Source: The Supreme Court
Describe the Fourteenth Amendment and important changes in its interpretation. Analyze the impact of the Fourteenth Amendment and the Supreme Court on workers' rights in the beginning of the 20th century.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Civil and Human Rights. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NewsHour Extra
Explore the role of technology and the Internet in political campaigning in the 21st century. Determine the effectiveness of a specific presidential candidate's use of technology as a campaign tool.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Community & Citizenship. Civics: United States Government. Technology and Civilization.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NewsHour Extra
Explain the role of checks and balances in U.S. government. Describe the process of selecting justices for the Supreme Court, examine past Supreme Court cases and discuss how the Supreme Court impacts citizens.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Frontline
Investigate the new front in the war on terror as Muslims relocate in European countries. Explore the issues related to balancing ethnic tolerance with national security from various perspectives, and describe the role the U.S. government is playing.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Current Events/Issues. Civics: United States Government. Cultural Studies: European Studies.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NewsHour Extra
Identify symbols and caricature in political cartoons and how they portray a message, opinion or point of view, then compare them with editorials. Select one current political cartoon, and create one in response to its message.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Reading & Language Arts, Social Studies
Topics: Media Studies. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NewsHour Extra
Outline the steps a candidate must take to be elected to the presidency. Create a profile of one candidate, including his/her qualifications and point of view on various topics, and monitor the candidate's progress and success in campaigning.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Community & Citizenship. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NewsHour Extra
Compare President Bush's new U.S. strategy in Iraq with ideas suggested by the Baker-Hamilton Commission, evaluate the suggestions made by these experts and work in groups to create your own policy.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Current Events/Issues. Civics: United States Government. World History: 1990-present.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NewsHour Extra
Examine branches of the armed forces in the United States, the history of conscription, ideas and reactions to the draft and voluntary enlistment. Compare U.S. policies to several foreign countries and analyze the value of required military service.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Comparative Political Systems. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: The Supreme Court
Explore how powers are distributed, shared and limited in the constitutional government of the United States. Analyze the Supreme Court case McCulloch v. Maryland, and consider how this case helped to further refine the balance of power under federalism.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NewsHour Extra
Discuss the purpose, goals and priorities of BRAC 2005. Examine the process by which the U.S. military examines its base structure and determines what changes are needed, and simulate a BRAC commission regional hearing.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Current Events/Issues. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Bill Moyers Journal
Investigate strategies used by the Bush Administration to build a case for war with Iraq, specifically the social and economic pressures on journalists during this time period. Identify and rank the various roles journalists play in society.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Reading & Language Arts, Social Studies
Topics: Journalism. Civics: Current Events/Issues. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NOW
Examine finances used on political campaigns, and review internal documents to determine if wealthy contributors "buy" government influence. Assess the pros and cons of campaign finance reform, and devise realistic plans for achieving reform.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Civil and Human Rights. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: By the People: Election 2004
Understand the fundraising process that takes place between special interest groups and political candidates. Analyze the decision-making relationships between direct democracy, interest, and the influence of money in modern American politics.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Reading & Language Arts, Social Studies
Topics: Critical Thinking Skills. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Moyers on America
Describe strategies that citizens or organizations can use to influence how a legislative representative votes on a particular bill. Investigate the pros and cons of lobbying and the proper role of this practice in a democracy.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Community & Citizenship. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Global Connections
Examine how relations between countries change over time in response to both domestic and international pressures. Identify and discuss the factors that contribute to U.S. foreign policy toward a country.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Comparative Political Systems. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NewsHour Extra
Examine how the system of checks and balances works. Analyze the process for selecting and confirming a Supreme Court justice, and explore how partisan politics can play a role in the process.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Point of View
Research the process of presidential elections, and assess the role of political campaigns in a democracy. Describe the historical significance of Chisholm as an African American woman running for national office and the challenges she faced.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: United States Government. Cultural Studies: African American Studies.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Flashpoints U.S.A.
Describe the elements of the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment as it relates to the separation of church and state and freedom of religion. Speculate on the probable constitutional issues associated with the separation of church and state.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Civil and Human Rights. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Rediscovering George Washington
Explore the relationship between freedom and limited government. Examine George Washington's words and actions that illustrate civic knowledge, self-restraint, self-assertion and self-reliance.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Community & Citizenship. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Flashpoints U.S.A.
Examine the rights and responsibilities of a citizen in a democratic system and ones that are guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. Consider the conditions of war and debate the pros and cons of the wartime curtailment of civil liberties.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Civil and Human Rights. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Forgotten Americans
Learn about the democratic process as it relates to community organizing. Investigate a community problem and decide what the government would need to do to resolve the problem.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Community & Citizenship. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NewsHour Extra
Describe the history and process of amending the U.S. Constitution. Explore the current debate over whether there should be an amendment to the Constitution that would define marriage as the legal union between a man and a woman.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: United States Government. Sociology.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Global Connections
Explore the relationship between the U.S. and Iran in the 1950s and 1970s. Extrapolate factors to be considered when shaping U.S. foreign policy using Iran as a case study.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: United States Government. Cultural Studies: 6-8 Eastern Studies.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Liberty! The American Revolution
Examine the tensions that existed between proponents of individual liberty and advocates of national strength and how the evolution of their debate shaped the Constitution and government of the United States of America.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: United States Government. United States History: 1754-1820s.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Washington Week
Understand how a presidential election is conducted in the United States, and consider the U.S. government as a two-party system examining its benefits and drawbacks. Define and present campaign issues from a youth and community perspective.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Current Events/Issues. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NOW
Review the concept of Civil Liberties and examine examples in American history in which rights were restricted. Investigate key arguments between those who seek to restrict liberties and those who do not.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Civil and Human Rights. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Inauguration 2001
Explore the periods and events surrounding George Washington's inauguration in the 18th century, and demonstrate how he set a precedent for each action he took as America's new president. Compare the 1789 inaugural with the most recent inauguration.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: United States Government. United States History: 1754-1820s.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: By the People: Election 2004
Understand the process by which legislation is created or changed and take an active-role in the political process. Become familiar with key, local issues in your community and write persuasive arguments for a particular position.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Community & Citizenship. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NOW
Examine the pros and cons of current gun control laws in the U.S. Defend the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution as it relates to firearms, or propose a new, better amendment.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Current Events/Issues. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Heroes of Ground Zero
Reflect on the meaning of a community and ways a community's needs may be determined. Evaluate the connection between the democratic health of a community and voluntary association.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Community & Citizenship. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Andrew Jackson: Good, Evil & the Presidency
Examine the changes Andrew Jackson effected in the American presidency including the rise of political parties, the electoral process, the so-called "spoils system" and the President's use of the veto. Explore his economic vision for the U.S.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: United States Government. Historical Perspective. United States History: 1801-1861.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Andrew Jackson: Good, Evil & the Presidency
Investigate two of the most debated issues of the early Republic that confronted Jackson's presidency. Trace the timeline of events that marked Jackson's plan of Indian removal and describe both sides of the Nullification Crisis.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: United States Government. Cultural Studies: Native American Studies. United States History: 1801-1861.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NewsHour Extra
Research the history and view examples of Presidential debates. Explore and practice formal debating skills and techniques of persuasion, and then apply them to look for failed logic in classmates' mock debates.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Reading & Language Arts, Social Studies
Topics: Debate/Public Speaking. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Frontline
Explore the connection between recent acts of terrorism and United States foreign policy in the Middle East, and take a stand on the issue of whether terrorism drives U.S. foreign policy or vice versa.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Current Events/Issues. Civics: United States Government. Cultural Studies: 6-8 Eastern Studies.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Global Connections
Explore the many factors that go into shaping U.S. foreign policy. Examine President Bush's November 10, 2001 address to the General Assembly of the United Nations, and infer policy objectives for the Middle East.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NewsHour Extra
Discuss how the government pays for Social Security. Research the history of the Social Security program, how it works, the concerns around the program meeting its future obligations or the plans being proposed to address this concern.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: United States Government. Economics.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NewsHour Extra
Describe the structure and function of the U.S. Supreme Court, and analyze milestone decisions. Debate recent Supreme Court rulings on various issues, and decide how these decisions have had personal impact.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Current Events/Issues. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Ken Burns American Stories
Explore the life and political career of Louisiana politician Huey Long, and analyze the degree to which Long abused power to accomplish his reform agenda. Investigate other voices in Populist reform of the time.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: United States Government. United States History: 1890-1930.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NewsHour Extra
Explore the immigration issue of the 2004 U.S. Presidential election, and describe the Bush immigration initiative. Investigate the process of naturalization of immigrants, and try answering some of the questions asked on the Citizenship Examination.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: United States Government. Immigration.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: KQED: My American Girls: A Dominican Story
Explore issues surrounding immigration, assimilation and maintenance of cultural identity. Discuss why people immigrate to another country and design an idealized version of an immigration center that provides support for newcomers.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: United States Government. Immigration.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Point of View
Understand the Establishment Clause and Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment. Explore how the Supreme Court functions to resolve First Amendment conflicts, and reenact key Supreme Court decisions concerning First Amendment rights.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Reading & Language Arts, Social Studies
Topics: Debate/Public Speaking. Civics: Civil and Human Rights. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Moyers on America
Investigate the significant political influence that conservative evangelical Christians have exerted in the past. Examine how division among evangelicals over the environment could impact their future influence on U.S. politics.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Science & Tech, Social Studies
Topics: Ecology. Civics: United States Government. Religion.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: By the People: Election 2004
Appreciate the issues that led to the Electoral College and defend a position as to the future of the system. Act as a "constitutional convention" convened to propose amendments and work together to create a feasible system of electing the president.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Reading & Language Arts, Social Studies
Topics: Debate/Public Speaking. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Frontline / World
Explore the tensions between the two foreign policies of isolationism and interventionism. Compare past and present U.S. involvement in the Phillipines.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: United States Government. Geography.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Frontline
Trace the political history and modus operandi of the political strategist behind most political and policy decisions of the Bush administration. Emulate such an "architect" by devising a social security reform policy focusing on one target group.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Current Events/Issues. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Frontline
Explain the balance of power that is at the heart of our federalist system. Using the question of the legality of abortions as a springboard, evaluate which level of government - state or national - should have authority over social and legal issues.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Civil and Human Rights. Civics: United States Government. Ethics.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Point of View
Understand the purpose of the 4th Amendment, and differentiate the concepts of majority rule and minority rights. Compare and contrast viewpoints on mandatory student drug testing, and summarize the rulings of two related Supreme Court decisions.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Civil and Human Rights. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Global Connections
Explore the history of Liberia and Liberian-U.S. relationships, and consider reasons relations between coutries change over time. Examine the weight of moral consideration in U.S. foreign policy towards Liberia.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Comparative Political Systems. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: The Civil War
Analyze the presidency of Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War and his attitude toward reconstruction. Explore the terms of Lincoln's Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction and his cabinet's letters on the issues surrounding it.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Reading & Language Arts, Social Studies
Topics: Non-Fiction: Letters, Diaries and Essays. Civics: United States Government. United States History: 1850-1877.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NewsHour Extra
Examine and analyze the evolution and ramifications of U.S. policy in Somalia. Participate in a mock policy committee to determine the most effective plan for restoring peace and stability to Somalia.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Current Events/Issues. Civics: United States Government. World History: 1990-present.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Flashpoints U.S.A.
Practice critical analysis skills to role-play members of the National Security Council of the U.S. government tracing the decision to go to war in Iraq. Understand strategies, risks, and consequences the government must consider in the time of war.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Current Events/Issues. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NewsHour Extra
Explore the issues surrounding the U.S. Supreme Court case related to medical marijuana use. Make conclusions on how the proposed law could jeopardize all federal drug laws and whether this should be a federal or state issue.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Health & Fitness, Social Studies
Topics: Chronic Conditions. Medicine. Civics: Current Events/Issues. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NewsHour Extra
Discuss the right to vote and the significance of mid-term elections. List and investigate mid-term election issues of popular concern, and create a unique product that can be used to teach others about one of these issues.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Community & Citizenship. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: American Experience
Participate in a mock Supreme Court hearing of Plessy v. Ferguson to explore the Court's opinions in 1892 about race relations. Consider whether segregation must always lead to discrimination and whether diversity always leads to tension.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: United States Government. Cultural Studies: African American Studies. United States History: 1870-1900.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Frontline
Analyze the Founding Fathers' views on the free press and explore how the media acts as a "watchdog." Examine reasons for granting journalists the right to keep sources confidential, and consider the impact of government restriction of the press.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: United States Government. Journalism.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NewsHour Extra
Investigate the issues involved with reporting leaked information, promising confidentiality to sources and the public's right to know. Conduct a mock trial involving these journalistic and confidentiality issues.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: United States Government. Journalism.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: By the People: Election 2004
Explore the role of rhetorical strategies in developing persuasive messages within political campaigns or speeches and the difficulties in trying to advance arguments in the face of partisan opposition.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Reading & Language Arts, Social Studies
Topics: Debate/Public Speaking. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NewsHour Extra
Analyze persuasive tools seen in political advertisements, and examine candidates' ads for logical fallacies. Create a commercial for a fictitious candidate, using the techniques and fallacies examined.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Reading & Language Arts, Social Studies
Topics: Media Studies. Civics: Community & Citizenship. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Washington Week
Research local representatives in states of interest including biographical information, issues of concern and constituent services. Understand the close connection between district representatives and the federal government.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Community & Citizenship. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: By the People: Election 2004
Understand the importance of viable policy positions in a campaign and brief concluding statements on issues from candidates. Identify the role of major issues in a presidential election by holding a mock campaign staff meeting.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: By the People: Election 2004
Plan a campaign stop in a fictional city, identifying main tasks, evaluating decisions, and discerning the importance the media's impact will have on the campaign. Understand ways candidates attempt to reach the city's potential voters.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Global Connections
Study the role of rubber in Liberian-U.S. relationships. Research guns, diamonds or timber in Liberia, summarize findings with a graphic organizer, discuss and role-play an assigned political identity at a state dinner in Washington D.C.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Comparative Political Systems. Civics: United States Government. Economics.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Religion & Ethics Newsweekly
Explain, give examples of and assess key religious, legal and socio-economic arguments associated with the same-sex marriage debate. Predict the future status of same-sex marriages in the United States.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Health & Fitness, Social Studies
Topics: Human Sexuality. Civics: Civil and Human Rights. Civics: United States Government. Sociology.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Religion & Ethics Newsweekly
Explore how particular religious blocs voted in the 2004 presidential election and consider the impact of religion on politics by investigating the controversy over judicial nominees.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: United States Government. Religion.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Rediscovering George Washington
Explore Washington's and other founders' views on the role of religion and religious liberty in the American founding. Examine liberty and the natural law, religion and the moral conditions of liberty and the meaning of the religious clauses.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Civil and Human Rights. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NewsHour Extra
Identify and differentiate between types of political samples, and select and use statistical and visual representations to describe a list of data. Identify sources of bias in samples, and find ways of reducing and eliminating sampling bias.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Math, Social Studies
Topics: Data Analysis/Probability. Numbers and Operations. Civics: Current Events/Issues. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Frontline
Examine the constitutional powers granted to Congress and the president in a time of national crisis. Understand how President Bush has attached signing statements to congressional acts he feels might infringe on his constitutional powers.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Current Events/Issues. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Washington Week
Explore current issues surrounding the Social Security program, and describe the reasons for the concern of a funding shortfall. Examine some of the more popular solutions to address the problem, and write letters to representatives with your views.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Current Events/Issues. Civics: United States Government. Economics.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Point of View
Investigate the struggles of an Oglala Lakota family to grow industrial hemp on their South Dakota reservation for economic reasons. Take a stand on the issue and develop an argument based on supporting evidence.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Current Events/Issues. Civics: United States Government. Economics.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NewsHour Extra
Study the history and purpose of the State of the Union address and learn how to evaluate the speech. Review the elements of a successful speech in preparation for viewing President Bush's address.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Reading & Language Arts, Social Studies
Topics: Debate/Public Speaking. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Inauguration 2001
Use a flowchart to understand the steps of electing the president and vice-president in the United States, particularly the 2000 election. Develop an original flowchart that reflects some aspect of American government.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Reading & Language Arts, Social Studies
Topics: Organizing Information & Ideas. Civics: United States Government. World History: 1990-present. United States History: 1990-present.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NewsHour Extra
Examine the structure of Congress and its legislative process, and identify roles played by political parties, congressional leaders, committees and other groups. Describe the formal process of lawmaking and differences between the House and Senate.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NewsHour Extra
Explore the fundamental roles of the Executive Branch and the Senate in the judicial selection process. Participate in a mock judicial hearing to confirm a Supreme Court justice by assuming one of the positions held on a Senate Judiciary committee.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Washington Week
Describe what makes a qualified Supreme Court Justice, examine the ideology of current Supreme Court Justices, review pending cases and discuss possible rulings. Examine the role of activist groups in the confirmation of Supreme Court Justices.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NewsHour Extra
Explore the purpose and history of the State of the Union address, discuss elements of a successful political speech and evaluate President Bush's 2004 State of the Union Address. Use this information to predict topics and issues for 2005's speech.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Reading & Language Arts, Social Studies
Topics: Debate/Public Speaking. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Frontline
Explore the creation of the Food and Drug Administration, and describe the market of complementary and alternative medicine in the world today. Identify current societal problems and compare them to the problems and solutions of the Progressive Era.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Health & Fitness, Social Studies
Topics: Consumer Health. Medicine. Civics: United States Government. Media Studies.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NewsHour Extra
Identify basic facts about the structure and history of recall elections in California and the nation. Analyze the pros and cons of a gubernatorial recall election.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Current Events/Issues. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Rediscovering George Washington
Explore many of the differences the founding fathers confronted while developing the compromises that made the U.S. Constitution possible. Examine the Great Compromise and the slavery compromises.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: United States Government. United States History: 1754-1820s.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NewsHour Extra
Examine the costs of war, both short term and long term, and identify how the money is spent. Understand the logistics that go into the cost of a war and the nuances of creating a budget.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: United States Government. Economics.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Liberty! The American Revolution
Examine the conditions faced by Washington's Continental Army, and explore how Washington was able to hold his troops together.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: United States Government. United States History: 1754-1820s.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NewsHour Extra
Define, analyze and debate the pros and cons of the Electoral College system.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Current Events/Issues. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Point of View
Investigate Alberto Fujimori's 10-year presidency in Peru, including details of the hard-line strategies used to fight Peru's war on terrorism. Research and analyze civil liberty limitations put in place in the U.S. during times of war.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: United States Government. World History: 1990-present.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NewsHour Extra
Investigate the federal confirmation process, and explore the effectiveness of the U.S. government's system of checks and balances in regulating the three branches. Simulate a confirmation hearing to appoint Porter Goss as the new head of the CIA.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Current Events/Issues. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Point of View
Explore the difference between protected and prohibited speech as guaranteed by the First Amendment. Explain how free speech is essential to democracy, how a speech can escalate or de-escalate a conflict and how best to react to offensive speeches.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Civil and Human Rights. Civics: United States Government. Ethics.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NewsHour Extra
Explore the history and role of the Supreme Court. Examine noteworthy Supreme Court cases, and determine the relevance of each decision to current society.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Inauguration 2001
Review key historical and political events discussed in past inaugural addresses. Compare and contrast the language, style and effectiveness used in the inaugural addresses of George Herbert Walker Bush in 1989 and George Walker Bush in 2001.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: United States Government. United States History: 1990-present.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Inauguration 2001
Investigate how the Constitution outlines the presidential inauguration and how the inauguration symbolizes the transition of power in a democracy. Relate the elements of the inauguration to the powers of the president listed in the Constitution.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Inauguration 2001
Use local and national newspapers, periodicals, news broadcasts and the Internet to compare the most recent inauguration information as it appears in the media. Write an editorial on the inauguration and the presidency.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: United States Government. Media Studies.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NewsHour Extra
Analyze the history behind the formation of the International Criminal Court (ICC), and discuss what constitutes an international crime. Compare the ICC to U.S. Courts, and dicuss the controversy over U.S. involvement in the ICC.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Current Events/Issues. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Inauguration 2001
Examine the inauguration of Andrew Jackson in 1828, and discuss how his election signaled changes in the American political landscape and embodied the culture of his era. Compare the politics of Jacksonian democracy with current American politics.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: United States Government. United States History: 1801-1861.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Frontline
Examine the First Amendment and a letter written by Thomas Jefferson and identify how each reflects issues related to separation of church and state. Discuss what the First Amendment means today.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Current Events/Issues. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NewsHour Extra
Investigate the Eighth Amendment and how the U.S. Supreme Court determines what constitutes cruel and unusual punishment. Decide whether the juvenile death penalty violates the amendment, by applying and analyzing established principles of law.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Civil and Human Rights. Civics: United States Government. Ethics.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: American Experience
Research public opinion about the use of biological weapons before and after their use in the Vietnam War. Compare maps of U.S. biological and nuclear weapon test sites to see if any test sites were or are located near you.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: United States Government. Ethics.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: American Experience
Investigate personal accounts of biological weapon attacks and consider whether use of such weapons can ever be justified. Investigate the locations of secret U.S. weapons tests and consider the public's right to know about them.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: United States Government. Ethics. Historical Perspective.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Moyers on America
Debate whether network service providers should be allowed to charge higher rates for Web sites that use heavy bandwidth for data transfers, or if regulation is needed to guarantee that all sites have access to high-speed, reliable content delivery.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Science & Tech, Social Studies
Topics: Communications & Computing. Civics: Current Events/Issues. Civics: United States Government. Economics.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Independent Lens
Investigate personal perspectives regarding immigration to the U.S., the history of U.S. immigration policies and the circumstances that have influenced changes in the policies. Examine new legislation and debate current or proposed policies.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: United States Government. Immigration.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Independent Lens
Examine conditions that force refugees to come to the U.S., and research and discuss facts regarding American refugees. Describe the refugee experience of one Nigerian based on the actual story of the exodus from her country.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: United States Government. Immigration.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Frontline
Examine a specific piece of legislation or important governmental policy, noting historical context, arguments for and against and ultimate impact. Decide on a political marketing strategy for the legislation or policy.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: United States Government. Media Studies.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: The Supreme Court
Define the terms "precedent" and "stare decisis." Analyze the Supreme Court case Miranda v. Arizona and related cases to consider the importance of upholding precedents and why it may at times be necessary to overturn precedents.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Civil and Human Rights. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NewsHour Extra
Explain the process related to confirming presidential appointees by applying the system of checks and balances and separation of powers. Simulate the confirmation process in appointing a member of the President's cabinet.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: By the People: Election 2004
Examine the formal and informal powers the president of the United States holds in office. Assess the political skills and personal qualities an individual must have to win the office and carry out the responsibilities of the presidency.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NewsHour Extra
Investigate media coverage of Presidential debates, and discuss how viewers are influenced by things other than the issues being debated. Explore techniques that can help viewers focus on what the candidates say rather than how they look and act.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Reading & Language Arts, Social Studies
Topics: Critical Thinking Skills. Debate/Public Speaking. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NewsHour Extra
Examine the process by which candidates for U.S. president are nominated. Identify and understand differences between primaries and caucuses and key terms and issues related to the primary season.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NewsHour Extra
Investigate the clash between civil liberties and national security during wartime. Identify the legal issues involved with detaining suspects at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba for the 9/11 attacks as well as those surrounding the existence of the base itself.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Current Events/Issues. Civics: United States Government. Ethics.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NewsHour Extra
Identify the services provided by U.S. embassies abroad and the role ambassadors and embassies play in carrying out U.S. foreign policy and protecting American interests. Explain why embassies are sometimes targets of terrorist attacks.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Current Events/Issues. Civics: United States Government. World History: 1990-present.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NOVA
Examine a range of federal and state actions on tobacco issues, determine which regulations are unfavorable or favorable to the smoking industry and consider the government's role in public health.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Health & Fitness, Social Studies
Topics: Public/World Health. Substance Abuse Prevention. Civics: United States Government. Media Studies.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Great Lodges
Prepare a speech that persuades Congress of the merit of preserving the Grand Canyon as a National Park.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: United States Government. Geography.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Frontline
Explore the impact of failures of communications systems on victims in the Hurricane Katrina disaster on the gulf coast in 2005. Evaluate how U.S. governments help citizens in times of crisis and how this storm impacted their procedures.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Health & Fitness, Social Studies
Topics: Public/World Health. Civics: Current Events/Issues. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Rediscovering George Washington
Examine the Declaration of Indepedence and other historical quotes in relation to the idea of human equality and equal protection under the law.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Civil and Human Rights. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Rediscovering George Washington
Analyze historical evidence to understand what it means for a government to operate with the consent of the governed. Consider why the American founders considered this type of government the only legitimate form of government.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: United States Government. United States History: 1754-1820s.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Rediscovering George Washington
Consider what government is. Examine why, from the point of view of the American founders, government is not only necessary, but good for human beings.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Civil and Human Rights. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Washington Week
Discuss the types, effects and threats of weapons of mass destruction and who should retain these weapons. Explore what role the United Nations has in reducing or eliminating these threats.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Current Events/Issues. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NewsHour Extra
Determine how the political party nominating conventions make their selection of candidates for president and vice president. Analyze how politicians use language to connect with voters and achieve other goals.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Reading & Language Arts, Social Studies
Topics: Critical Thinking Skills. Media Studies. Civics: Community & Citizenship. Civics: Current Events/Issues. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Inauguration 2001
Identify key points of Thomas Jefferson's first inaugural address in 1800 and how his words embodied American beliefs about democratic leadership and the peaceful transfer of power from the Federalists to the Democratic-Republican administration.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: United States Government. United States History: 1754-1820s.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NewsHour Extra
Explore the trade issue of the 2004 U.S. Presidential election, and describe each candidate's stand. Use graphic organizers to investigate the idea of outsourcing jobs and the effect it has on the economy of both individuals and the government.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Current Events/Issues. Civics: United States Government. Economics.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NOW
Investigate the historical background and the perspectives for and against the U.S. trade embargo on Cuba. Develop a position on the embargo, and articulate viewpoints in a public forum.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: United States Government. United States History: 1945-early 1970s.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Frontline
Compare historical and current U.S./Iranian relationships. Consider how the current political climate impacts foreign policy toward Iran, and research the platforms of 2008 presidential candidates regarding these issues.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Current Events/Issues. Civics: United States Government. Cultural Studies: Middle Eastern Studies.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: American Masters
Examine politics and history critically and determine how political writing can shape our understanding of history. Debate Gore Vidal's claim that America "wanted to be like Greece and ended up like Rome."
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Reading & Language Arts, Social Studies
Topics: Critical Thinking Skills. Reading: Reading Comprehension. Civics: United States Government. Journalism.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NewsHour Extra
Survey elected officials to find out what pieces of legislation are most important to them. Conduct political polling in the community, analyze political commercials and create a flyer encouraging people to vote.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Community & Citizenship. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NOW
Examine governmental influence in everyday life, analyze a report focusing on a democracy reform effort and predict the impact. Strategize a way to overcome a perceived obstacle to voter participation locally, develop an action plan and implement.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Community & Citizenship. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: By the People: Election 2004
Gain an appreciation for citizen participation in politics by reviewing past movements to extend the right of suffrage to other groups. Write effective and persuasive letters to leaders concerning a fictitious amendment to lower the voting age.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Reading & Language Arts, Social Studies
Topics: Writing: Composition. Writing: Mechanics. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Freedom: A History of US
Determine why the 1920s were called the Roaring Twenties, examine life and culture in the U.S. during this time and examine the rise and fall of Prohibition.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: United States Government. United States History: 1890-1930.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Freedom: A History of US
Examine the events through which Franklin Roosevelt led the United States as President, identify the four freedoms FDR defended and discuss how President Roosevelt moved American toward freedom.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: United States Government. United States History: 1929-1945.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Freedom: A History of US
Understand the significance of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, conduct interviews to find out what people remember and how they felt about the assassination and compare and contrast the presidencies of John Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: United States Government. United States History: 1945-early 1970s.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Freedom: A History of US
Describe the incident that led to the Plessy v. Ferguson Supreme Court case and what the decision meant for the civil rights of African Americans. Identify the role of the Supreme Court in the U.S. government.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: United States Government. United States History: 1850-1877.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NewsHour Extra
Explore the history of the armed forces and conscription in the United States. Compare U.S. policies to those of several foreign countries, and debate the value of required military service in America.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Comparative Political Systems. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NewsHour Extra
Examine the history of civil disobedience and analyze whether it is a viable form of protest in today's world. Explore quotations about law versus personal conviction in order to form a group consensus on the ethics of civil disobedience.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: United States Government. Ethics.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Frontline
Research and theorize about Lee Harvey Oswald's motivations to assassinate President Kennedy. Use information gained to testify in a mock court trial searching for the motivation behind the assassination.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: United States Government. United States History: 1945-early 1970s.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NOW
Analyze historical documents on religious freedom, and assess the historic impact of diverse religious groups in the U.S. Examine current "separation of church and state" issues, and decide if diverse religious groups in the U.S. pose a threat.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: United States Government. Immigration.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Rediscovering George Washington
Understand the significance of the Unites States Constitution. Examine two competing schools of constitutional interpretation and consider the philosophical basis of the Constitution.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Civil and Human Rights. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: The Supreme Court
Define the term "civil liberties." Analyze Supreme Court cases involving the Pledge of Allegiance, and consider how the government must balance the rights of individuals to exercise their civil liberties with the needs and goals of others in society.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Civil and Human Rights. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Independent Lens
Evaluate the government's role in a crisis and compare the governmental handling of a fictional oil crisis with two recent domestic crises. Develop a government emergency plan that will maintain order and protect American people in an emergency situation.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies
Topics: Civics: Current Events/Issues. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: By the People: Election 2004
Examine the process of researching, writing, and presenting an effective and convincing political speech to various political groups. Research political party platforms and write, present, and assess speeches based on these platforms.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Reading & Language Arts, Social Studies
Topics: Debate/Public Speaking. Writing: Composition. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NOW
Study and evaluate a recent U.S. Supreme Court case that reviews jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act and assesses environmental and business interests. Research and debate a case argument, and analyze case information in order to make a decision.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Health & Fitness, Social Studies
Topics: Public/World Health. Civics: United States Government. United States History: 1990-present.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
