In this activity, students learn the basics of political campaigns and design their own political poster.
Traditions of the Senate: Dress the Part
For more than 200 years, the United States Senate has held certain traditions and customs that senators follow in order to work together in Congress. Learn about some of the Senate’s clothing traditions and try out your own dress-up ideas at home.
Green Design Challenge: Eco-Friendly Decorations
You might not think colorful party balloons are deadly, but each year thousands of marine and land animals are maimed or killed by balloon waste. Read about the dangers of balloons. Then, use the worksheet to design new decorations that won’t harm animals or the environment.
Green Design Challenge: Earth Friendly Packaging
Almost everything we buy comes in a package. Whether the packaging is made of cardboard, glass, plastic, or something else, the waste often crowds landfills, causing pollution. Some waste is burned, which pollutes the air. Read about some different kinds of packaging and use the worksheet to design earth-friendly packaging.
Create an Earth Day Action Poster
Earth Day 1970 was a huge success. It led to new laws to protect our air, water, soil, and animals. Today, people all over the world take part in Earth Day activities each April 22nd. Read about some issues that impact our planet. Then use the worksheet to create an Earth Day poster.
Green Design Challenge: Make a Green Home Pledge
Your home is a great place to begin “going green.” Read about some simple ways you can save water, use less energy, and reduce waste where you live. Then, use the worksheet to make a green plan for you and your family.
Green Design Challenge: Earth Friendly Eating
You can help keep our farms and earth healthy by making smart food choices. Read about some ways you can help. Then, use the worksheet to create an earth-friendly meal.
Maggie’s Civics Corner
Animals are a wonderful way to teach rights and responsibilities in a safe and welcoming way. In these lessons, The Rendell Center’s dog, Maggie, offers her insight on what it means to be a citizen of the United States. These lessons present a fun way to introduce civics concepts to K-3 students, and to help them consider ways to help others and show they care.
Read Aloud Lessons
Reading aloud helps students learn how to use language and retain key points of the story, while improving their information processing skills, vocabulary, and comprehension. The Rendell Center’s Read Aloud lesson plans, designed for elementary school teachers, offer titles incorporate into their curriculum, provide insights into the book selected to enhance the read aloud session, and deliver activities for presenting civics learning in a fun, memorable way.
Literature-Based Mock Trial Lessons
This literature based mock trial format provides a dynamic interactive opportunity for K-8 students to develop higher-level thinking skills, as well as gain a deeper understanding of the U.S. judicial system and constitutional principles. The Rendell Center’s Mock Trial framework is easy to follow, and its lesson plans – based on classic or classroom pieces of literature – provide teachers with the tools and guidance needed to help their class write and argue a mock trial, and actively take on the roles of defendant, lawyers, witnesses, jurors, and court officials.