In this lesson students will read a pro and con speech about real voting rights legislation (the Freedom to Vote Act) being discussed in the United States Senate. Students will summarize the speeches, consider their arguments, and use them to enhance their own knowledge on election policy.
Election Policy Reforms
In this lesson students will gain a deeper understanding of potential reforms to improve elections in the United States. Students will consider proposals from the Freedom to Vote Act and the American Confidence in Elections Act and work in groups to select the best policies to improve the electoral process.
Background Overview: United States Election Policy
In this lesson students will gain a deeper understanding of the history of election policy in the United States. Students will read a short summary of United States election policy and examine two graphs to consider how changes to election laws have impacted the electorate and our government.
Civic Engagement and How Students Can Get Involved
What rights and abilities do you have when it comes to advocating for issues you believe in? Use the lesson plan to discuss civic engagement and the role citizens play in making their voices heard.
History of Juneteenth and Why It Became a National Holiday
Students will explore and discuss the history and context around the Juneteenth holiday. Topics examined include the history of racial injustice in the U.S., the Civil War and the limitations of the Emancipation Proclamation. Additionally, students will be encouraged to explore the modern significance of Juneteenth and its long-term impact.
At George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Remembering the Enslaved People Who Built America
A tour guide at Washington’s Mount Vernon estate, who is also a distant relation of an enslaved person at the Virginia estate, offers his perspective about American history, slavery and the founding fathers.
Meet Richard St. George – Theatrical Performance
Developed for the Museum’s exhibit, Cost of Revolution: The Life and Death of an Irish Soldier, this 20-minute performance provides viewers with an opportunity to consider the opinions and experiences of someone who chose to fight for the British against uprisings in both North America and Ireland. Learners can also explore the evergreen online exhibit
Washington’s Field Headquarters – Virtual Tour
To win the Revolutionary War, General George Washington needed the support of thousands of people with varying skills and perspectives. Using Washington’s sleeping and office tent, which survives at the Museum of the American Revolution, and replicas of this and his other military “equipage” as its starting point, this experience explores the experience at camp
Through Their Eyes – Teacher Resource Guide
Built to support the Through Their Eyes core museum student experience, as well as use of the Virtual Tour of the Museum of the American Revolution, this teacher resource guide features modular activities of varying lengths, types, and purposes to encourage student thinking and discussion. High quality images, worksheets, and more engage students around themes
Virtual Tour of the Museum of the American Revolution
Use this virtual tour of the core galleries of the Museum of the American Revolution to explore the dynamic late 18th century through four guiding questions: How do people become Revolutionaries? How did the Revolution Survive its darkest hour? How Revolutionary was the war? What kind of nation did the Revolution create? Along the way,