Civics and Government

A lesson focused on evaluating the historical impact and adequacy of the Nuremberg Trials through structured writing and evidence-based argumentation.

A 45-minute exploration of how the Cold War influenced American media, focusing on how television, movies, and comics reflected the era's anxieties and social changes. Students will analyze a clip from The Twilight Zone and examine the rise of sci-fi as a metaphor for nuclear fear and social conformity.

A fast-paced investigation into the 18th Amendment, exploring how Prohibition fueled organized crime and transformed American culture before its ultimate repeal.

This lesson explores the psychological factors and interrogation techniques that lead to confessions, with a specific focus on why innocent suspects might confess to crimes they didn't commit.

A dramatic exploration of John Brown's 1859 raid on Harpers Ferry, focusing on the conflicting perspectives of the raiders, the military, and the local community through a 4-scene classroom play.

An exploration of Hans Eysenck's criminal personality theory, focusing on the intersection of biology, behaviorism, and personality traits like extraversion and neuroticism.

This lesson explores Hans Eysenck's criminal personality theory, focusing on the biological and environmental factors that contribute to criminal behavior and identifying the four higher-order factors of personality.

This lesson explores the origins and impacts of urban stereotypes, specifically focusing on the harmful "violent" and "drug-seeking" narratives often applied to marginalized communities. Students will analyze media bias and reflect on the real-world consequences of these single-perspective stories.

A fast-paced opening activity designed to spark debate and critical thinking about the insanity defense through primary source analysis. Students examine historical legal standards and grapple with the moral complexities of criminal responsibility.

A deep dive into the psychology of collective behavior, examining how individuals lose their sense of self in a crowd. Students analyze historical examples from the 1692 Salem Witch Trials, the French Revolution, and modern social media to understand the triggers and consequences of mob mentality.

An exploration of the social construction of identity and the mechanisms of social control through shame, using Nietzschean philosophy and Goffman's dramaturgical perspective. Students analyze how societal 'shoulds' create masks and puppets, particularly in the context of gender and social roles.

This lesson explores the sociology of in-groups and out-groups through the lens of sports rivalries and post-WWI nationalism. Students analyze how the urge to create 'outsiders' has historically been used to build political unity and scapegoat marginalized populations.

Students will analyze the Tariff Act of 1789 through the lens of a new nation's economic survival. By adopting the roles of Northern manufacturers and Southern planters, they will debate the merits of protectionism versus free trade, culminating in a mock Congressional vote.

This lesson explores the duality of societal responses to the September 11th attacks, comparing the surge in patriotism and unity with the rise of prejudice and scapegoating directed at Muslim Americans. Students will use the final segment of a historical documentary to reflect on the role of fear in society and create their own messages of unity based on a poignant quote from the spouse of a 9/11 victim.

A high school lesson deconstructing the psychological and sociological mechanisms of propaganda and scapegoating within authoritarian regimes, featuring a creative 'Ministry of Information' activity.

Students will investigate the First Red Scare as a case study in mass hysteria, mapping the 'Anatomy of a Scare' to understand how social panics evolve from trigger events to consequences, and applying this framework to modern societal fears.

This lesson compares Hammurabi's Code with modern legal concepts, focusing on types of justice (retributive vs. restorative) and the origin of the presumption of innocence. Students analyze ancient and contemporary laws to evaluate the evolution of fairness and deterrence.

A high school history lesson exploring the intersection of gender dynamics, societal vulnerability, and systematic misogyny during the European witch trials (1560-1800). Students analyze historical demographics and evaluate how sexism functions as a system of power.

A high school history lesson comparing the radical strategies of John Brown's insurrection with Abraham Lincoln's political containment and Free Soil platform, centered around primary source analysis of 1859 editorials.

A high school English and Social Studies lesson exploring the concepts of utopia, restorative justice, and prison abolition through critical thinking and community design. Students analyze the philosophies of punishment and work in groups to 'imagine' a society built on support rather than incarceration.

A project-based lesson where students act as political analysts to evaluate the modern-day relevance of George Washington's 1796 warnings using current news media and political events.

A 45-minute deep dive into George Washington's Farewell Address, focusing on his prophetic warnings regarding the dangers of political factions and their impact on national unity.

A comprehensive 40-minute lesson on the impact of the September 11 attacks, President Bush's response, and the legislative aftermath of the USA PATRIOT Act, tailored to Tennessee state standards.

A 25-minute deep dive into the Clinton Administration, covering major domestic policies, foreign interventions, and the technological boom of the 1990s. This lesson addresses TN Standard US.89 through direct instruction and a policy-impact activity.

A focused 20-minute lesson covering the George H.W. Bush administration, specifically the invasion of Panama, the Gulf War, and the domestic budget debates.

A comprehensive high school history lesson covering the presidency of Ronald Reagan, focusing on Reaganomics, the Cold War, and domestic social issues as aligned with TN Standard US.87.

An in-depth look at the Bay of Pigs invasion, focusing on John F. Kennedy's decision-making process, the strategic failures of the CIA-led operation, and the enduring geopolitical consequences of the Cold War crisis.

A comprehensive lesson on Jimmy Carter's administration, covering the economic challenges, foreign policy triumphs and failures, and the cultural shift of the late 1970s. Includes slides, notes, activities, and extensive primary/visual resources.

The final assessment and preparation materials for the unit on 1960-1980 US History.

Analyze the Watergate scandal, the Supreme Court's ruling in US v. Nixon, and the resulting shift in American trust in government and the presidency.

Investigate the shift in U.S. foreign policy under Richard Nixon, including the policy of détente with the Soviet Union, the opening of relations with China, and the complex path to exiting Vietnam.

Examine the transformative legal landscape of the 1960s through the key decisions of the Warren Court and the rise of the counterculture movement during the Vietnam era.

Analyze how scientific and technological advancements, from satellite communications to chemical weaponry like Agent Orange, transformed the American experience of the Vietnam War and the Space Race.

Explore the dual priorities of Lyndon B. Johnson's presidency: the ambitious 'Great Society' domestic programs and the escalating commitment to the Vietnam War following the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution.

A 35-minute lesson exploring the rise of environmentalism in the United States, focusing on the creation of the EPA and the impact of the Love Canal and Three Mile Island disasters. Students analyze the transition from grass-roots activism to federal policy through primary sources and historical visuals.

A comprehensive 35-minute lesson on the Watergate scandal, covering the break-in, media role, Supreme Court case, and historical legacy. Includes slides, guided notes, primary source activities, and a detailed study guide.

A comprehensive 35-minute lesson on the Watergate scandal, covering the break-in, the role of investigative journalism, the Supreme Court case US v. Nixon, and the lasting impact on American trust in government.

A high-speed dive into the pivotal foreign policy and domestic strategies of Richard Nixon, focusing on China, the USSR, and the 'Silent Majority.'

A comprehensive 35-minute high school lesson exploring the impact of the Vietnam War on the American home front, focusing on media, protest, the draft, and the long-term health effects on veterans.

Mastery assessment for the 1960s and Civil Rights Era, covering JFK, LBJ, the Space Race, and the various movements for equality.

A summative assessment evaluating student mastery of the 1980s and 90s through multiple-choice, true/false, short answer, and DBQ questions.

Investigate the technological revolution of the Internet, advancements in DNA, and the shifting landscape of global security leading toward 2001.

Examine the economic boom of the 90s, the impacts of NAFTA, and the process of deindustrialization.

Analyze the collapse of the Soviet Union, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the end of the Cold War.

Explore the rise of conservatism, 'Reaganomics', and the social shifts of the 1980s.

A speaking-focused lesson exploring the human cost of urban change through a role-play debate regarding the redevelopment of a local community market.

Introduction to the concept of gentrification through visual analysis and a 'live listening' exercise focusing on the transformation of East London neighborhoods.

A project-based lesson where students act as political analysts to evaluate the modern-day relevance of George Washington's 1796 warnings using current news media and political events.

A comprehensive two-week final project for high school students to investigate and propose solutions for a major global issue from one of five core units: News Literacy, Immigration, Climate Change, Global Conflict, or Human Rights.

A 45-minute deep dive into George Washington's Farewell Address, focusing on his prophetic warnings regarding the dangers of political factions and their impact on national unity.

A 25-minute deep dive into the Clinton Administration, covering major domestic policies, foreign interventions, and the technological boom of the 1990s. This lesson addresses TN Standard US.89 through direct instruction and a policy-impact activity.

A focused 20-minute lesson covering the George H.W. Bush administration, specifically the invasion of Panama, the Gulf War, and the domestic budget debates.

A comprehensive lesson on Jimmy Carter's administration, covering the economic challenges, foreign policy triumphs and failures, and the cultural shift of the late 1970s. Includes slides, notes, activities, and extensive primary/visual resources.

An in-depth exploration of the Tet Offensive and the pivotal role of media coverage during the Vietnam War, examining how the 'Living Room War' changed American public opinion and created a credibility gap.

A comprehensive exploration of the Vietnam War era, covering military tactics, political turning points, and the seismic cultural shifts of the 1960s. Students analyze primary sources, map the conflict, and evaluate the domestic impact of the war.

The final assessment and preparation materials for the unit on 1960-1980 US History.

A 35-minute lesson exploring the rise of environmentalism in the United States, focusing on the creation of the EPA and the impact of the Love Canal and Three Mile Island disasters. Students analyze the transition from grass-roots activism to federal policy through primary sources and historical visuals.

A high-speed dive into the pivotal foreign policy and domestic strategies of Richard Nixon, focusing on China, the USSR, and the 'Silent Majority.'

A comprehensive 35-minute high school lesson exploring the impact of the Vietnam War on the American home front, focusing on media, protest, the draft, and the long-term health effects on veterans.

Mastery assessment for the 1960s and Civil Rights Era, covering JFK, LBJ, the Space Race, and the various movements for equality.

A summative assessment evaluating student mastery of the 1980s and 90s through multiple-choice, true/false, short answer, and DBQ questions.

Investigate the technological revolution of the Internet, advancements in DNA, and the shifting landscape of global security leading toward 2001.

Examine the economic boom of the 90s, the impacts of NAFTA, and the process of deindustrialization.

Analyze the collapse of the Soviet Union, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the end of the Cold War.

Explore the rise of conservatism, 'Reaganomics', and the social shifts of the 1980s.

A speaking-focused lesson exploring the human cost of urban change through a role-play debate regarding the redevelopment of a local community market.

Introduction to the concept of gentrification through visual analysis and a 'live listening' exercise focusing on the transformation of East London neighborhoods.

A project-based lesson where students act as political analysts to evaluate the modern-day relevance of George Washington's 1796 warnings using current news media and political events.

A comprehensive two-week final project for high school students to investigate and propose solutions for a major global issue from one of five core units: News Literacy, Immigration, Climate Change, Global Conflict, or Human Rights.

A 45-minute deep dive into George Washington's Farewell Address, focusing on his prophetic warnings regarding the dangers of political factions and their impact on national unity.

A high-school level exploration of how the 14th Amendment's scope was expanded through legislative acts like the ADA and IDEA, and judicial rulings like Obergefell v. Hodges. Students analyze the roles of different government branches in securing civil rights.

A comprehensive 40-minute lesson on the impact of the September 11 attacks, President Bush's response, and the legislative aftermath of the USA PATRIOT Act, tailored to Tennessee state standards.

A 25-minute deep dive into the Clinton Administration, covering major domestic policies, foreign interventions, and the technological boom of the 1990s. This lesson addresses TN Standard US.89 through direct instruction and a policy-impact activity.

A focused 20-minute lesson covering the George H.W. Bush administration, specifically the invasion of Panama, the Gulf War, and the domestic budget debates.

A comprehensive high school history lesson covering the presidency of Ronald Reagan, focusing on Reaganomics, the Cold War, and domestic social issues as aligned with TN Standard US.87.

An in-depth look at the Bay of Pigs invasion, focusing on John F. Kennedy's decision-making process, the strategic failures of the CIA-led operation, and the enduring geopolitical consequences of the Cold War crisis.

A comprehensive lesson on Jimmy Carter's administration, covering the economic challenges, foreign policy triumphs and failures, and the cultural shift of the late 1970s. Includes slides, notes, activities, and extensive primary/visual resources.

An in-depth exploration of the Tet Offensive and the pivotal role of media coverage during the Vietnam War, examining how the 'Living Room War' changed American public opinion and created a credibility gap.

A comprehensive exploration of the Vietnam War era, covering military tactics, political turning points, and the seismic cultural shifts of the 1960s. Students analyze primary sources, map the conflict, and evaluate the domestic impact of the war.

The final assessment and preparation materials for the unit on 1960-1980 US History.

A project-based lesson where students act as political analysts to evaluate the modern-day relevance of George Washington's 1796 warnings using current news media and political events.

A 45-minute deep dive into George Washington's Farewell Address, focusing on his prophetic warnings regarding the dangers of political factions and their impact on national unity.

An in-depth exploration of conscientious objection and military ethics through the lens of the film Hacksaw Ridge, featuring DOK Level 3 discussion prompts and evaluation tools.

An exploration of the foundations of citizenship in ancient Athens, covering eligibility, rights, responsibilities, and the unique practice of ostracism.

An in-depth look at the landmark Supreme Court case of Dred Scott v. Sandford, exploring its legal complexities and its role as a catalyst for the American Civil War.

This lesson compares the exclusionary nature of citizenship in Ancient Athens with the 1857 Dred Scott decision, exploring how legal standing and individual rights were historically denied based on birth and status.

Students explore the intersection of history, art, and civic values by analyzing controversial monuments and designing their own commemorative public art. This lesson specifically looks at New Mexico's complex history and global movements to rethink public memory.

This lesson examines the ideological clash between Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois regarding the best path for African American progress in the post-Reconstruction South. Students will perform a critical analysis of primary sources and compare their distinct strategies for civil rights, education, and social status.

Une leçon complète sur les territoires ultramarins français, abordant leur géographie, leurs statuts (DROM et COM), leurs défis économiques et leur importance stratégique pour le Brevet.

This lesson explores the economic and social impact of World War II on African Americans, focusing on the Double V campaign, the FEPC, and the integration of the military. Students will engage in a mock hearing to analyze employment discrimination and Truman's executive orders.

A master curriculum framework for World History that defines standards, objectives, skills, learning goals, and vocabulary for nine instructional units spanning 1200 C.E. to the present.

A master curriculum framework for Civic Literacy that defines standards, objectives, skills, learning goals, and vocabulary for thirteen instructional units.

A master curriculum framework for American History that defines standards, objectives, skills, learning goals, and vocabulary for thirteen instructional units.

A unit assessment covering prominent African American leaders, their roles as agents of change, and the systemic barriers they worked to dismantle within their communities.

A comprehensive lesson on the American anti-war movement during the Vietnam War, exploring the motivations, methods, and impact of peace protests. Students will analyze primary sources, music, and key events to understand how public opinion shifted.

This lesson explores the conflicting philosophies of Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois as portrayed in Dudley Randall's poem 'Booker T. and W.E.B.' Students will analyze the poem's use of dialogue and imagery to understand the early 20th-century civil rights debate.

A comprehensive exploration of four major 20th-century social justice movements in the United States, utilizing a gallery walk format to compare goals, strategies, and impacts.

Students conceptualize, design, and present a new nation, integrating knowledge of political science, physical geography, and sociology.

A high school project that empowers students to redefine Camden's narrative by mapping its cultural assets and landmarks through an asset-based lens. Students transition from being passive observers to active storytellers of their community's resilience and history.

This lesson explores the Spanish-American War, focusing on Theodore Roosevelt's rise, the Treaty of Paris, and the United States' transition from isolationism to an imperial power. Students will analyze the motives and arguments surrounding the annexation of the Philippines and other territories.

An introductory exploration of the historical and social themes in the film Remember the Titans, focusing on the 1971 integration of T.C. Williams High School and the leadership required to build a unified team.

A speaking-focused lesson exploring the human cost of urban change through a role-play debate regarding the redevelopment of a local community market.

Introduction to the concept of gentrification through visual analysis and a 'live listening' exercise focusing on the transformation of East London neighborhoods.

A comprehensive two-week final project for high school students to investigate and propose solutions for a major global issue from one of five core units: News Literacy, Immigration, Climate Change, Global Conflict, or Human Rights.

A 25-minute deep dive into the Clinton Administration, covering major domestic policies, foreign interventions, and the technological boom of the 1990s. This lesson addresses TN Standard US.89 through direct instruction and a policy-impact activity.

A comprehensive exploration of the Vietnam War era, covering military tactics, political turning points, and the seismic cultural shifts of the 1960s. Students analyze primary sources, map the conflict, and evaluate the domestic impact of the war.

A 35-minute lesson exploring the rise of environmentalism in the United States, focusing on the creation of the EPA and the impact of the Love Canal and Three Mile Island disasters. Students analyze the transition from grass-roots activism to federal policy through primary sources and historical visuals.

A comprehensive 35-minute high school lesson exploring the impact of the Vietnam War on the American home front, focusing on media, protest, the draft, and the long-term health effects on veterans.

Mastery assessment for the 1960s and Civil Rights Era, covering JFK, LBJ, the Space Race, and the various movements for equality.

A 40-minute high school US History lesson exploring the interconnectedness of the American Indian Movement, Chicano Movement, and Feminist Movement with the broader Civil Rights Movement, as per TN Standard US.79.

A concise 20-minute analysis of key civil rights legislation including the 24th Amendment and the Acts of 1964, 1965, and 1968. Students explore the specific legal impacts and societal changes brought about by these landmark federal actions.

A lesson exploring the impact of the Freedmen's Bureau during the Reconstruction Era through a visual timeline and primary source analysis.

Covers the high-intensity years of the Civil Rights Movement (1963-1968), from the Birmingham campaign and the March on Washington to the Voting Rights Act and the Memphis Sanitation Strike.