Civics and Government

A series of lessons exploring the foundational documents and processes of the United States government, from the birth of the nation to the creation of modern laws.

A comprehensive guide to the Bill of Rights designed for different learning needs. Students explore the first ten amendments through visual planning, vocabulary building, and a creative poster project.

A comprehensive unit on the women's suffrage movement, focusing on the tactical diversity of the movement and the eventual passage of the 19th Amendment. Students learn about the power of persistence and civil discourse through historical role-play.

A social studies unit designed for 15:1 self-contained classrooms with a 1st-grade reading level, focusing on the Bill of Rights and the government's role in protecting citizen safety and freedom through interactive, low-management activities.

This sequence explores the evolution of rights and power in Medieval Europe, tracing the path from the Code of Chivalry and the Crusades to the signing of the Magna Carta and its lasting legacy on modern democracy.

Students explore the concept of constitutional frameworks by drafting a 'Classroom Constitution.' They learn how written rules prevent confusion, define rights and responsibilities, and limit the power of leaders, culminating in a formal ratification ceremony.

A comprehensive 5th Grade US History unit exploring the strategic and moral impact of the Emancipation Proclamation, the contribution of Black soldiers, and the complex legal and social struggles of the Reconstruction era.

A 5th-grade history sequence exploring the social and legal transformations of the 1920s, specifically focusing on the 18th and 19th Amendments and the shift in social norms.

This 5th-grade history sequence explores the dismantling of Reconstruction and the rise of Jim Crow laws, focusing on how legal and social systems were used to restrict the rights of African Americans after the Civil War.

A 5th-grade history unit exploring the political and social efforts to reunify the United States after the Civil War, focusing on the conflict between presidential and congressional plans.

A comprehensive 5th-grade social studies unit exploring the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments. Students analyze primary sources to understand how the U.S. Constitution was changed to redefine freedom, citizenship, and voting rights after the Civil War.

This sequence examines the end of Reconstruction and the subsequent rise of discriminatory laws known as Jim Crow. Students will learn how state governments circumvented the new Amendments through Black Codes, poll taxes, and literacy tests using simulation and document analysis.

An in-depth exploration of Indigenous political and social systems, focusing on the Haudenosaunee Confederacy's matrilineal structure, the Great Law of Peace, and its influence on modern democratic thought. Students compare these consensus-based models with European monarchies to evaluate the sophistication of Native American governance.

This sequence explores the sophisticated political and social structures of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, focusing on matrilineal clans, consensus building, and the Indigenous influence on American democracy. Students will challenge misconceptions about 'primitive' societies by analyzing the complex civic systems of the Great Law of Peace.

A 5th-grade history sequence exploring the balance of executive power, the impact of the Great Society, the Watergate scandal, and the role of civic responsibility in American democracy during the 1960s and 70s.

This sequence explores the pivotal events of the late 1850s that led to the American Civil War, focusing on primary source analysis of the Dred Scott decision, the Lincoln-Douglas debates, John Brown's raid, and the Election of 1860.

A comprehensive 5th-grade unit exploring the United States Executive Branch. Students analyze the constitutional powers of the President, the roles of the Cabinet and federal bureaucracy, and the complex decision-making processes required to lead the nation.

A 5-lesson sequence for 5th-grade students exploring the legal paths to U.S. citizenship, the naturalization process, and the values reflected in immigration policy. Students move from understanding birthright citizenship to simulating the interview and oath of allegiance, culminating in a creative project.

A 5-lesson sequence for 5th graders exploring the balance between individual liberties and community obligations. Students analyze the Bill of Rights, explore the limits of free speech, simulate voting and jury duty, and develop a community action plan.

A 5th-grade civics sequence exploring how constitutions define government power, protect citizen rights, and establish civic responsibilities through inquiry and project-based learning.

A tribute to influential women of color from 2015 to the present, focusing on their achievements in politics, science, arts, and activism. Students explore biographies through a trivia-style game and creative research activities.

A three-day exploration of heroism comparing historical figures and modern-day community leaders, focusing on informational text features and identifying main ideas.

A 6-lesson sequence divided by grade level (5th, 6th, and 7th), celebrating 100 years of Black history through school values. Each grade explores two distinct lessons focusing on community joy, personal excellence, and mental health advocacy.

Students explore the concept of constitutional frameworks by drafting a 'Classroom Constitution.' They learn how written rules prevent confusion, define rights and responsibilities, and limit the power of leaders, culminating in a formal ratification ceremony.

A comprehensive 5th Grade US History unit exploring the strategic and moral impact of the Emancipation Proclamation, the contribution of Black soldiers, and the complex legal and social struggles of the Reconstruction era.

A 5th-grade history sequence exploring the social and legal transformations of the 1920s, specifically focusing on the 18th and 19th Amendments and the shift in social norms.

A comprehensive 5th-grade social studies unit exploring the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments. Students analyze primary sources to understand how the U.S. Constitution was changed to redefine freedom, citizenship, and voting rights after the Civil War.

This sequence examines the end of Reconstruction and the subsequent rise of discriminatory laws known as Jim Crow. Students will learn how state governments circumvented the new Amendments through Black Codes, poll taxes, and literacy tests using simulation and document analysis.

A 5th-grade history sequence exploring the balance of executive power, the impact of the Great Society, the Watergate scandal, and the role of civic responsibility in American democracy during the 1960s and 70s.

This sequence explores the historical and civic foundations of national holidays, helping students understand how nations remember their past. Students will investigate independence movements, leadership legacies, the nature of remembrance, chronological context, and national symbolism through comparative analysis and historical thinking.

A sensitive and age-appropriate exploration of the Holocaust for 5th graders, focusing on human rights, the escalation of prejudice, stories of resistance, and the moral courage of upstanders. The sequence emphasizes empathy and individual agency in the face of injustice.

This sequence explores the impact of World War II on the American Home Front, focusing on rationing, industrial mobilization, women's roles, and Japanese American internment. Students participate in simulations and projects to understand the concept of 'Total War' and how global conflict transforms daily life and civil liberties.

Using literature and historical narratives, this sequence helps students understand social mobility through the 'economic ladder' metaphor. Students analyze the California Gold Rush, fictional stories of hardship, and participate in a privilege simulation to identify both barriers and supports in achieving economic security.

This sequence explores how geographic location and community resources impact economic opportunity. Students investigate public goods, map resource density in neighborhoods, analyze food and transit deserts, and evaluate the effects of school funding differences, culminating in a civic proposal for community equity.

Students investigate the significance of major American landmarks, exploring their history, engineering, and symbolism. Through research and creative projects, they learn what makes a site important enough to be preserved as a national treasure.

This sequence explores the pivotal events of the late 1850s that led to the American Civil War, focusing on primary source analysis of the Dred Scott decision, the Lincoln-Douglas debates, John Brown's raid, and the Election of 1860.

This sequence explores the Abolitionist Movement as a case study in effective advocacy. Students analyze 19th-century media, speeches, and slogans to understand how activists influenced public opinion, culminating in a modern-day persuasive writing project.

Students explore the origins of democracy in Ancient Greece, moving from monarchy to citizen-led governance through simulations of the Assembly and voting with stones. The sequence emphasizes fairness, civic duty, and the limitations of early democracy, connecting ancient ideas to modern life.

Students explore the origins of democratic government by transforming their classroom into the ancient Athenian Assembly (Ecclesia). They progress from understanding different forms of rule to participating in a mock vote, culminating in a reflection on fairness and exclusion in the ancient world.

A 5-lesson sequence for 5th-grade students exploring the legal paths to U.S. citizenship, the naturalization process, and the values reflected in immigration policy. Students move from understanding birthright citizenship to simulating the interview and oath of allegiance, culminating in a creative project.

A series of lessons exploring the foundational documents and processes of the United States government, from the birth of the nation to the creation of modern laws.

This 5th-grade history sequence explores the dismantling of Reconstruction and the rise of Jim Crow laws, focusing on how legal and social systems were used to restrict the rights of African Americans after the Civil War.

A 5th-grade history unit exploring the political and social efforts to reunify the United States after the Civil War, focusing on the conflict between presidential and congressional plans.

A 5th-grade history sequence exploring the balance of executive power, the impact of the Great Society, the Watergate scandal, and the role of civic responsibility in American democracy during the 1960s and 70s.

This sequence explores the US government's response to the Great Depression through FDR's New Deal. Students evaluate major programs like the CCC, WPA, and TVA to understand the expanding role of federal intervention and the shift from laissez-faire to public works.

This 5th-grade sequence explores the conclusion of World War II, focusing on the surrender of the Axis powers, the introduction of nuclear weapons, the humanitarian impact of the war, and the formation of the United Nations. Students evaluate how these pivotal moments transitioned the world from total war to an era of global diplomacy and technological advancement.

This sequence explores the impact of World War II on the American Home Front, focusing on rationing, industrial mobilization, women's roles, and Japanese American internment. Students participate in simulations and projects to understand the concept of 'Total War' and how global conflict transforms daily life and civil liberties.

A project-based social studies sequence where 5th-grade students research and create a travel guide for a state capital. Students explore the architectural, governmental, and cultural significance of these cities, culminating in a classroom exhibition.

Students investigate the significance of major American landmarks, exploring their history, engineering, and symbolism. Through research and creative projects, they learn what makes a site important enough to be preserved as a national treasure.

A 5-lesson unit exploring why state capitals are located where they are, focusing on geographic factors like water access, centrality, and historical shifts. Students move from defining a capital's role to designing their own strategic seat of government.

This sequence explores the functional, geographic, and symbolic roles of state capital cities. Students analyze historical placement patterns, simulate the legislative process, and design a modern capital city based on contemporary demographic and infrastructure needs.

This sequence explores the hierarchy of government, the role of the Governor, the distinction between state and local laws, and the significance of state capitals. Students will engage in simulations and projects to understand how state government functions and impacts their lives.

This sequence bridges social studies and procedural thinking, teaching students to analyze and design multi-step processes in government, economics, and daily life. Through simulations and case studies, students learn why the order of events is critical for fair and effective systems.

A comprehensive 5th-grade unit exploring the United States Executive Branch. Students analyze the constitutional powers of the President, the roles of the Cabinet and federal bureaucracy, and the complex decision-making processes required to lead the nation.

A 5th-grade civics sequence exploring how constitutions define government power, protect citizen rights, and establish civic responsibilities through inquiry and project-based learning.

A 5th-grade civics sequence exploring the structural logic of the U.S. government, from the failures of the Articles of Confederation to the implementation of the three branches and the system of checks and balances.

This sequence explores the structural design of the United States government as defined by the first three articles of the Constitution. Students analyze the powers and responsibilities of the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches, culminating in an evaluation of how the separation of powers prevents tyranny.

This immersive sequence transforms the classroom into a working model of the United States government to demystify the structure of federal power. Students explore the separation of powers, role-play the three branches, and engage in simulations of checks and balances and federalism.

A series of lessons exploring the foundational documents and processes of the United States government, from the birth of the nation to the creation of modern laws.

A comprehensive collection of high-quality instructional materials across Science, History, ELA, and Math, designed for upper elementary classrooms.

This 5th-grade history sequence explores the dismantling of Reconstruction and the rise of Jim Crow laws, focusing on how legal and social systems were used to restrict the rights of African Americans after the Civil War.

This sequence examines the end of Reconstruction and the subsequent rise of discriminatory laws known as Jim Crow. Students will learn how state governments circumvented the new Amendments through Black Codes, poll taxes, and literacy tests using simulation and document analysis.

A 5th-grade history sequence exploring the balance of executive power, the impact of the Great Society, the Watergate scandal, and the role of civic responsibility in American democracy during the 1960s and 70s.

This sequence explores the impact of World War II on the American Home Front, focusing on rationing, industrial mobilization, women's roles, and Japanese American internment. Students participate in simulations and projects to understand the concept of 'Total War' and how global conflict transforms daily life and civil liberties.

This sequence explores the pivotal events of the late 1850s that led to the American Civil War, focusing on primary source analysis of the Dred Scott decision, the Lincoln-Douglas debates, John Brown's raid, and the Election of 1860.

A 5th-grade civics sequence exploring how constitutions define government power, protect citizen rights, and establish civic responsibilities through inquiry and project-based learning.

A 5th-grade civics sequence exploring the structural logic of the U.S. government, from the failures of the Articles of Confederation to the implementation of the three branches and the system of checks and balances.

This sequence explores the structural design of the United States government as defined by the first three articles of the Constitution. Students analyze the powers and responsibilities of the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches, culminating in an evaluation of how the separation of powers prevents tyranny.

This immersive sequence transforms the classroom into a working model of the United States government to demystify the structure of federal power. Students explore the separation of powers, role-play the three branches, and engage in simulations of checks and balances and federalism.

A 5th-grade historical inquiry sequence that moves beyond the narrative of Rosa Parks to analyze the strategic organization, economic leverage, and leadership of the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Students examine primary sources, participate in logistical simulations, and evaluate the movement's legal outcomes and legacy.

A 5th-grade civics unit exploring the structure, purpose, and power of the U.S. Judicial Branch, culminating in a mock Supreme Court conference.

A series of lessons exploring the foundational documents and processes of the United States government, from the birth of the nation to the creation of modern laws.

A comprehensive unit on the American Revolution, covering the causes of colonial friction and the strategic military turning points of the war for independence.

A 5-day unit exploring the Northeastern United States, covering its unique geography and climate, the rich history of the Wampanoag, Abenaki, and Iroquois nations, and the vibrant modern culture of its eleven states.

A comprehensive guide to the Bill of Rights designed for different learning needs. Students explore the first ten amendments through visual planning, vocabulary building, and a creative poster project.

A social studies unit designed for 15:1 self-contained classrooms with a 1st-grade reading level, focusing on the Bill of Rights and the government's role in protecting citizen safety and freedom through interactive, low-management activities.

A 6-lesson sequence divided by grade level (5th, 6th, and 7th), celebrating 100 years of Black history through school values. Each grade explores two distinct lessons focusing on community joy, personal excellence, and mental health advocacy.

A 5th-grade history sequence exploring the transition from the feudal Middle Ages to the early modern period. Students analyze how the devastation of the Black Death triggered economic shifts, the rise of the merchant class, and the growth of towns, setting the stage for the Renaissance.

This sequence explores the evolution of rights and power in Medieval Europe, tracing the path from the Code of Chivalry and the Crusades to the signing of the Magna Carta and its lasting legacy on modern democracy.

Students explore the concept of constitutional frameworks by drafting a 'Classroom Constitution.' They learn how written rules prevent confusion, define rights and responsibilities, and limit the power of leaders, culminating in a formal ratification ceremony.

A comprehensive 5th Grade US History unit exploring the strategic and moral impact of the Emancipation Proclamation, the contribution of Black soldiers, and the complex legal and social struggles of the Reconstruction era.

A 5-lesson sequence exploring the causes, conflicts, and human experiences of the American Civil War, focusing on the differences between the North and South, key turning points, and the final surrender.

A 5th-grade history sequence exploring the social and legal transformations of the 1920s, specifically focusing on the 18th and 19th Amendments and the shift in social norms.

A 5th-grade history unit exploring the political and social efforts to reunify the United States after the Civil War, focusing on the conflict between presidential and congressional plans.

This sequence explores the Reconstruction Era through the lens of the Freedmen's Bureau, focusing on the social and economic challenges faced by newly emancipated people. Students analyze primary sources, engage in simulations about sharecropping and education, and evaluate the effectiveness of federal aid in the post-Civil War South.

A comprehensive 5th-grade social studies unit exploring the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments. Students analyze primary sources to understand how the U.S. Constitution was changed to redefine freedom, citizenship, and voting rights after the Civil War.

This sequence examines the end of Reconstruction and the subsequent rise of discriminatory laws known as Jim Crow. Students will learn how state governments circumvented the new Amendments through Black Codes, poll taxes, and literacy tests using simulation and document analysis.

This sequence explores the sophisticated social structures and governance systems of Native American nations, with a focus on the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. Students investigate matrilineal clans, the Great Law of Peace, consensus-building, trade networks, and the Indigenous roots of modern democracy.

An in-depth exploration of Indigenous political and social systems, focusing on the Haudenosaunee Confederacy's matrilineal structure, the Great Law of Peace, and its influence on modern democratic thought. Students compare these consensus-based models with European monarchies to evaluate the sophistication of Native American governance.

This sequence explores the sophisticated political and social structures of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, focusing on matrilineal clans, consensus building, and the Indigenous influence on American democracy. Students will challenge misconceptions about 'primitive' societies by analyzing the complex civic systems of the Great Law of Peace.

A series of lessons exploring the foundational documents and processes of the United States government, from the birth of the nation to the creation of modern laws.

A comprehensive guide to the Bill of Rights designed for different learning needs. Students explore the first ten amendments through visual planning, vocabulary building, and a creative poster project.

A comprehensive unit on the women's suffrage movement, focusing on the tactical diversity of the movement and the eventual passage of the 19th Amendment. Students learn about the power of persistence and civil discourse through historical role-play.

A social studies unit designed for 15:1 self-contained classrooms with a 1st-grade reading level, focusing on the Bill of Rights and the government's role in protecting citizen safety and freedom through interactive, low-management activities.

A 6-lesson sequence divided by grade level (5th, 6th, and 7th), celebrating 100 years of Black history through school values. Each grade explores two distinct lessons focusing on community joy, personal excellence, and mental health advocacy.

This sequence explores the evolution of rights and power in Medieval Europe, tracing the path from the Code of Chivalry and the Crusades to the signing of the Magna Carta and its lasting legacy on modern democracy.

Students explore the concept of constitutional frameworks by drafting a 'Classroom Constitution.' They learn how written rules prevent confusion, define rights and responsibilities, and limit the power of leaders, culminating in a formal ratification ceremony.

A comprehensive 5th Grade US History unit exploring the strategic and moral impact of the Emancipation Proclamation, the contribution of Black soldiers, and the complex legal and social struggles of the Reconstruction era.

This 5th-grade history sequence explores the dismantling of Reconstruction and the rise of Jim Crow laws, focusing on how legal and social systems were used to restrict the rights of African Americans after the Civil War.

A comprehensive 5th-grade social studies unit exploring the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments. Students analyze primary sources to understand how the U.S. Constitution was changed to redefine freedom, citizenship, and voting rights after the Civil War.

This sequence explores the sophisticated social structures and governance systems of Native American nations, with a focus on the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. Students investigate matrilineal clans, the Great Law of Peace, consensus-building, trade networks, and the Indigenous roots of modern democracy.

An in-depth exploration of Indigenous political and social systems, focusing on the Haudenosaunee Confederacy's matrilineal structure, the Great Law of Peace, and its influence on modern democratic thought. Students compare these consensus-based models with European monarchies to evaluate the sophistication of Native American governance.

This sequence explores the sophisticated political and social structures of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, focusing on matrilineal clans, consensus building, and the Indigenous influence on American democracy. Students will challenge misconceptions about 'primitive' societies by analyzing the complex civic systems of the Great Law of Peace.

Students step into the shoes of historical figures to explore how decisions lead to short-term and long-term consequences. This sequence emphasizes the difference between intended and unintended consequences through simulations, case studies, and visual mapping.

This sequence explores the relationship between long-term background causes (the fuel) and immediate triggers (the spark) in historical events. Students use the SPE (Social, Political, Economic) framework to categorize factors and learn to weigh the relative importance of different causes in driving significant historical change.

A 5th-grade history sequence exploring the balance of executive power, the impact of the Great Society, the Watergate scandal, and the role of civic responsibility in American democracy during the 1960s and 70s.

Students analyze the abstract world of symbols to understand how objects and animals represent American values like freedom, strength, and unity. Through inquiry and design, learners connect historical decisions to modern American identity.

This sequence explores the pivotal events of the late 1850s that led to the American Civil War, focusing on primary source analysis of the Dred Scott decision, the Lincoln-Douglas debates, John Brown's raid, and the Election of 1860.

This sequence explores the functional, geographic, and symbolic roles of state capital cities. Students analyze historical placement patterns, simulate the legislative process, and design a modern capital city based on contemporary demographic and infrastructure needs.

A comprehensive 5th-grade unit exploring the United States Executive Branch. Students analyze the constitutional powers of the President, the roles of the Cabinet and federal bureaucracy, and the complex decision-making processes required to lead the nation.

A series of lessons exploring the foundational documents and processes of the United States government, from the birth of the nation to the creation of modern laws.

This 5th-grade history sequence explores the dismantling of Reconstruction and the rise of Jim Crow laws, focusing on how legal and social systems were used to restrict the rights of African Americans after the Civil War.

A 5th-grade history unit exploring the political and social efforts to reunify the United States after the Civil War, focusing on the conflict between presidential and congressional plans.

A 5th-grade history sequence exploring the balance of executive power, the impact of the Great Society, the Watergate scandal, and the role of civic responsibility in American democracy during the 1960s and 70s.

This sequence explores the US government's response to the Great Depression through FDR's New Deal. Students evaluate major programs like the CCC, WPA, and TVA to understand the expanding role of federal intervention and the shift from laissez-faire to public works.

A project-based social studies sequence where 5th-grade students research and create a travel guide for a state capital. Students explore the architectural, governmental, and cultural significance of these cities, culminating in a classroom exhibition.

A 5-lesson unit exploring why state capitals are located where they are, focusing on geographic factors like water access, centrality, and historical shifts. Students move from defining a capital's role to designing their own strategic seat of government.

This sequence examines the major legislative attempts to resolve the conflict over slavery in the territories. Students explore the concept of 'compromise' and analyze why political solutions like the Missouri Compromise and the Kansas-Nebraska Act ultimately failed to prevent the Civil War.

This sequence explores the functional, geographic, and symbolic roles of state capital cities. Students analyze historical placement patterns, simulate the legislative process, and design a modern capital city based on contemporary demographic and infrastructure needs.

This sequence uses simulations and games to teach the importance of order in multi-step processes, such as how a bill becomes a law or how a trade route functioned. Students engage with flowcharts and procedural texts to understand that changing the order of steps can result in failure or a completely different outcome.

This sequence bridges social studies and procedural thinking, teaching students to analyze and design multi-step processes in government, economics, and daily life. Through simulations and case studies, students learn why the order of events is critical for fair and effective systems.

A 5th-grade civics sequence exploring how constitutions define government power, protect citizen rights, and establish civic responsibilities through inquiry and project-based learning.

A 5th-grade civics sequence exploring the structural logic of the U.S. government, from the failures of the Articles of Confederation to the implementation of the three branches and the system of checks and balances.