Browse lesson plans

Comparing governments: Local, state, and national

This lesson on comparing governments will focus on looking at the similarities and differences between local, state, and federal governments in North Carolina and the United States. It is suggested that this lesson be followed by Comparing governments: International. This plan could be easily adapted for eighth-grade or high-school ESL students.

Format: lesson plan (grade 4–5 English Language Development and Social Studies)

By Tami Weaver and Wendy Pineda.

Does my vote count? Teaching the electoral college

In Election 2008, page 4.4

Students will learn about the electoral process and its history through reading, research, and discussion. They will then convene a constitutional convention to debate altering this process.

Format: lesson plan (grade 10 English Language Arts and Social Studies)

By David Walbert.

Send me to Congress

Students learn about the qualifications for and job descriptions of members of the U.S.Senate or the U.S.House of Representatives by designing and creating a campaign brochure. Students apply their knowledge of these requirements by "selling" their candidate to the general public.

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–10 Social Studies)

By Tim Raines.

Resources on the web

Justice Learning

Start with current issues that directly effect student's lives and work toward historical context and civic competence using the materials from NPR and the New York Times. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: Justice Talking