from democracy, to oligarchy, to anarchy.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-pledge-of-allegiance/
Students will understand the Pledge of Allegiance and its importance as a symbol. Students will make Pledge of Allegiance picture books. They will learn the vocabulary necessary to understand the Pledge.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/comparative-constitutions/
Find common ways in which state constitutions differ from (and are similar to) the U.S. Constitution, and take a closer look at your own state constitution.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/youve-got-rights/
Students learn about the rights guaranteed by the Bill of Rights and other important constitutional amendments.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/mini-mock-trials/
Mini-Mock Trials are shorter versions of mock trial, taking an average of 2-3 hours. They are helpful for teaching about trial procedure as well as Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/teaching-civics-through-childrens-literature/
Teaching guides for popular children’s literature to help teach Civics and Government standards and English Language Arts standards. As increased emphasis on math and reading Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-making-of-the-american-constitution/
How did a meeting intended to revise the Articles of Confederation lead to the new Constitution for the United States? Students watch a four minute video designed for “flip” teaching and then answer 5 Multiple Choice and 3 Open Answer questions to check for understanding. The “Dig Deeper” section has links to additional resources for students to explore.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/presidential-elections-from-adams-to-lincoln/
For an assignment, students in a Politics of the Presidency class at Williams College created video campaign ads for the presidential elections from John Adams to Abraham Lincoln (12 segments).
The students could only use images, quotes, documents, and music from the era. RealClearHistory partnered with the class to displayed the best videos the students produced.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/what-is-a-court/
An easy lesson that helps students understand the basics of the appeals process. Students will learn the difference between a trial court and an appeals court.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/minnesota-state-symbols-game/
Identify the correct Minnesota state symbols in this Internet trivia game. A brief historical explanation follows each selection.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/suffrage-strategies-voices-for-votes/
After learning about the Women’s Suffrage movement, students create original documents encouraging citizens to vote in current elections. Lesson includes primary source documents from the Library of Congress.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/picture-books-and-the-bill-of-rights/
This lesson is designed to acquaint students with sections of the Bill of Rights through the use of Caldecott Medal Books and other picture books.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/technology-and-copyright-law-a-futurespective/
Students research past copyright disputes and their relation to technology innovations and then predict future copyright disputes that may arise from advancements in technology.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/famous-trials/
Student research famous trials and write the opening paragraphs of a newspaper report as it might have been written at the time of their particular trial. They then campaign and vote for which trial they feel is most famous.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/kids-corner-for-the-4th-of-july/
View two slide shows on the story of the American Revolution.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/you-can-lead-a-class-to-water-but-can-you-make-it-think-an-activity-for-teaching-the-concept-of-implied-power/
A dramatic scene in a high school government or civics class provides the setting. Students follow a process of inductive reasoning in a situation which is especially relevant to their daily lives. In the scene, the teacher grants a student permission to get a drink of water and the student begins to leave the room. But does he or she have “implied” authority to get out of his seat, open the door, and walk out into the hall?
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/economic-functions-of-government/
Students categorize a series of newspaper headlines as examples of each of the six economic functions of government and locate additional examples in current newspapers and newsmagazines.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/first-amendment-survey/
This lesson gives students an opportunity to conduct and analyze their own First Amendment survey and compare it with the national survey conducted by The Freedom Forum.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/voting-whats-it-all-about/
A series of eight lessons on voting. Students discuss information, read from a variety of sources, collect images, articles, and other things they can use to create a graffiti wall about voting. They create a chart listing what they know about the current election and how they know it, then examine the chart to determine which items are fact and which are opinion. They explore the history of voting and voting rights and create a timeline of voting history.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/war-making-executive-and-legislative-powers/
What are the respective roles and responsibilities of the executive and legislative branches in making war? In the course of this lesson, students will examine the constitutional, legal, political and historical sources of this debate and apply them to the conflict in Iraq and to other situations both past and present.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/you-make-the-rules/
In developing a new club, students explore the nature of rules and see how they help in the formation and operation of organizations.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/who-pays-for-city-hall/
This lesson uses computer games to introduce younger students to city government.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/understanding-procedural-justice-fairness-in-the-land-of-faircastle/
Students perform 4 brief skits demonstrating procedural unfairness in trials. They then analyze the skits, listing what was unfair in each situation and what rights needed to be protected.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/graphically-speaking/
Using website data or almanacs, students will graph state population, state size, and number of congressional representatives.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/donkeys-and-elephants-and-voters-oh-my/
These hands-on activities are designed to help students journey through politics from its “grass roots” to a national convention through the creation of a new political party and the development of the convention’s national platform.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/presidential-libraries-podcasts/
Listen to the voices of the Presidents! In these historical clips from the Libraries’ collections, you’ll hear Presidents Hoover, Roosevelt, Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush, and Clinton.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/paperclip-game-and-the-value-of-rules/
The paper clip game serves as a good devices for discussing the need for and importance of rules in society.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/no-animals-allowed-in-school/
This activity provides an opportunity for students to explore how rules and laws are written
and interpreted.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/myth-and-truth-independence-day/
This lesson explores all the dates and stories associated with the Declaration of Independence, focusing on the reason there are so many different dates and signings of the document and why we celebrate the nation’s birthday on July 4th rather than one of the other dates.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/memorial-day-elementary/
Students will appreciate the significance and history of “Taps.” They will use the bugle call to learn about the sacrifices made by those who have fallen in war and the importance of doing the right thing.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/literary-characters-on-trial/
After reading a work of literature as a class, students will brainstorm “crimes” committed by characters from that text. Groups of students will work together to act as the prosecution or defense for the selected characters, while also acting as the jury for other groups.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/kid-definitions-of-types-of-government/
This site offers very short, kid friendly definitions of types of Governments.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/good-citizen-interviews/
Youngsters interview adults whom they consider good citizens. They share their interviews with the others and reflect on what it means to be a good citizen.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/everyone-has-rules/
Students consider the value of rules in the lives of children and adults. They brainstorm and write good rules for different places and situations in their schools.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/minnesota-constitutional-amendment-voter-id/
This lesson focuses on the proposed amendment to the Minnesota Constitution requiring a photo ID to vote.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/teaching-about-the-minnesota-marriage-amendment/
by University of Minnesota Law Students Aleida Ortega and Ryan Conners. This unit of study includes three lessons Introductory Lesson on Constitutional Interpretation of Fundamental Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/new-voter-photo-id-laws-preventing-fraud-or-discriminating/
This “Speak Out” from the Annenberg Classroom supports online discussion of these questions: Are voter ID laws necessary to prevent election fraud? Are the voter Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/changing-voting-age-from-18-to-16/
Students will write letters to their state and/or national leaders either in support or against a fictitious proposed constitutional amendment to lower the voting age from 18 to 16.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/expanding-voting-rights/
Expanding Voting Rights traces changes in voting rights through the early republic, African-American suffrage, women’s suffrage, Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the 26th Amendment
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/voter-id-voting-requirements-and-vote-counting/
A collection of lesson plans from the American Bar Association that teach voting requirements, voter ID laws, and vote counting laws.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/when-should-increased-security-measures-outweigh-your-privacy-rights-in-school/
Through the use of cases and school policy, students will be able to define student privacy rights and then evaluate the necessity and constitutionality of increased security measures in schools, such as cell phone content searches.
Cases: New Jersey v. T.L.O. (1985); Board of Education of Independent School District #92 of Pottawatomie County v. Earls (2002); Safford Unified School District v. Redding (2009)
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/state-of-the-union-bingo-2012/
State of the Union Bingo
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/precedent-and-stare-decisis/
Parts One and Two of this lesson involve students reflecting about and discussing the questions: What are the benefits and risks of sticking by the known rules? What are the benefits and risks of changing the rules for new situations? Part Three has students working in small groups. Students look at quotations about What The Justices Think About Precedent And Stare Decisis and then summarize and share the main ideas.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/voting-in-congress-more-than-yea-or-nay/
Through an interactive PowerPoint presentation, students learn what factors members of Congress consider when deciding whether to vote for a bill. These include the powers given to Congress by the Constitution (“necessary and proper” clause highlighted), members’ personal opinions, political party support, and what voters think. During the first part of the lesson, students find out about each of these factors and participate in mini-quizzes to check for understanding. During the second part, students try their hand at weighing the factors by considering hypothetical bills. This lesson is part of the Legislative Branch curriculum. While the graphics and some of the examples in this lesson are appropriate for younger students, the content also works well for high school.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/voting-rights/
With guided notes, students explore the evolution of voting rights in the United States through an interactive PowerPoint presentation highlighting landmark changes. They apply knowledge of voting legislation to individual scenarios through a class activity. This lesson is part of the Politics and Public Policy curriculum. The Teacher’s guide has a useful “Voting Rights: A Brief History” chart.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/candidate-evaluation/
From iCivics In this lesson which is part of the Politics and Public Policy curriculum, students: “evaluate hypothetical candidates by establishing and applying their own Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-electoral-process/
Take a peek into the electoral process- from party primaries to the general election. Students will learn the distinctions between the popular vote and the Electoral College, and exercise their critical reasoning skills to analyze the differences between the presidential and congressional elections. Students will also contrast the various nomination processes and learn about the role of party conventions in American politics.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/international-organizations/
from iCivics Using jigsaw method, students read about and describe the purposes and functions of the following international organizations: UN, EU, NATO, World Bank, Red Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/environment-dda/
This lesson is designed to promote the teaching and learning of democratic principles and the skills of civic deliberation. Students complete a reading (available in English, Spanish, and Audio-English) and engage in a Structured Academic Controversy. Deliberation question: Should our democracy permit the cultivation of genetically modified foods?
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/corruption-and-judicial-independence-dda/
This lesson is designed to promote the teaching and learning of democratic principles and the skills of civic deliberation. Students complete a reading (available in English, Spanish, and Audio-English) and engage in a Structured Academic Controversy. Deliberation question: Should our democracy elect judges?
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/cyberbullying-dda/
This lesson is designed to promote the teaching and learning of democratic principles and the skills of civic deliberation. Students complete a reading (available in English, Spanish, and Audio-English) and engage in a Structured Academic Controversy. Deliberation question: Should our democracy allow schools to punish students for off-campus cyberbullying?
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/voting-dda/
This lesson is designed to promote the teaching and learning of democratic principles and the skills of civic deliberation. Students complete a reading (available in English, Spanish, and Audio-English) and engage in a Structured Academic Controversy. Deliberation question: Should voting be compulsory in our democracy?
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/juvenile-justice-dda/
This lesson is designed to promote the teaching and learning of democratic principles and the skills of civic deliberation. Students complete a reading (available in English, Spanish, and Audio-English) and engage in a Structured Academic Controversy. Deliberation question: In our democracy, should violent juvenile offenders be punished as adults?
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/freedom-of-expression-dda/
This lesson is designed to promote the teaching and learning of democratic principles and the skills of civic deliberation. Students complete a reading (available in English, Spanish, and Audio-English) and engage in a Structured Academic Controversy. Deliberation question: Should our democracy block Internet content to protect national security?
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/counties-work/
In Counties Work, an online game from iCivics, students become elected officials and decide about the programs and services that affect everyone! Their choices shape the community, and citizen satisfaction determines whether they will get re-elected for a second term.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/facts-on-congress/
The Center on Congress has developed a series of brief, 60-second video segments aimed at middle-school students, but also appropriate for other age groups.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/american-indian-sovereignty-curriculum/
Students learn that American Indians have systems of tribal government that have powers, rights and responsibilities based on tribal constitutions agreed to by the people.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/why-government-icivics/
http://www.icivics.org/teachers/lesson-plans/why-government iCivics offers an off-line lesson on Locke and Hobbes ideas about the state of nature and natural rights. The vocabulary building sections of the Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/3365-2/
What role should the United States play in the world today and in coming years? What are the challenges before us? What issues are of most concern to us? What kind of world do we want in the 21st century? This lesson engages students in these questions. Students engage in active consideration of historical and current background material and are placed in the role of decision-makers as they explore divergent policy alternatives. After exploring divergent views, students deliberate together on the merits and tradeoffs of each. Finally, students express their own considered judgments on future policy direction.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/teaching-about-trials/
The ideas shared in this article provide a range of classroom activities that can add interest, variety, and depth to middle and high school social studies classrooms.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/lets-play-jeopardy-electoral-college/
A team game based on Jeopardy used to clarify and review the Electoral College. Students answer questions that are provided as part of the lesson, gaining points for their team.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/choosing-an-impartial-jury/
Using the American Bar Association’s Goldilocks Mock Trial or a copy of the story of Goldilocks, students participate in a simulated voir dire or jury selection.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/dispute-resolution-case-of-the-professional-tap-dancer/
Students hear a simple story about two neighbors with conflicting interests. They brainstorm possible solutions to the conflict and discuss what rules could have existed to avoid the conflict and when those rules should have been made.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/its-my-life/
In this discussion activity, students acknowledge how the law influences their lives, and how the Constitution provides a framework for such laws.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/3176-2/
This lesson explores who is counted by the U.S. Census, and why an accurate count is important for ensuring representation in government.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/reforming-american-government-for-the-21st-century/
Participants consider the citizenship clause of the presidential requirements, and the use of federal referenda during this simulated constitutional convention. Amending the U.S. Constitution is explored as well. This summary handout from the National Constitution Center may be used to supplement the lesson.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-bill-of-rights-match-game/
The object of the game is to read each statement and decide if the answer to the question at the end is “yes” or “no” based on information from the Bill of Rights.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/debating-war-and-peace-in-washington-square-park/
“Here is a sampling of the comments written and posted around the arch at Washington Square Park in the days immediately following the destruction of the World Trade Center [9/11/2001]. Following the comments are suggestions about ways to use this primary source in social studies classes. Although the immediate sense of urgency to discuss the World Trade Center tragedy in classrooms may diminish in time, the Washington Square writings will long be relevant to social studies classes as they explore such topics as citizenship, civil liberty, prejudice, nationalism, immigration, terrorism, violence, and war.”
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/a-day-in-the-life/
This activity describes 10 situations encountered in the daily life of an American teen. Take a look at each scenario, and then choose the related Supreme Court decision that directly impacts our rights and freedoms as citizens of the United States.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/supreme-court-landmark-case-timeline/
In this activity, you will sort landmark Supreme Court cases into chronological order. After you have correctly placed all of the cards on the timeline, you will get more information and details about each of the cases, and links to additional resources related to the case.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/supreme-court-concentration/
Learn about some of the most notable Supreme Court justices by matching the justices with their historic achievements and decisions!
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/with-liberty-and-justice-for-all/
Students will reflect on their own ideas of liberty, and learn how to define and identify civil liberties. Through a historic case study involving the Pledge of Allegiance, they will analyze First Amendment rights in light of laws passed to increase citizenship, knowledge of our country, and patriotism.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-power-and-importance-of-precedent-in-the-decisions-of-the-supreme-court/
Students will examine the role of precedent in Supreme Court decisions – why precedents are usually followed and what justices take into consideration when they overturn precedents.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/how-history-affects-supreme-court-decisions-and-supreme-court-decisions-affect-history-a-look-at-the-fourteenth-amendment/
Students will analyze and compare important Supreme Court decisions involving the Fourteenth Amendment and civil rights. Students will also study how the Court applied the Fourteenth Amendment to questions involving the liberty of contract and protections for working people.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/constitution-guide/
The Constitution Guide provides a breakdown of the United States Constitution, section by section. Each section includes the actual language of the Constitution, and what it means in simplified language.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/how-a-bill-becomes-law/
Through this lesson, students will learn about the dynamic process of federal lawmaking and how it relates to them.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/justice-for-all-in-the-classroom/
In this lesson, students analyze the interplay of processes and procedures that courts use to seat an impartial jury and gain appreciation for the essential role of juries in the justice system.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/are-the-principles-of-the-u-s-constitution-reflected-in-your-school/
In this deliberation activity, students will be able to compare and contrast specific aspects of their school system (including school policies and student government system) with the key principles found in the U.S. Constitution.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/students-and-the-supreme-court-a-lexicon-of-laws/
In this lesson, students will use primary and secondary sources to analyze Supreme Court opinions for thirteen landmark cases involving students.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/separation-of-powers-and-the-judiciary/
In this lesson, students examine historical and contemporary examples of legal disputes over Constitutional powers that were decided by the Supreme Court.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-making-of-a-law/
Through this lesson, students will learn about the dynamic interconnections of people, principles, and process that are involved in making federal laws.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/jury-duty-our-duty-and-privilege/
In this lesson, students learn about the importance, history, and constitutional foundations of jury service
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/judicial-fairness-playground-bullies/
Through a role-playing activity, students learn about judicial fairness and bias.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/introduction-to-the-minnesota-judiciary/
This introduction to the judiciary in Minnesota includes a handout of background information for students to study and a handout of questions to stimulate discussion and increase their understanding of the materials.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/how-a-bill-becomes-law-in-minnesota/
Reference material explaining the steps between a bill and a law from a specific Minnesota perspective. Includes the story of Minnesota teen Joe Gibson’s process in changing the law to allow 16 year-olds to donate blood with parental permission.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/make-your-case-game/
Make Your Case is a courtroom trial simulation in which students control the action in a television-like trial. Students play the role of attorneys in a civil case involving a traffic accident between a bicyclist and a driver.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/u-s-constitution-scavenger-hunt/
Help students become familiar with the U.S. Constitution by hunting for specific citations within the document.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/jury-selection-on-trial/
In this lesson, students learn about the process used for jury selection and how the role and responsibilities of government in civil and criminal jury trials are viewed by the Supreme Court.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/judicial-independence-essential-limited-controversial/
In this lesson, students learn about the role of an independent judiciary in the United States. Through a cooperative learning jigsaw activity they focus on operational differences, essential functions, limited powers, and controversial issues.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/equal-justice-under-law/
In this lesson, students explore the cause-and-effect relationships between historical events and the development of constitutional principles that protect the rights of all people in America today.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/key-constitutional-concepts-creating-a-constitution/
To ensure engagement during the film, students are given the task of collecting a list of the many conflicts and compromises that went into the creation of a new American government. The lesson is completed with students reading Benjamin Franklin’s closing speech at the Constitutional Convention.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/actions-that-changed-the-law/
Students gain insight into the lawmaking process, consider how statutory decisions made by the Supreme Court can prompt better laws, and learn about the rights and responsibilities they will have when they enter the workforce.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-power-of-one-decision-brown-v-board-of-education/
Through the lesson, students gain insight into decision-making at the Supreme Court, learn about the people behind the case, construct a persuasive argument, and evaluate the sig- nificance of Brown v. Board of Education.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/freedom-of-speech-finding-the-limits/
In this lesson, students gain insight into the many challenges involved in defining and protecting free speech.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/invasion-of-privacy-law/
This PowerPoint presentation examines each of the four different types of invasion of privacy and includes a number of true-to-life examples that will help reporters and photographers steer clear of the most common privacy trouble spots.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/freedom-of-information-law/
This PowerPoint presentation is designed to explain what Freedom of Information law is and how it works.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/interactive-diagram-of-the-federal-court-system/
This interactive diagram of the Federal Court System includes small videos of various judges presenting information about the Court.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/interactive-guide-to-the-sixth-amendment/
http://www.annenbergclassroom.org/page/interactive-guide-to-the-sixth-amendment
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/constitutional-convention/
As the Founding Fathers struggle to decide how the young nation will be governed, explore how very different men representing their states’ conflicting interests created a bicameral legislature and three branches of government.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/law-craft/
Students play as a senator or representative from a state and political party they select. Then their challenge is to get Congress to pass a bill based on a hot topic from a constituent.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/court-quest/
In Court Quest students help citizens seeking justice from courts in the United States.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/copyright-law/
This presentation of approximately 45 minutes begins with a brief introduction of the history and goals behind copyright. It then explores some of the basics of copyright, including distinction from other intellectual property rights (patent, trademark), questions about copyright eligibility, duration, registration, obtaining copyright permissions and plagiarism. Finally, considerable time is spent discussing copyright law’s Fair Use Exemption.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-role-of-government-federal-government-and-fiscal-policy/
Students will visit “A Citizen’s Guide to the Federal Budget,” and use the federal government web site to obtain information which will help them understand basic information about the budget of the United States Government for the current fiscal year.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/tic-tac-taxes/
This lesson will take you through the different types of taxes governments impose, and the goods and services the governments provide in return.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/is-12-an-important-number/
This interdisciplinary lesson considers the use of 12 members on a jury, and whether decreasing that number impacts the chance of a fair trial.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/constituion-costs/
This lesson will help you understand the government’s role in providing some protections and services to all our country’s citizens, and the reason we pay taxes to fund those protections and services.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/jury-deliberation/
This lesson includes two activities to help students learn about jury deliberation.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/issues-of-evidence-sheppard-murder-trial/
Students read selected background material on the Sheppard murder case and discuss the assigned readings in class. Activities include analyzing a political cartoon and a primary source document, writing and delivering a closing statement, and developing a timeline of the various court decisions made in the Sheppard case.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/voir-dire-a-simulation/
This lesson includes hypothetical cases and materials to allow classroom teachers to simulate the voir dire process used in court rooms to choose jurors.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/high-speed-police-chase-search-and-seizure/
The case of Scott v. Harris asks where the responsibility lies in a chase that ends with 19-year-old Victor Harris becoming a quadriplegic in a wheelchair.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/first-amendment-and-social-media/
This highly interactive program combines the vampire craze and social media to give high school students the opportunity to wrestle with a current issue by participating in a trial and jury deliberations.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/religion-engel-v-vitale/
This lesson contains materials for Engel v. Vitale, a Landmark Case. These materials can be used to lead students in a discussion of religion in public schools.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/free-speech-and-flag-burning/
In Texas v. Johnson the Court decided that flag burning is symbolic speech protected by the First Amendment. If you were an Associate Justice serving on the Supreme Court, what legal arguments would you take into account in deciding Texas v. Johnson?
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/freedom-of-the-press-and-school-newspapers/
In Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier the Court ruled that the First Amendment rights of student journalists are not violated when school officials prevent the publication of certain articles in the school newspaper.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/freedom-of-assembly-cox-v-new-hampshire/
The First Amendment protects freedom of assembly. Includes materials to lead discussion or debate surrounding the Landmark Case of Cox v. New Hampshire.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/balancing-free-speech-and-fair-trial-2/
The case of Carey v. Musladin asks students to separate emotions from reason when they decide the following question: If the friends and family of a murder victim sit in the trial of the alleged murderer wearing buttons printed with a picture of the deceased, does that prejudice the jury and risk depriving the defendant of his Sixth Amendment right to an impartial jury?
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/failure-is-impossible-woman-suffrage/
To dramatize the debate for woman suffrage, playwright Rosemary Knower was commissioned to write a narrative script, drawing on the Congressional Record, petitions to Congress, personal letters within the legislative records of the Government, and other archival sources such as newspaper editorials and articles, diaries and memoirs.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/memorial-day-secondary/
Students will define the different categories of memorials and begin to understand the intentions of the artists who design them. Students will also consider current international conflicts and use their findings to design a memorial.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/presidents-day-elementary/
Students will learn about Abraham Lincoln and his role in shaping America by researching his life.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/tribal-sovereignty/
Students will be asked to research the sovereignty issues facing a tribe that resides within their state border. Then, they will develop their own sovereign nation.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-american-presidency-grades-4-6/
This group of lessons was created as part of the permanent American Presidency – A Glorious Burden exhibit at the National Museum of American History.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-american-presidency-grades-7-9/
This group of lessons was created as part of the permanent American Presidency – A Glorious Burden exhibit at the National Museum of American History.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-american-presidency-grades-10-12/
This group of lessons was created as part of the permanent American Presidency – A Glorious Burden exhibit at the National Museum of American History.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-constitution-and-the-economy/
Students see how the U.S. Constitution supports those characteristics by reading relevant portions of the Constitution, and matching these provisions with the six characteristics of a market economy.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/titanic-mock-trial/
Materials for a mock trial based on the sinking of the Titanic. The site includes information regarding the case of the Estate of Hans Jensen v. White Star Line.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/extending-suffrage-to-women/
In this interactive activity, students will see eleven different documents arguing both for and against voting rights for women. Their task is to put them in the order that they were created, making a list of the arguments that suffragists and anti-suffragists used to convince others of their opinions.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/docsteach-we-the-people/
The two documents students will see are George Washington’s copy of a draft of the U.S. Constitution and the final, ratified version of the Constitution of the United States. They are to evaluate the difference in wording between the two by answering and discussing the provided questions.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-constitution-at-work/
An interactive online learning activity in which students connect primary sources with sections of the Constitution and determine the big idea(s) found in the Constitution exemplified by each.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-trial-of-susan-b-anthony-the-woman-suffrage-movement-a-document-based-question/
Students are asked to use primary source documents, knowledge of the period from 1865–1873, and knowledge of Susan B. Anthony to answer: To what extent did the trial of Susan B. Anthony advance the cause of suffrage for women?
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-trial-of-susan-b-anthony-interpreting-the-fourteenth-amendment-a-simulation-activity/
In order to examine the meaning of the Fourteenth Amendment and the suffragists’ arguments in favor of voting rights, students write scripts for and reenact a hearing before the House of Representatives Committee on the Judiciary as well as reenact a jury deliberation in the Susan B. Anthony trial.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/newspapers-in-the-digital-age/
Students evaluate the most significant developments in news dissemination through individual ranking and small group consensus work. Students then construct an illustrated timeline that explains the historical significance of each development. Finally, students predict trends in journalism over the next 5 years.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/journalists-and-the-constitution/
Students write an amicus brief in the case of a freelance journalist imprisoned for not turning over footage to the federal government.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/gerrymander-exercise/
Working individually or in groups, students will develop legislative districts that will favor their assigned party.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/a-burning-issue-a-structured-academic-controversy-concerning-flag-desecration/
Is a Constitutional Amendment required to protect the U.S. flag from desecration? Students present a compromise resolution after they debate, deliberate, and analyze primary source documents, including the majority and dissenting opinions from Texas v. Johnson.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/what-is-an-american-an-immigration-policy-seminar/
This lesson plan features four primary sources related to immigration legislation which provide the basis for a classroom activity in which students, working collaboratively, come up with their own immigration policy proposals.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/government-quiz-game-minnesota-house-of-representatives/
State of Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Office This is an internet quiz game with questions and multiple choice answers dealing with the MN Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/impact-of-government/
Democracy Kids State and Federal laws impact our lives in many ways. This website offers fun, interactive pop-ups that show how government affects our lives Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/getting-involved-making-a-difference-what-level-of-government-do-you-work-with/
Democracy Kids This site gives you a brief introduction to the three levels of government and what issues they deal with. It will also give Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/to-keep-and-bear-arms-an-individual-or-collective-right/
An individual or a collective right? This lesson asks students to examine landmark Supreme Court decisions and opposing interpretations of the Second Amendment in developing their own reasoned positions.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/budget-hero-american-public-media/
American Public Media This is a great resource to help students understand the structural problems with the nation’s debt. Participants choose certain “badges that represent Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/federal-budget-allocation-cciu-representative-democracy-in-america/
Link: http://congress.indiana.edu/sites/default/files/modules/budget/budget.htm One of Congress’ major responsibilities is providing funds for federal programs. This activity allows you to try your hand at allocating the federal Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/public-criticisms-of-congress/
Link: http://congress.indiana.edu/sites/default/files/modules/public_opinion/base.html In the Public Criticisms module, you will hear many of the common criticisms of Congress via “man on the street” videos. You will Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/represent-me/
In Represent Me!, students work as legislators trying to meet the needs of their constituents by deciding what bills to sponsor in Congress. Students: Understand that Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/executive-command/
Objectives – Analyze the structure, functions, and processes of the executive branch Describe the various roles of the president: commander in chief, head diplomat, agenda Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/responsibility-launcher/
In Responsibility Launcher, students can help remind citizens that their civic duties aren’t just responsibilities, they help get things done! Students: Describe ways an individual can Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/felon-voting/
“Should felons be allowed to vote?” is the core question explored on this site, with arguments and support given both pro and con. The topic of felon voting is further explored pro-con by categories.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/legalways-search-and-seizure/
This lesson examines more closely the issues surrounding search and seizure. The warrant requirement is explained and exceptions are described in a student reading with guiding questions. The students are asked to apply their knowledge and understanding to five hypothetical cases in the “What do you think?” activity. Defense lawyers would be very helpful in this lesson because the students are likely to have very specific questions that require knowledge of search law. Although this lesson reflects Minnesota law, it is generally applicable to all states and can be adapted.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/which-founder-are-you/
Take an 11 question personality quiz to see which Founder you are most like!
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/seize-the-vote/
This in an online interactive voting rights game which addresses historical and current suffrage issues.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/deliberating-in-a-democracy-judicial-elections/
By Jennifer Bloom and Kate McBride Engage students in a Structured Academic Controversy in this lesson that focuses on developing deliberation skills using a proposed Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/deliberating-in-a-democracy-voter-identification/
Engage students in a Structured Academic Controversy in this lesson that focuses on developing deliberation skills using a proposed Minnesota Law that would require all Minnesota voters to have photo identification.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/supreme-decision/
Is the t-shirt free speech? Help decide a Supreme Court case about a student’s 1st Amendment rights in school using the process of judicial reasoning and looking at the landmark Tinker v. Des Moines case.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/deliberating-in-a-democracy-raw-milk/
This lesson from the Deliberating in a Democracy Minnesota (DIDMN) project teaches deliberation skills that ensure that conflicting views can be heard, understood, and valued, and students will develop the ability to find solutions to important issues. Lesson includes a student reading on the pros and cons of regulation raw milk which is used by small groups as they increase their understanding of the issue.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/deliberating-in-a-democracy-ethanol/
Engage students in a Structured Academic Controversy in this lesson that focuses on developing deliberation skills using the issue of ethanol (a critical question for Minnesota and the nation and world).
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/deliberating-in-a-democracy-farm-subsidies/
This lesson from Deliberating in a Democracy Minnesota (DIDMN) project teaches deliberation skills that ensure that conflicting views can be heard, understood, and valued, and students will develop the ability to find solutions to important issues. Lesson includes a student reading on farm subsidies which is used by small groups as they increase their understanding of the issue.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/immigration-nation-2/
Objectives – Identify eligibility requirements for legal U.S. residence Use citizenship criteria to distinguish those who are already citizens from those who are not Describe Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/vote-america-video/
Vote America! educates students about suffrage. The struggles of the civil rights era, passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, and the 15th, 19th, and 26th amendments to the U.S. Constitution are chronicled in this video.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/legalways-juvenile-sentencing/
The disposition of a case (sentencing) is the focus of this lesson from the LegalWays Curriculum. It includes a description of the process and the options open to the court. In the “You Decide” activity, students serve as the judge and determine what the sentence will be in a hypothetical case. They are asked to provide the reasons for their decision. The final activity has students participating in a “Youth Forum” to consider the effectiveness of the juvenile justice system. Suggested guiding questions are included. This forum provides an excellent opportunity to invite local juvenile justice stakeholders including prosecution and defense lawyers, judges, corrections employees, treatment professionals, victims, families, law enforcement, etc. The questions provided are adaptations of questions considered by policy makers and the Minnesota Supreme Court.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/legalways-juvenile-certification/
In this lesson from the LegalWays curriculum, certification(the process of moving a juvenile from juvenile court to adult court) is described, including presumptive and non-presumptive certification. The activity “You Decide” asks students to decide whether cases would be presumptive or non-presumptive and to identify the factors that would be considered in the certification process. The “Case Study” asks them to determine whether a juvenile should be certified and to explain the reasons for the decision. In the final “You Decide” activity the students analyze four cases and decide if the juvenile stays in juvenile court, becomes an EJJ, or is certified to adult court. The students are asked to provide their reasons. This activity requires that the other lessons in the unit be completed first. Although the lesson is based on Minnesota law and procedure, most states have similar processes. The lesson can be adapted to the law of other states.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/legalways-extended-jurisdiction-juvenile/
This lesson from the LegalWays curriculum describes a process provided by Minnesota law that has the juvenile in both the juvenile system and adult system. It has been described as “a foot in each system.” How a juvenile becomes EJJ, what the court looks as in making its decision, and what happens if the juvenile does not complete the juvenile sentence are the topics of the lesson. The Questions guide the student through the information and the “You Decide” activities ask the students to apply what they have learned.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/legalways-juvenile-delinquency-process/
In this lesson from the LegalWays curriculum the Steps in a Juvenile Delinquency case are described. This lesson enhances the lesson on the Juvenile Court in The Legal System unit. The student reading with guided questions and the “Ordering” activity help the students learn the procedure. The steps in the procedure can also be used in a “Human Continuum” activity. This lesson uses Minnesota law but can be adapted for other states.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/legalways-introduction-to-juvenile-system/
This lesson asks the students to think about the history and purpose of the juvenile system and to decide how they feel about specific issues currently facing the juvenile justice system. Lesson begins with a “What do you think?” activity. The “Juvenile Justice Poll” can be used with groups outside of the class and the answers can be tabulated and the results shared.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/teaching-strategy-client-counseling-role-play/
Teacher instructions for Client Counseling Role-Plays, a strategy that provide students with the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of the experiences of both clients and their counselors, to develop interviewing skills, to practice communication skills, and to learn content in a more meaningful and effective way.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/legalways-termination-of-parental-rights/
The reasons the court will use in terminating a parent’s rights are described and the steps are laid out in this lesson from the LegalWays curriculum. The “Case Study” presents a story of a baby and her mom and asks the students to decide if parental rights should be terminated and identify alternative steps that might be taken. Additional cases are considered in the “Mock Appellate Argument” activity. To conclude the lesson, the students are engaged in a “Mock Legislative Hearing” concerning a bill making it easier to terminate parental rights.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/legalways-child-abuse-and-neglect/
This lesson from LegalWays curriculum defines types of abuse, neglect, and endangerment and discusses mandated reporters and what happens when a report is made. Students use guiding questions and a matching activity to apply the law presented in a short student reading. The “You Decide” activity asks them to decide if a situation is neglect, endangerment, physical abuse, sexual abuse, or an accident. Many of the cases are actual stories. This lesson uses Minnesota law but can be easily adapted.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/legalways-harassment-and-restraining-orders/
Harassment is defined and steps a victim of harassment should take are included in this lesson from the LegalWays curriculum. In the “You Decide” activity the students decide if situations fit the definition of harassment. The “Ordering” activity asks students to order the steps in getting a restraining order. This activity can also be done as a Human Continuum (see Strategy section). The final activity, another “You Decide” asks students to decide if cases would result in a restraining order or an order for protection. This activity requires that the students have already completed the lesson on Domestic Abuse and Order for Protection. Student use a short reading on the law and guiding lessons to understand the content. Minnesota law is use in this lesson, but lesson adaptation is easily done.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/legalways-domestic-abuse-and-order-for-protection/
This lesson from LegalWays describes domestic abuse and what can be done when a person is the victim of abuse. The procedure for getting an Order for Protection is included. The “Case Study” activity asks the students to apply their new knowledge to a hypothetical case. As a culminating activity, the students will apply their knowledge and learn more about the court system in the Mock Trial, which involves domestic abuse between a girlfriend and boyfriend. Lesson includes a student reading with guiding questions using Minnesota law. Lesson can be adapted.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/legalways-child-protection/
In this lesson from LegalWays curriculum, Child Protection is explained, both the process and the people. The lesson also suggests what a parent involved in a child protection matter should do. Students use guiding questions to review the student reading. The two case studies ask the students to play the role of child protection worker and respond to the case, making recommendations and developing the case plan. They are also asked to take the perspective of a mother whose child is now under the services of child protection. This lesson applies Minnesota law but can be easily adapted.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/legalways-runaways/
This lesson from the LegalWays curriculum helps the students understand what will happen to them if they run away. The “Matching” activity asks them to match the terms with the definitions. The “Role-Play” activity has the students giving advice to young people contemplating running away. Although this activity reflects the procedures used in MInnesota, they are similar to procedures in other states and the student reading and guiding questions are easily adaptable.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/legalways-living-away-from-home/
This lesson from the LegalWays curriculum focuses on emancipation, which is a difficult area to understand because there is no specific Minnesota statute that lists the requirements and the procedure to become emancipated. This lesson describes emancipation and how it occurs using a student reading with guiding questions. In some states, the law provides specific procedure for emancipation.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/legalways-guardian-ad-litem-child-intermediary/
This lesson from LegalWays curriculum tries to help students understand who the people in the juvenile justice system are and what they do. The lesson includes a student reading with guiding questions to explain the law. The “Your Turn” activity asks the students to create situations involving guardians ad litem and child intermediaries and to identify the responsibilities they have in each case. Although this uses Minnesota law, it can be adapted for other states.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/legalways-children-in-foster-homes/
Because of the importance of foster care in the lives of many young people, this lesson from the LegalWays curriculum looks at foster care from the perspective of a child in foster care, including a description of the specific rights that youth in foster care have. The Case Plan activity asks the students to analyze three cases looking at the reasons for the foster care, the attempts to correct the problems, the services that might help, and what needs to be done to return the child home. Lesson includes a student reading about the law including guiding questions. Although the lesson uses Minnesota law, it can be adapted.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/legalways-visitation-and-child-support/
By Jennifer Bloom and Sally Revak This lesson from the LegalWays curriculum describes the rights, the people involved, and the way visitation can be changed, Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/legalways-paternity-and-child-custody/
This lesson from the LegalWays curriculum focuses on paternity, which is an important issue in the lives of teen parents. The reading about the law with the guiding questions and the Yes or No You Decide activity are designed to help the students understand the content of the law. The “Each One Teach One” is an effective way to teach and review the substance of the law in an interactive way. Although the reading reflects Minnesota law, the reading can be adapted easily.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/legalways-parenting/
In this lesson from the LegalWays curriculum, students are encouraged to think about the rights and responsibilities of parenting. The responsibility to keep children safe is emphasized. Lesson includes a short student reading with guiding questions. The “What do you think?” activity requires that the students understand the rights and responsibilities that they would have as teen parents toward their children and the rights and responsibilities that their parents have over them. “Your Turn” asks students to brainstorm conflicts between parents and children and then craft solutions that would be acceptable to both sides. “Your Turn” could also be used in mediation simulation. Although the lesson reflects Minnesota law, adaptions could be easily made.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/legalways-juvenile-protection-and-services/
This lesson presents the steps in juvenile protection and services cases. Materials include a student reading with related ordering activity. Lesson is targeted at young people at risk of being in the juvenile protection system. This activity uses Minnesota law but can be adapted for your state law.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/legalways-conciliation-court/
By Jennifer Bloom and Sally Revak From Unit 1 of LegalWays, a curriculum designed to teach a variety of legal topics of interest to young Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/legalways-your-right-to-an-attorney/
By Jennifer Bloom and Sally Revak From Unit 1 of LegalWays, a curriculum designed to teach a variety of legal topics of interest to young Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/founding-documents-treasure-hunt/
Students are provided a handout with quotations from the English Bill of Rights, Magna Carta, Mayflower Compact, and Declaration of
Independence. They are to identify the source of each quotation and paraphrase the passages using modern-day language.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/legalways-juvenile-court/
By Jennifer Bloom and Sally Revak, Learning Law and Democracy Foundation From Unit 1 of LegalWays, a curriculum designed to teach a variety of legal Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/legalways-sources-of-law-and-the-courts/
By Jennifer Bloom and Sally Revak, Learning Law and Democracy Foundation From Unit 1 of LegalWays, a curriculum designed to teach a variety of legal Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-problem-of-spongebob-roundpants-mock-trial-script/
This short scripted mock trial for grades 4-6 involves SpongeBob suing Abercrombie and Fish for pants that don’t fit. The roles of the people in the courtroom are described before students volunteer to play various parts. The scripted parts allow the trial to move quickly to jury deliberations during which the student jurors actually decide the verdict of the case.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/from-king-to-constitution-get-off-our-backs/
Authors: iCivics Students learn how the American colonists became used to governing themselves and ultimately declared independence from Britain in order to establish their own Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/visitor-from-outer-space/
Students are asked to evaluate and rank rights protected by the Bill of Rights in a hypothetical invasion by a visitor from outer space. Students complete the ranking individually and then work in small groups to come to consensus. Students apply prior knowledge about the meaning and importance of the rights and are inspired to learn more about these rights. Lesson can be used as an introductory or review activity.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/no-vehicles-in-the-park/
This lesson engages students in the interpretation of a law. Working in groups, they decide whether citizens engaged in various activities violate the law “No Vehicles in the Park.” Students can roleplay judges deciding whether the law has been violated or citizens requesting variances from a city council which would exempt them from the law.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/claim-your-powers/
This cooperative small group activity will involve students in a class competition. Groups are assigned one of the three branches of government and points are awarded when groups correctly claim the branches power and/or checks the branch has over other branches. Students will claim powers based on their reading and application of the first three articles of the Constitution to hypothetical situations. The constitutional themes presented are separation of powers and checks and balances.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/choosing-a-judge/
Students explore the considerations that play a role in judicial selection and select the qualities they think should be considered in selecting a judge. Students will then act as governor as they select one judge from a list of candidates.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/people-in-the-court/
This lesson introduces students to the various people who appear in courtrooms including parties to the court action, court employees, and the public. In small groups, students analyze the interests and concerns of each person using a worksheet. Students are also introduced to the right to a fair trial guaranteed by the 6th Amendment to the U. S. Constitution and Article 1, Section 6 of the Minnesota Constitution.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/government-mindwalk/
This lessons asks students to identify the various ways in which government is involved in their lives by imagining their daily activities and completing a worksheet with the activities, the rules or laws involved, the purpose or reasons, and whether the government action is appropriate.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/immigration-law-deport-or-not-you-decide/
Author: Rebecca Swinney, University of Minnesota Law Student, Street Law Course 2010 This lesson introduces students to immigration law in the United States. The lesson Read More
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/the-fourth-amendment-and-school-searches/
This lesson explores the Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable searches and seizures through the lens of “School Searches.” Using role-play scenarios, individual and class opinion polls, and a PowerPoint overview of the relevant case law, students will explore their own views, and learn what the law says about reasonable expectations of “privacy” at school.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/fourth-amendment%e2%80%99s-protections-in-the-home/
In this lesson, students will be presented with a brief summary of the scope of the Fourth Amendment as it relates to the home. They will read the facts of the Supreme Court case California v. Greenwood and work in small groups to deliberate as the Supreme Court would. After reaching a decision in their groups, they will be provided with the Supreme Court’s reasoning and have an opportunity to compare their explanations with those of the Court. The lesson includes background information and relevant case summaries for the teacher.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/juvenile-sentencing/
This lesson plan will aid students in understanding the goals of the juvenile justice system and the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment by participating in a Mock Appellate Argument.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/juvenile-justice-introduction/
This lesson aims to introduce students to the history of juvenile law in the United States, the differences between Juvenile and Criminal Law, and the different ways in which courts treat juvenile delinquency cases. The second day focuses on the Minnesota Juvenile Justice system. The lessons uses case studies of actual cases and student written reflections.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/understanding-the-minnesota-judiciary-impartiality-and-elections/
Abstract: Students will learn about judicial elections and impartiality through case studies on the exercise of First Amendment rights in judicial elections, limitations on corporate contributions, and procedures to protect impartiality. Strategies used include jigsaw of case studies and deliberation on proposed change to the Minnesota Constitution regarding judicial elections.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/understanding-the-minnesota-judiciary-judicial-decision-making/
Abstract: This lesson describes Minnesota’s different levels of courts differentiating them by structure, function, and decision making processes. The lesson includes a brief lecture/direct instruction component as well as a guided discussion activity. The direct instruction component is appropriate for any Civics course with a Judicial Branch unit focus. Due to its content, the lesson activity as written is most suitable for older high school students in Government or Civics classes.
https://teachingcivics.org/lesson/cameras-in-the-courtroom/
In this lesson, students will examine the constitutional conflicts of allowing or disallowing cameras in courtrooms. The importance of this issue will be emphasized through a discussion about media literacy. Students will participate in a “Shuttle Debate,” where they will argue whether the state of Minnesota, which currently does not allow cameras in courtrooms, should change its policy.
