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Painless Guide to the Branches of Government: Judicial Branch - United Learning
Grades
5 to 8
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This ten minute video gives a brief historical overview of legislative and executive responsibilities. Display full screen for projection in the classroom or use with headphones in...more
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This ten minute video gives a brief historical overview of legislative and executive responsibilities. Display full screen for projection in the classroom or use with headphones in the computer lab.
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FBI Kids
Grades
2 to 6
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Pick your grade level and take a virtual field trip through the FBI with this interactive site that provides an excellent overview of the organization and its many functions. Students...more
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Pick your grade level and take a virtual field trip through the FBI with this interactive site that provides an excellent overview of the organization and its many functions. Students can learn about fingerprinting, DNA analysis, polygraph tests, and much more. Each informational segment is followed by a printable review game. The links to Safety Tips, Working Dogs, and Games are also worth exploring.
In the Classroom
Use this site as a learning center or station during a lesson on the government and how they enforce the laws. Introduce the site over the interactive whiteboard before allowing cooperative learning groups to participate in the online field trip. To summarize the topic, or to give groups who finish first something to do, let students play the games available after the field trip. Though they may not be rich in content, they do provide a review and respite for students.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Declaration of Independence - National Archives
Grades
7 to 12
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The National Archives has created an intriguing site that reveals some little known information about this historic document. Discover the number of signers who were born in Europe,...more
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The National Archives has created an intriguing site that reveals some little known information about this historic document. Discover the number of signers who were born in Europe, meet the signer who was a musician, and find out who was the youngest at the time of the signing. A special feature allows you to add your own signature to the document. Also includes a time line detailing the creation of the document.
In the Classroom
Use the "Meet the founding fathers" section as the basis of character roles for a in-class town hall meeting, recreating the events of the constitutional convention. Assign students different roles, i.e. founding fathers, and have them use the biographies of this site to allow them to research who their role was and what their beliefs were for a debate as to whether or not to sign the Declaration of Independence. If students stick to their assigned perspectives, the town-hall meeting can be a great way to review the important reasons for independence and the various perspectives that existed.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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The Choice 2004 - PBS Frontline
Grades
8 to 12
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Differences between the two presidential candidates are highlighted in this site that examines their lives, experiences, and world views. Dozens of interviews with colleagues, family,...more
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Differences between the two presidential candidates are highlighted in this site that examines their lives, experiences, and world views. Dozens of interviews with colleagues, family, and adversaries are included, along with a chronology of each man's life. Portions of the companion television special can be viewed online.
Although this resource was created for the 2004 Presidential election, the background information, interviews, and links are valuable for teaching about elections in general and for comparing elections as part of U.S. history.
Although this resource was created for the 2004 Presidential election, the background information, interviews, and links are valuable for teaching about elections in general and for comparing elections as part of U.S. history.
In the Classroom
Government teachers teaching about the past few election OR attempting to provide examples of the two party system will appreciate this site. The site has information about Bush & Kerry's political beliefs that can be easily compared to show the differences between the two parties. As a class, compare with a tool such as Venn Diagram on the Interactive Whiteboard or projector. Use an online tool such as Interactive Two Circle Venn Diagram (reviewed here).Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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FactCheck - Annenberg Public Policy Center
Grades
8 to 12
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This searchable, nonpartisan site analyzes and comments on the claims and statements made by U.S. politicians. TV ads, political debates, interviews, and speeches are carefully examined...more
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This searchable, nonpartisan site analyzes and comments on the claims and statements made by U.S. politicians. TV ads, political debates, interviews, and speeches are carefully examined to uncover distortions, misstatements, and mangled facts. A great resource to incorporate into a lesson on the 2008 election process.
In the Classroom
After presidential debates, go to Fact Check to see what was true and what was "stretched." Have students use this site for research about the candidates.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Political Commercials: Leading or Misleading Voters - PBS News Hour
Grades
9 to 12
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Critical thinking and current events come together in this well-planned lesson that asks students to analyze political commercials and look for logical fallacies. After examining the...more
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Critical thinking and current events come together in this well-planned lesson that asks students to analyze political commercials and look for logical fallacies. After examining the techniques used in the commercials, students use a storyboard template to plan their own commercials for fictitious candidates. As an extension activity, coordinate a video project, and record your students' original political commercials. Downloadable handouts and worksheets are provided. Aligned to National Council for the Social Studies Standards.
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Vote: The Machinery of Democracy - Smithsonian
Grades
7 to 12
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Voting methods in the United States are examined in this beautifully designed on-line exhibit created by the Museum of American History. The varied practices within individual states...more
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Voting methods in the United States are examined in this beautifully designed on-line exhibit created by the Museum of American History. The varied practices within individual states are explored as well as the historical evolution of our ballots and voting systems. Use this site to help students understand the Florida 2000 crisis, as well as the role technology and innovation have played in shaping our experiences at the polls. Although this resource was created for the 2000 election, the background information is valuable for teaching about elections in general and for comparing elections as part of U.S. history. There is a lot of information to learn from this site, even though some of this site requires Flash.
In the Classroom
Use the interactive exhibition portion of this site as a learning center or station during a unit on the US election process. (extra bonus if your class is specifically studying the 2000 election!)Have cooperative learning groups create podcasts demonstrating their understanding of one of the concepts. Use a site such as podOmatic, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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State Facts for Students - US Census Bureau
Grades
3 to 6
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This practical research tool provides useful, kid-friendly information about each of the fifty states. Students can learn about the census, discover state-related facts, and test their...more
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This practical research tool provides useful, kid-friendly information about each of the fifty states. Students can learn about the census, discover state-related facts, and test their knowledge with some challenging quiz questions. An interactive map serves as an easy navigational tool to reveal state-by-state information including total population, urban and rural residences, school enrollment, and languages spoken.
In the Classroom
Use this site during state research. Compare various states and have cooperative learning groups create two circle Venn Diagrams comparing two specific states using a site such as Interactive Two Circle Venn Diagram (reviewed here).Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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U.S. Electoral College
Grades
8 to 12
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Most students are a bit fuzzy on the role the Electoral College plays in choosing our president every four years. This site answers many questions in an easy to understand ...more
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Most students are a bit fuzzy on the role the Electoral College plays in choosing our president every four years. This site answers many questions in an easy to understand format. The history behind the system is discussed along with the particulars of its function. An overview of the intricacies of the 2000 election is also provided. This is strictly an informational resource - no bells or whistles - so use your creativity to build a lesson around it.
In the Classroom
While we're aware this is a public domain site with the reputation of being a bit unreliable, the images on this site would be an excellent resource for government teachers teaching about the Electoral College and its history. Use these images in a lecture or PowerPoint slide to help clarify how the electoral college has functioned in the past.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Humor's Edge: Cartoons by Ann Telnaes - Library of Congress
Grades
9 to 12
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This site features the Pulitzer Prize-winning talent of Ann Telnaes, a contemporary political cartoonist who accurately depicts the drama and news of the day with clarity and wit. Use...more
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This site features the Pulitzer Prize-winning talent of Ann Telnaes, a contemporary political cartoonist who accurately depicts the drama and news of the day with clarity and wit. Use these online examples from Library of Congress exhibit to introduce current political issues or challenge your students to design their own political cartoons.
In the Classroom
Use the images on this site to discuss the role political cartoons can play in US government. Select a few of Telnaes's images, displaying them over the projector. Have a class discussion about the images, discussing perspectives, effects and what is being portrayed by the cartoons. This is a great way to discover how humor can affect opinions, and dissect how it is done.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Core Documents of U.S. Democracy - Government Printing Office
Grades
7 to 12
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Access current and historical U.S. government documents with the click of a mouse. This electronic collection includes the Constitution, Bill of Rights, Gettysburg Address, Emancipation...more
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Access current and historical U.S. government documents with the click of a mouse. This electronic collection includes the Constitution, Bill of Rights, Gettysburg Address, Emancipation Proclamation, as well as Supreme Court decisions, the Budget of the United States Government, and so much more. Selected and authenticated by the Government Printing Office's GPO Access service.
In the Classroom
Use this as a resource for research projects or papers, particularly those debating a specific court decision or amendment. Useful resource for a US government class!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Structure of Congress - PBS Newshour
Grades
9 to 12
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This Web-based lesson plan introduces high school students to the structure of Congress and its various functions. Working in small groups, students are asked to research legislative...more
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This Web-based lesson plan introduces high school students to the structure of Congress and its various functions. Working in small groups, students are asked to research legislative terms and responsibilities, and then participate in a simulated press conference in which they will role play members of members of Congress and the media. Focus and discussion questions are provided along with links to online resources. Lesson objective are aligned to national standards.
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To Clone or Not to Clone: Hello Dolly Webquest - Keith Nuthall of the Poway Unified School District
Grades
11 to 12
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The impact of cloning on 21st century society is examined in this non-partisan, fact-based WebQuest that encourages research, analysis, and evaluation. Students, working in teams, are...more
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The impact of cloning on 21st century society is examined in this non-partisan, fact-based WebQuest that encourages research, analysis, and evaluation. Students, working in teams, are asked to consider the ethics, politics and science of the cloning process as they establish a government policy to regulate cloning. Teacher resources and website links are provided, along with a timeline and content standards. Because of the controversial nature of this real-life problem-solving challenge, exercise caution when implementing.
In the Classroom
Save this site as a favorite, and use the webquest during a discussion of government oversight, and how it has affected areas such as science. (This could also be used in a biology classroom during a lesson on cloning)Consider alternate product options for today's students, such as using Google Docs during planning and writing phases reviewed here or one of many creative. collaborative web 2.0 tools reviewed in the TeachersFirst Edge. Your students can work collaboratively without even being in the same place, and their projects can be shared easily on the web.
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Powers of Persuasion - National Archives
Grades
8 to 12
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The psychology of wartime patriotism is presented in this thought-provoking site that examines an impressive collection of propaganda posters used by the U. S. Government to promote...more
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The psychology of wartime patriotism is presented in this thought-provoking site that examines an impressive collection of propaganda posters used by the U. S. Government to promote the war effort in Europe and the Pacific during World War II. The on-line exhibit is divided into two thematic groups: posters that were designed to instill patriotism, and those that were created to show the horrors of war. The works of some well-known American artists, including Norman Rockwell, are represented. How did these words and images affect the hearts and minds of America citizens? How does this sanctioned propaganda compare with what the American government is communicating to its citizens during this current time of war? Use this impressive resource to generate discussion in a history or current events class.
In the Classroom
Use these images on this site to create a visual discovery activity. Select 3-5 of the more powerful images and put them on a PowerPoint, with each image showing for 1-2 minutes over the interactive whiteboard. Have students fill out a graphic organizer concerning each image, focusing on what students observe, infer and can predict. (To create the graphic organizer, try using Graphic Organizer Maker, (reviewed here).)After the class has reviewed all of the images, have a class discussion based on their findings. Teachers will be surprised how much content is discussed. This activity works best as a review.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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U.S. Capitol Tour - U.S. Senate
Grades
6 to 12
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If taking your students to Washington, D.C., just isn't a possibility, this site is the next best thing to being there. The interactive and viewer friendly tour provides panoramic photos,...more
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If taking your students to Washington, D.C., just isn't a possibility, this site is the next best thing to being there. The interactive and viewer friendly tour provides panoramic photos, fascinating historical information, and interesting details about many of the objects encountered along the way. This is an extensive tour, so a teacher-created plan with explicit directions is strongly suggested before students embark on the field trip.
In the Classroom
Use this site as a learning center or station during a unit on the branches and houses of government. Students will be able to connect the visual images with the content, and also gain more insight from the text. To highlight whats more important from the site, have students complete a follow-along guide of questions. For help creating one, we recommend using Graphic Organizer Maker, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Living Room Candidate - American Museum of the Moving Image
Grades
8 to 12
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How does this year's presidential race differ from those of the past? Are there significant similarities or differences? This collection of 183 campaign commercials from 1952 through...more
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How does this year's presidential race differ from those of the past? Are there significant similarities or differences? This collection of 183 campaign commercials from 1952 through 2000 provides a revealing and thought-provoking glimpse of the art of politics over the decades. An analysis of partisan advertising campaigns is included for each election year, along with a map showing election results. Click on "Highlights and Themes" to explore attack ads, the multiple roles expected of a president (family man, commander in chief, "regular guy," and leader), and biographical information. The Desktop Candidate section discusses the impact of the Internet on the voting public. Be sure to check out the link to Educational Materials, which includes a teacher's guide and suggested activities. Some of the older video clips require Flash but can also be viewed as a PDF. There is plenty of information to learn from that doesn't require Flash.
In the Classroom
Use the information at this site to compare past campaign commercials with current ads for the 2008 presidential election. Search the Internet for recent commercials (using whatever video websites are permitted at your school). Share a sample of commercials from the 1950s - the present. Have students discuss the similarities and differences. Have students create their own ad commercials about a presidential candidate that they support or a "mock" candidate that they created. To upload the students' commercials, use a tool such as TeacherTube (explained here). Be sure to obtain parental permission before videotaping any students.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Stories from a Small Planet - PBS Frontline
Grades
9 to 12
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Bring current events to life in your classroom with this resource that connects students with international events. Politics, economics, geography, and culture are addressed by lesson...more
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Bring current events to life in your classroom with this resource that connects students with international events. Politics, economics, geography, and culture are addressed by lesson plans (aligned to national standards) that challenge students to think deeply about global issues. Articles are written at a fairly high reading level and issues are complex. This is definitely a high-powered resource for concentrated analysis and serious discussion.
In the Classroom
Take advantage of the free lesson plans and readings to help connect students to the content being taught in your social studies class. Be sure to save this site as a favorite to allow easy retrieval later on.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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American Rhetoric
Grades
9 to 12
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Rhetoric can be a difficult concept for students to grasp in isolation. This collection of full-text speeches and audio/video clips from political speeches, legal proceedings, interviews,...more
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Rhetoric can be a difficult concept for students to grasp in isolation. This collection of full-text speeches and audio/video clips from political speeches, legal proceedings, interviews, debates, news broadcasts, and movies can really get the discussion going in speech and composition class! Definitions/interpretations of rhetoric are provided, along with a few interactive activities that make students think. A great resource for analyzing how wordsmiths use language to elicit a desired response from the audience. Created for American Rhetoric by Michael Eidenmuller. MP3 player required.
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Brown v. Board of Education - University of Michigan
Grades
9 to 12
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The University of Michigan chronicles the landmark Supreme Court case in this on-line archive. Historical events related to this case are documented through articles and images from...more
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The University of Michigan chronicles the landmark Supreme Court case in this on-line archive. Historical events related to this case are documented through articles and images from 1896 (Plessy v. Ferguson) to the present. Main areas of interest on the site include Supreme Court cases, school integration efforts, and recent re-segregation trends in American schools. Use as a springboard for a discussion on Civil Rights or the American Justice System.
In the Classroom
Recommend this site to students working on a research project or paper about the monumental case. There is a wealth of information here - teachers can also take advantage of the court case information, the primary sources and the images.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Election 2004: Hot-button Campaign Issues - NPR
Grades
9 to 12
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Although this resource was created for the 2004 Presidential Election, the background information is valuable for teaching about elections in general and for comparing elections as...more
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Although this resource was created for the 2004 Presidential Election, the background information is valuable for teaching about elections in general and for comparing elections as part of U.S. history. Encourage your students to examine and discuss the key issues that are driving candidates in the 2004 Presidential Election. This site includes National Public Radio audio files, links to NPR stories, and overviews of many topics from health care and the economy to the occupation of Iraq. An excellent resource for a high school "mock election" activity.
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