Civics and Government

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 short dramatic unit exploring the impact of the women's suffrage movement in the early 1920s, focusing on the transition from protest to political participation.

A comprehensive unit on the Civil Rights Movement, focusing on the strategic leadership of key figures and the transformative power of youth-led activism through primary source analysis and classroom instruction.

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 series of three investigative modules where middle school students analyze hypothetical disruptions to science, history, and society to develop critical cause-and-effect reasoning skills.

A short unit focusing on the rise of labor unions, the Industrial Revolution's impact on workers, and the subsequent social reform movements including education and abolitionism.

Students participate in an immersive simulation where they navigate the world of arts policy and resource allocation. They take on roles in a community debate over funding priorities, learning about public budgeting, perspective-taking, and the necessity of civic engagement.

A simulation-based sequence where 6th-grade students act as members of a fictional Community Arts Grant Council to evaluate proposals, understand funding models, and make difficult resource allocation decisions.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This sequence examines the geographic and early historical foundations of Ancient Greece, moving from the Bronze Age civilizations to the formation of the city-state (polis). Students analyze how the mountainous geography and maritime environment necessitated independent political units rather than a centralized empire.

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.

This sequence explores the political systems and philosophical innovations of Ancient Greece, focusing on the tension between individual liberty and social responsibility. Students compare the city-states of Athens and Sparta, simulate the Athenian Assembly, and analyze the enduring impact of Greek philosophy and Hellenism.

A 5-day unit exploring the social, religious, and political structures of Medieval Europe, from the feudal system to the devastating impact of the Black Death.

A comprehensive middle school history unit where students act as 'history detectives' to investigate the rise of nation-states in England, France, Spain, and Russia through primary source analysis.

A comprehensive unit exploring the diverse political and economic structures of North American and Caribbean nations.

A series of lessons exploring the lives and legacies of global leaders who fought for justice and equality.

A comprehensive week-long remediation packet covering Europe's history, culture, economics, and the European Union through reading passages and high-level analysis.

A comprehensive week-long remediation packet covering Europe's history, culture, economics, and the European Union through reading passages and high-level analysis.

A comprehensive unit exploring the rise, height, and transformation of Ancient Rome, focusing on the leadership of key emperors and their lasting impact on Western civilization.

An exploration of the transition from feudal fragmentation into centralized nation-states in England, France, Spain, and Russia.

A differentiated social studies unit covering the geography, cultures, and empires of the Middle East and North Africa, adapted for 3rd-grade readability based on the DESE Investigating History Grade 6 curriculum.

A comprehensive book club unit for the historical fiction novel 'My Brother Sam is Dead', focusing on the moral complexities of the Revolutionary War, character transformation, and historical context.

A 4th-grade unit focused on kindness, fairness, and understanding how our words can make everyone feel like they belong, regardless of their background or skin color.

A series of three investigative modules where middle school students analyze hypothetical disruptions to science, history, and society to develop critical cause-and-effect reasoning skills.

A short unit focusing on the rise of labor unions, the Industrial Revolution's impact on workers, and the subsequent social reform movements including education and abolitionism.

A comprehensive introduction to the purpose of taxation for 6th graders, focusing on public vs. private goods, government responsibilities, and the collective benefits of pooled resources. Students explore how taxes fund the community infrastructure they use every day through simulations, data analysis, and debates.

This sequence explores the economic and political power of the Ghana and Mali Empires. Students analyze geography, trade systems, leadership, and the intellectual legacy of Timbuktu to understand how resource control builds civilizations.

This sequence explores the rigid social hierarchy of Medieval Europe, focusing on the development of the feudal system as a response to the chaos following the fall of Rome. Students will examine the roles of monarchs, lords, knights, and peasants, and evaluate the trade-offs between security and freedom.

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 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 5-lesson unit exploring the technological, economic, political, and cultural shifts that moved Europe from the Medieval era into the Early Renaissance. students analyze the evolution of warfare, the rise of the middle class, the foundations of democracy, and the birth of humanism.

This sequence examines the political evolution and cultural achievements of China's Golden Ages through the Tang, Song, and Ming dynasties. Students will analyze how the Civil Service Examination system created a meritocratic bureaucracy that sustained stability and fostered technological innovation.

A comprehensive middle school history unit where students act as 'history detectives' to investigate the rise of nation-states in England, France, Spain, and Russia through primary source analysis.

A comprehensive unit exploring the diverse political and economic structures of North American and Caribbean nations.

A comprehensive week-long remediation packet covering Europe's history, culture, economics, and the European Union through reading passages and high-level analysis.

A comprehensive week-long remediation packet covering Europe's history, culture, economics, and the European Union through reading passages and high-level analysis.

An exploration of the transition from feudal fragmentation into centralized nation-states in England, France, Spain, and Russia.

This sequence explores the rigid social hierarchy of Medieval Europe, focusing on the development of the feudal system as a response to the chaos following the fall of Rome. Students will examine the roles of monarchs, lords, knights, and peasants, and evaluate the trade-offs between security and freedom.

This sequence examines the political evolution and cultural achievements of China's Golden Ages through the Tang, Song, and Ming dynasties. Students will analyze how the Civil Service Examination system created a meritocratic bureaucracy that sustained stability and fostered technological innovation.

An inquiry into the technological and political advancements of Imperial China, focusing on the Tang, Song, and Ming dynasties. Students evaluate how geography, governance (Meritocracy), and innovation (the Four Great Inventions) influenced the longevity and prosperity of the civilization.

A 6th-grade history sequence exploring the Mongol Empire's rise, its impact on Silk Road trade, and its dual legacy of conquest and cultural connection. Students participate in simulations, map the empire's growth, and analyze the flow of goods and ideas across Eurasia.

This sequence examines the rigid social hierarchy of Ancient Egypt and the distinct roles within it, from the Pharaoh to the peasantry. Students analyze the consolidation of power, the role of bureaucracy, and the lives of specific rulers through case studies and simulations.

A comprehensive 6th-grade Social Studies sequence exploring the intersection of religion, social structure, and governance in Ancient Egypt. Students investigate the Pharaoh's role, the social hierarchy, mummification rituals, pyramid engineering, and the leadership of Hatshepsut and Ramses II.

A 6th-grade Social Studies unit exploring the sophisticated political and social structures of North American Indigenous nations, focusing on matrilineal systems, democratic confederacies, and urban chiefdoms.

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 inquiry-based exploration of how North American biomes shaped the economic, social, and cultural structures of Indigenous nations before European contact.

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.

This inquiry-based sequence explores the rapid modernization of China through technology, pop culture, and urbanization, bridging the gap between historical China and today's high-tech reality.

This sequence investigates the political and economic conditions that led to World War II, focusing on the aftermath of World War I and the rise of totalitarian leaders. Students will analyze primary sources, simulate hyperinflation, and evaluate the failure of appeasement to understand the transition from peace to global conflict.

A critical exploration of the Age of Exploration, focusing on the sophisticated Aztec and Inca empires, the complexities of first encounters, and the long-term socio-political impacts of Spanish colonization. Students analyze primary sources and debate historical narratives to understand the shift from sovereign empires to colonial territories.

Students explore the rigid social hierarchies and political systems of ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley, and China. They analyze how religion justified power, how laws enforced order, and how daily life differed across social classes to answer the question: Is a strict hierarchy necessary for a stable society?

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 short dramatic unit exploring the impact of the women's suffrage movement in the early 1920s, focusing on the transition from protest to political participation.

A comprehensive week-long remediation packet covering Europe's history, culture, economics, and the European Union through reading passages and high-level analysis.

A differentiated social studies unit covering the geography, cultures, and empires of the Middle East and North Africa, adapted for 3rd-grade readability based on the DESE Investigating History Grade 6 curriculum.

This sequence explores the evolution of the US tax system and the ethical debates surrounding different tax structures. Students will investigate the concept of 'fairness' in financial policy and design their own tax system for a fictional nation.

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.

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.

This sequence explores the 19th-century federal policies of displacement and assimilation in the United States, alongside the powerful resistance of Indigenous nations. Students will analyze legal battles, forced migrations, armed resistance, and the cultural impact of the boarding school system.

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.

An inquiry-driven geography sequence for 6th graders exploring the 'why' behind political maps. Students analyze the history of state lines, natural vs. artificial borders, and the strategic logic of capital city placement, culminating in a redistricting simulation.

This sequence explores the political systems and philosophical innovations of Ancient Greece, focusing on the tension between individual liberty and social responsibility. Students compare the city-states of Athens and Sparta, simulate the Athenian Assembly, and analyze the enduring impact of Greek philosophy and Hellenism.

This sequence investigates the critical balance between individual rights and community responsibilities in a democratic society. Students distinguish between personal liberties protected by the Bill of Rights and the mandatory and voluntary duties required to sustain those freedoms. Through case studies and debate, students analyze scenarios where rights conflict with the common good.

A comprehensive unit for 6th-grade students exploring the legal definitions of citizenship, the naturalization process, and the civic responsibilities that come with belonging to a nation. Students move from understanding birthright citizenship to participating in a mock naturalization ceremony.

This sequence explores the Bill of Rights, from the historical debates between Federalists and Anti-Federalists to the modern application of individual liberties. Students investigate the five freedoms of the First Amendment, the concept of due process, and the balance between personal rights and social responsibilities.

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.

In this immersive simulation sequence, students explore the necessity of limiting government power by building a constitution for a new society. Starting from a 'state of nature' scenario, students experience the chaos of anarchy and the dangers of tyranny first-hand, eventually drafting and stress-testing their own systems of limited government.