In this lesson students will take on the role of United States Senators and create a new bill on the topic of Confederate Monument Removal. Students will read primary sources in favor and against the legislation, debate, and vote in an interactive simulation based lesson.
Background Overview: Artificial Intelligence
In this lesson students will gain a deeper understanding of artificial intelligence and consider the need for government regulation of the new technology. Students will watch an introductory video and read multiple sources to deepen their understanding.
Background Overview: Climate and Energy Policy
During this lesson students will gain a deeper understanding of the history of climate policy in the United States. Students will read a short summary of United States climate policy and examine two visual sources to consider how climate related legislation has impacted the United States.
The First Amendment
In this video, students will learn how the First Amendment safeguards key freedoms like speech, press, religion, assembly, and petitioning the government.
Elections and Voting: An Overview
Students will explore the Constitutional amendments that deal with elections, the qualifications for voting, and protections offered to voters. Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, explains the Fifteenth, Nineteenth, Twenty-fourth, and Twenty-sixth amendments, the history of voting in America, Supreme Court cases, and measures that ensure voters can vote without discrimination based on property ownership, race, sex, and age. Created by National Constitution Center.
Reading Historical Documents
Students will practice their understanding of historical documents and allusions by evaluating how well they can interpret references and contextual clues in a brief activity.
A Walking Tour of the Bill of Rights
Students will walk through the ten amendments that make up the Bill of Rights. This discussion draws on Yale professor Akhil Reed Amar’s framework for grouping related sets of rights protected in the Bill of Rights.
Why Have Civil Dialogue?
What is civil dialogue and why is it important? Drawing on the writings of Supreme Court Justices Louis Brandeis and Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, explains the central role civil dialogue has played in American democracy throughout history and today.
Created by National Constitution Center.
Lesson Plan: Book That Shaped America – “Common Sense”
In 1774, Englishman Thomas Paine arrived in America as the conflict between the colonies and Great Britain was reaching its peak. Up to that point, the colonies were said to have been considering negotiation rather than a separation from Britain. Moved in part by the Battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775, Paine, a journalist, wrote a 47-page pamphlet, titled “Common Sense,” in which he made a passionate argument against the British monarchy and for full American independence. “Common Sense” was published in early 1776, sold several hundred thousand copies, and highly influenced the colonies in their decision to declare independence from Britain on July 4, 1776. In this lesson, students begin by responding to a reflective question that asks them to share their knowledge of the American Revolution and early colonies. From there, they will review what was occurring in the colonies in 1776, and learn about the drafting, contents, and publication of the pamphlet. Next, students will hear about the legacy of Thomas Paine and why he should be studied today. Finally, students will respond to a prompt that asks them to explain their position on if “Common Sense” shaped America.
Lesson Plan: Book That Shaped America – “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass”
Born into slavery in Maryland, Frederick Douglass went on to become a writer, orator, statesman and key leader in the abolitionist movement. After his escape to freedom as an adult, Douglass in 1845 wrote the first of his three autobiographies, titled “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave.” The book was a bestseller, and greatly influential in promoting the cause of abolition. In this lesson, students begin by responding to reflective questions that ask them to share their knowledge of the abolitionist movement. From there, they will review the status of the United States in 1845. Next, students will learn more about the subsequent publishing of Douglass’ book, the immediate and lasting impact on the country, and details about his life. Finally, students will respond to a prompt that asks them to explain if and how “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass” shaped America.