From BackStory With The American History Guys “Just what is the role of the FBI when investigating politicians and did [FBI Directory James] Comey cross Read More
In this lesson students will identify rules that are important for their daily work and learning at school. They will participate in civil discourse as Read More
“Constitution 101 is a 15-unit asynchronous, semester-long curriculum that provides students with a basic understanding of the Constitution’s text, history, structure, and caselaw…Each module includes detailed Read More
Our Super Civics teacher team has created easy to follow grade level lessons with coordinating slides that use children’s literature to teach elections.
This lesson offers a set of questions to connect students’ prior knowledge to the theme of citizenship by examining the attributes and actions of effective Read More
“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
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
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
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
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
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
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
How do we balance individual rights and the common good? Learning Targets: analyze the tensions between individual rights (Natural Rights Philosophy) and the common good Read More
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
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
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
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
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
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
Real-world policy in your classroom.
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
In this video (1:20), Usher explains the word “volunteer” to Elmo, and together they see various examples of volunteers on Sesame Street.
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
“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
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.
“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
“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
A variety of lesson plans that utilize ProCon.org’s Presidential Election site. tags: distance/ online learning
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
“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
Follow the state by state stories and timeline of the ratification of the Nineteenth (19th) Amendment.
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
Explore the state histories of the ratification of the Nineteenth (19th) and women’s right to vote. tags: suffrage, voting
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
Review the 2018-2019 Supreme Court’s argument sessions modified case study and focus questions for classroom use. Featured Cases 2018-2019 – Rucho v. Common Cause – Can Read More
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
“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
“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
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
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
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
This 5-minute video portrays two rights activists from different eras: suffragist Virginia Minor and Vietnam war protester Mary Beth Tinker.
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
Search for teaching strategies by type, audience, or learning style. tag: distance learning
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
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
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
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
This strategy involves students in their own learning by helping them discover information on their own. tag: distance learning
“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
“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
75+ Tools to Improve Student Learning Strategies compiled by Stefanie Wager (National Council for the Social Studies, Iowa Department of Education) tag: distance learning
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
Florida Joint Center for Citizenship Why do we celebrate Constitution Day? Activity Documents and Handouts – Creating the Constitution PowerPoint Presentation Copies of Read More
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
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
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
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
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
“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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
“…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
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
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
“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
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
