Civics and Government

A comprehensive 6-group jigsaw reading activity for 10th-grade history students exploring the social, legal, and political dimensions of the Chinese Exclusion Act through primary sources and case law.

An intensive primary source analysis lesson for AP History students focusing on the diverse perspectives and global scale of WWII using the HIPP analysis framework.

A comprehensive, station-based review lesson covering the Constitutional Convention, key compromises, Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist debates, and analysis of Federalist Papers 10 and 51. Designed for high school US Government students with heavy scaffolding for IEP and LEP learners.

This lesson covers the proceedings of the Constitutional Convention, focusing on the conflicting Virginia and New Jersey Plans and the crucial compromises (Great Compromise, Three-Fifths Compromise, and Commerce/Slave Trade) that shaped the U.S. government. Students will analyze the contributions of key Founding Fathers and evaluate how these debates led to the creation of the Constitution.

A comprehensive lesson exploring the history of US National Parks, the ethical balance between public access and wilderness preservation, and modern conservation strategies.

A lesson exploring how Enlightenment philosophers like Locke, Montesquieu, and Voltaire influenced the founding documents and structure of the United States government.

A scavenger hunt lesson where students analyze the Declaration of Independence to identify unalienable rights and grievances against King George III. Students act as 'Declaration Detectives' to uncover the core principles and complaints that led to the American Revolution.

A comprehensive pacing guide and activity resource designed to cover the remaining 11th Grade US History TEKS before the STAAR test on April 16th. This lesson provides a day-by-day calendar for A/B block schedules and high-engagement activities for each remaining historical era.

A lesson exploring the history, creation, and significance of Mount Rushmore, focusing on the four presidents depicted and the sculptor Gutzon Borglum.

A comprehensive review of the causes of World War II, focusing on the rise of totalitarianism, diplomatic failures, and the shift from American isolationism to global involvement. This lesson includes a detailed teacher script with deep-dive background information and a complete answer key for the 'Causes of World War 2' worksheet.

Analyzes the movement's focus on economic justice, the Fair Housing Act, the impact of Dr. King's assassination, and the movement's lasting legacy.

Covers the fight for voting rights in Selma, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the emergence of Black Power and more militant strategies.

Examines the peak of the integrated movement, focusing on the March on Washington and the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Explores the student-led movements of the early 1960s, including the Greensboro Sit-ins and the Freedom Rides, highlighting the philosophy of non-violence.

Focuses on the legal challenges to segregation, specifically Brown v. Board of Education, and the early community-led protests like the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

A lesson focused on developing historical thinking skills through the lens of World War II, specifically targeting making inferences, drawing conclusions, and predicting outcomes based on primary and secondary sources.

A comprehensive collection of primary source analysis activities covering the major events and themes of World War II, from the rise of dictators to the dawn of the atomic age.

Covers major military turning points in the European and Pacific theaters, the roles of key military leaders, the contribution of the Navajo Code Talkers, and the Manhattan Project.

Focuses on US entry into WWII, economic mobilization ending the Great Depression, the home front experience, and the constitutional issues surrounding Japanese internment.

A 45-minute civics lesson exploring the three branches of the US government, featuring a collaborative sorting activity and a quick comprehension check.

A focused 20-minute analysis of Horace Mann's 12th Annual Report to the Massachusetts Board of Education, exploring the ideals and motivations behind the American Common School Movement.

A comprehensive 6-group jigsaw reading activity for 10th-grade history students exploring the social, legal, and political dimensions of the Chinese Exclusion Act through primary sources and case law.

Students analyze how institutional policies in schools and workplaces can create systemic barriers for individuals with mental health conditions, culminating in a 'Policy Audit' where they rewrite inequitable rules.

Students analyze the concept of neurodiversity and apply design-thinking to create inclusive workspaces, connecting the topic to broader civil rights and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

A comprehensive lesson introducing young learners to the various roles and tools of community helpers through visual aids, role-play, and creative projects.

A scavenger hunt lesson where students analyze the Declaration of Independence to identify unalienable rights and grievances against King George III. Students act as 'Declaration Detectives' to uncover the core principles and complaints that led to the American Revolution.

Students explore the fundamentals of citizenship by identifying their rights and responsibilities, understanding the concept of the common good, and learning the value of volunteering in their community.

A lesson on 3rd-grade citizenship exploring the common good, rights, responsibilities, and the power of volunteering through a superhero lens.

A comprehensive analysis of Sarah and Angelina Grimké's roles as dual reformers in the abolitionist and women's rights movements, using primary source excerpts to explore their unique arguments and challenges.

A comprehensive pacing guide and activity resource designed to cover the remaining 11th Grade US History TEKS before the STAAR test on April 16th. This lesson provides a day-by-day calendar for A/B block schedules and high-engagement activities for each remaining historical era.

This honors-level lesson explores the intersectional activism of Sarah and Angelina Grimké, analyzing how their abolitionist work directly birthed their advocacy for women's rights in the 1830s. Students will analyze primary source excerpts to understand the evolution of their arguments from moral suasion to legal equality.

A comprehensive lesson on civic responsibility and community roles, helping students identify ways to contribute positively to their local environment.

A comprehensive 60-minute lesson exploring the Seneca Falls Declaration of Sentiments through close reading and modern connections. Students analyze 19th-century grievances and translate those concepts into a 2026 context.

A 30-minute creative activity exploring Mary Ann Shadd Cary's role as a 'rebel editor' who challenged the status quo within the abolitionist and suffrage movements.

A lesson exploring the 1932 German election, the collapse of the Weimar Republic's stability, and the rise of political extremism during the Great Depression.

A Grade 5 lesson focusing on the value of Ubuntu, exploring 'Black Boy Joy' through Pharrell Williams and the collective energy of the 1963 March on Washington.

A Grade 6 lesson focusing on Virtus (excellence) and energy, using Simone Biles and the 1968 Olympics to show how personal power can be channeled into advocacy.

A Grade 7 lesson centered on Kenkyo (humility), focusing on mental health advocacy with Megan Thee Stallion and Kid Cudi to normalize emotional wellness.

A Grade 7 deep dive into Ganas (grit) and resilience, connecting the narrative of 'The Other Wes Moore' and Jay-Z to the historical excellence of the Harlem Renaissance.

A pre-reading webquest for the novel 'Refugee' by Alan Gratz, covering the historical contexts of the Holocaust, Cuban migration in the 1990s, and the Syrian civil war. Students explore digital resources to build background knowledge on the challenges faced by refugees across different eras.

A comprehensive 6-group jigsaw reading activity for 10th-grade history students exploring the social, legal, and political dimensions of the Chinese Exclusion Act through primary sources and case law.

A comprehensive, station-based review lesson covering the Constitutional Convention, key compromises, Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist debates, and analysis of Federalist Papers 10 and 51. Designed for high school US Government students with heavy scaffolding for IEP and LEP learners.

A comprehensive lesson on the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, focusing on the debates between Federalists and Antifederalists, the role of the Bill of Rights, and the contributions of key Founding Fathers.

This lesson covers the proceedings of the Constitutional Convention, focusing on the conflicting Virginia and New Jersey Plans and the crucial compromises (Great Compromise, Three-Fifths Compromise, and Commerce/Slave Trade) that shaped the U.S. government. Students will analyze the contributions of key Founding Fathers and evaluate how these debates led to the creation of the Constitution.

This lesson explores the Enlightenment foundations of modern democracy, focusing on the 'architects' who drafted the ideas of natural rights, separation of powers, and the social contract. Students analyze how these philosophical blueprints shaped the American Revolution and founding documents.

A comprehensive lesson exploring the delegates of the 1787 Constitutional Convention, their backgrounds, key figures, and the groups left out of the process, aligned with TEKS Gov 1D.

A lesson exploring how Enlightenment philosophers like Locke, Montesquieu, and Voltaire influenced the founding documents and structure of the United States government.

A scavenger hunt lesson where students analyze the Declaration of Independence to identify unalienable rights and grievances against King George III. Students act as 'Declaration Detectives' to uncover the core principles and complaints that led to the American Revolution.

A comprehensive pacing guide and activity resource designed to cover the remaining 11th Grade US History TEKS before the STAAR test on April 16th. This lesson provides a day-by-day calendar for A/B block schedules and high-engagement activities for each remaining historical era.

A 45-60 minute lesson exploring the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, the impact of Shays' Rebellion, and the eventual call for a constitutional convention. The lesson uses high-engagement strategies like Think-Pair-Share and Stop-and-Jot to support all learners.

Analyzes the movement's focus on economic justice, the Fair Housing Act, the impact of Dr. King's assassination, and the movement's lasting legacy.

Covers the fight for voting rights in Selma, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the emergence of Black Power and more militant strategies.

Examines the peak of the integrated movement, focusing on the March on Washington and the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Explores the student-led movements of the early 1960s, including the Greensboro Sit-ins and the Freedom Rides, highlighting the philosophy of non-violence.

Focuses on the legal challenges to segregation, specifically Brown v. Board of Education, and the early community-led protests like the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

A lesson focused on developing historical thinking skills through the lens of World War II, specifically targeting making inferences, drawing conclusions, and predicting outcomes based on primary and secondary sources.

A visual alignment tool for 11th grade educators to synchronize English 3 literary texts with US History STAAR eras, fostering interdisciplinary connections and deeper historical context.

This lesson provides a comprehensive interdisciplinary alignment between 11th Grade English 3 literature and US History eras. It includes a detailed alignment matrix and a PLC collaboration guide to facilitate data tracking and synchronized instruction.

A set of collaborative tools for 11th-grade English III and US History teachers to align their curriculum, track shared TEKS, and integrate literacy skills with historical content.

A comprehensive collection of primary source analysis activities covering the major events and themes of World War II, from the rise of dictators to the dawn of the atomic age.

A focused 20-minute analysis of Horace Mann's 12th Annual Report to the Massachusetts Board of Education, exploring the ideals and motivations behind the American Common School Movement.

An introduction to the fundamental concepts of political science required for both AP US and Comparative Government, including sovereignty, legitimacy, authority, and the core differences between states, nations, and regimes.

A comprehensive 6-group jigsaw reading activity for 10th-grade history students exploring the social, legal, and political dimensions of the Chinese Exclusion Act through primary sources and case law.

A comprehensive, station-based review lesson covering the Constitutional Convention, key compromises, Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist debates, and analysis of Federalist Papers 10 and 51. Designed for high school US Government students with heavy scaffolding for IEP and LEP learners.

A comprehensive lesson on the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, focusing on the debates between Federalists and Antifederalists, the role of the Bill of Rights, and the contributions of key Founding Fathers.

This lesson covers the proceedings of the Constitutional Convention, focusing on the conflicting Virginia and New Jersey Plans and the crucial compromises (Great Compromise, Three-Fifths Compromise, and Commerce/Slave Trade) that shaped the U.S. government. Students will analyze the contributions of key Founding Fathers and evaluate how these debates led to the creation of the Constitution.

Students explore the philosophical tension between Stoic adaptability and societal tradition through a Philosophical Chairs debate, using Marcus Aurelius's 'Meditations' as a lens for modern civic progress.

This lesson explores the Enlightenment foundations of modern democracy, focusing on the 'architects' who drafted the ideas of natural rights, separation of powers, and the social contract. Students analyze how these philosophical blueprints shaped the American Revolution and founding documents.

A comprehensive lesson exploring the delegates of the 1787 Constitutional Convention, their backgrounds, key figures, and the groups left out of the process, aligned with TEKS Gov 1D.

A comprehensive look at the Dust Bowl for 4th graders, covering the environmental causes, the daily hardships of 'Black Blizzards', the migration to California, and the government's recovery efforts.

A comprehensive lesson exploring the history of US National Parks, the ethical balance between public access and wilderness preservation, and modern conservation strategies.

A lesson exploring how Enlightenment philosophers like Locke, Montesquieu, and Voltaire influenced the founding documents and structure of the United States government.

A scavenger hunt lesson where students analyze the Declaration of Independence to identify unalienable rights and grievances against King George III. Students act as 'Declaration Detectives' to uncover the core principles and complaints that led to the American Revolution.

A comprehensive analysis of Sarah and Angelina Grimké's roles as dual reformers in the abolitionist and women's rights movements, using primary source excerpts to explore their unique arguments and challenges.

A comprehensive pacing guide and activity resource designed to cover the remaining 11th Grade US History TEKS before the STAAR test on April 16th. This lesson provides a day-by-day calendar for A/B block schedules and high-engagement activities for each remaining historical era.

A lesson exploring the history, creation, and significance of Mount Rushmore, focusing on the four presidents depicted and the sculptor Gutzon Borglum.

A comprehensive review of the causes of World War II, focusing on the rise of totalitarianism, diplomatic failures, and the shift from American isolationism to global involvement. This lesson includes a detailed teacher script with deep-dive background information and a complete answer key for the 'Causes of World War 2' worksheet.

A 45-60 minute lesson exploring the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, the impact of Shays' Rebellion, and the eventual call for a constitutional convention. The lesson uses high-engagement strategies like Think-Pair-Share and Stop-and-Jot to support all learners.

A lesson focused on identifying and analyzing different forms of government through scenario-based assessments and critical thinking exercises.

A multi-day station rotation activity where students move through 10 interactive stations to master the history of the 1970s through the early 2000s. Includes primary source analysis, timeline building, and economic sorting.

A comprehensive 6-group jigsaw reading activity for 10th-grade history students exploring the social, legal, and political dimensions of the Chinese Exclusion Act through primary sources and case law.

A comprehensive, station-based review lesson covering the Constitutional Convention, key compromises, Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist debates, and analysis of Federalist Papers 10 and 51. Designed for high school US Government students with heavy scaffolding for IEP and LEP learners.

This lesson covers the proceedings of the Constitutional Convention, focusing on the conflicting Virginia and New Jersey Plans and the crucial compromises (Great Compromise, Three-Fifths Compromise, and Commerce/Slave Trade) that shaped the U.S. government. Students will analyze the contributions of key Founding Fathers and evaluate how these debates led to the creation of the Constitution.

A comprehensive lesson exploring the history of US National Parks, the ethical balance between public access and wilderness preservation, and modern conservation strategies.

A lesson exploring how Enlightenment philosophers like Locke, Montesquieu, and Voltaire influenced the founding documents and structure of the United States government.

A scavenger hunt lesson where students analyze the Declaration of Independence to identify unalienable rights and grievances against King George III. Students act as 'Declaration Detectives' to uncover the core principles and complaints that led to the American Revolution.

A 45-60 minute lesson exploring the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, the impact of Shays' Rebellion, and the eventual call for a constitutional convention. The lesson uses high-engagement strategies like Think-Pair-Share and Stop-and-Jot to support all learners.

Analyzes the movement's focus on economic justice, the Fair Housing Act, the impact of Dr. King's assassination, and the movement's lasting legacy.

Covers the fight for voting rights in Selma, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the emergence of Black Power and more militant strategies.

Examines the peak of the integrated movement, focusing on the March on Washington and the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Explores the student-led movements of the early 1960s, including the Greensboro Sit-ins and the Freedom Rides, highlighting the philosophy of non-violence.

Focuses on the legal challenges to segregation, specifically Brown v. Board of Education, and the early community-led protests like the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

A 45-minute civics lesson exploring the three branches of the US government, featuring a collaborative sorting activity and a quick comprehension check.

In this lesson, students explore the mechanics of American democracy and the evolution of the Constitution, using texts like 'See How They Run' and 'Getting Better All the Time' to understand their roles as future citizens.

A creative lesson where 4th graders explore the qualities of healthy friendships by creating their own 'Friendship Recipe Books,' using culinary metaphors to understand trust, respect, and kindness.

A comprehensive review of U.S. History from Early America to the Modern Era, designed to prepare students for the STAAR assessment through varied question types and critical thinking tasks.

A lesson analyzing the cause-and-effect relationships of major historical periods in early 20th-century America.

This AP Government lesson explores the reality of interest group influence, debunking common myths about bribery and focusing on the value of technical information in the legislative process. Students simulate the role of lobbyists by drafting technical briefing memos for a sample bill.

This lesson explores the concept of logrolling and the role of political parties in facilitating vote trading. Students engage in a simulation where they must negotiate and trade votes to pass their 'pet projects'.

Students explore the external and internal pressures on members of Congress, focusing on three primary influencers: constituents, interest groups, and political parties. Through a case study analysis of a controversial bill, students map these influences to see how legislative decisions are truly made.

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 lesson exploring how totalitarian regimes use scapegoating and 'enemies of the state' to consolidate power and distract the populace from government failures. Students analyze a dual-narrative video and map out the cause-and-effect chain of political persecution.

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 analyze Locke's theory of natural rights and the social contract to determine the 'breaking point' of government legitimacy, culminating in a Socratic Seminar.

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 sociology and history lesson exploring the 1950s 'Era of Consensus' and the intellectual critiques of conformity and consumerism by Mills, Riesman, and Galbraith. Students apply these mid-century theories to modern-day phenomena through a creative dialogue activity.

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 ethics and civics lesson exploring the moral dilemmas of Total War, focusing on the Bengal Famine and the Siege of Leningrad through a Socratic Seminar.

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 High School Civics lesson comparing retributive, reformative, and restorative justice systems using a Crash Course Political Theory video as an anchor. Students analyze theories of punishment through historical lenses and apply them to modern case studies.

This lesson explores the systemic nature of the Prison Industrial Complex (PIC), examining how economic interests and social policies intersect. Students will evaluate different philosophies of punishment, analyze the 'Follow the Money' map of prison-related industries, and reflect on the implications of mass incarceration.

A high-stakes political theory lesson for AP Government or Debate teams exploring the ethics of incarceration through the lens of Davis and Shelby. Students analyze global incarceration data, define philosophies of punishment, and engage in a structured mini-debate on mass decarceration.

A sociology lesson for 11th-12th grade students exploring Michel Foucault's 'Panopticon' metaphor as a lens for analyzing modern digital surveillance, social media behavior, and internalized social control.

Students analyze their own digital activities through the lens of copyright law, using a 'thought experiment' approach to calculate potential statutory damages from daily social media use and content sharing.