In a kid-friendly approach, we look at the components of the U.S. Constitution and put early government-forming events in a context. We distinguish the roles of the three branches of government, especially the structure and responsibilities of our judicial system.
We examine the authority to act, whether the authority comes from self or government. This lesson looks at our rights and responsibilities in the founding documents of our country. We discuss the purposes of the Constitution, Preamble to the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
The learners define bullying and describe the impact on victims, bystanders, and the whole community. We explore how bullying behavior can be a civil rights issue when it makes school a place that isn't fair and safe for all. They create a survey and poll members of their school and...
In this lesson, learners explore and address the following questions: Who are the minority voices of the past and how has the civil society sector stepped in to protect their rights? What actions were effective? What public policies are in place to protect them? Who are the bullied today and...
Youth make a plan as empowered and responsible members of the civil society to take action to prevent bullying behavior while being sensitive to the people involved, from the victim to the bystander to the bully.
The learners analyze examples from history of civic virtue and then select the characteristics they believe are most important for enduring citizen engagement.
We explore the integrity of Elizabeth Cady Stanton who fought for the rights of women when many people disagreed they should be allowed to vote. She was strong in her cause for women, but in the mid-1800s, she didn't speak up for Black women who were fighting the same right to vote.
In this lesson the learners define respect and relate it to the core values and beliefs of a constitutional democracy.
Even the person viewed as the most powerful person in the world does not have unlimited power. Constitutionally, the president of the United States is limited by the "advise and consent" rule (and other checks and balances). The learners look at the importance...
Students view primary documents to explore public policy on service. They make meaning of the government role and citizen responsibility in civic action. They make a personal plan of service based on their available time, talent, and treasure.