| Secondary |
The Road to the U.S. Constitution
Before the Constitution, there were the Articles of Confederation. Watch a video to introduce the Articles, then examine their weaknesses and compare them to the Constitution.
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Aligned with Florida State Standards.
| Elementary | FL Civics Benchmarks: 2.CG.2.2 |
Every year, sea turtles come to nest on Florida beaches. Their nesting sites are protected by law. In this lesson, students learn how protecting sea turtles is part of responsible citizenship.
| Secondary | FL Civics Benchmarks: 7.CG.1.7 |
Before the Constitution, there were the Articles of Confederation. Watch a video to introduce the Articles, then examine their weaknesses and compare them to the Constitution.
| Elementary | FL Civics Benchmarks: 4.CG.2.1 |
In this free lesson, students watch a video of fourth graders proposing a law to their city council. They then simulate a city council meeting in the classroom.
| Secondary | FL Civics Benchmarks: SS.8.CG.2.2 |
Review the responsibilities of citizens, including paying taxes. Watch videos and read Citizen Stories to identify examples of local, state, or national citizenship.
| Secondary | FL Civics Benchmarks: SS.912.CG.4.2 |
When headlines mention economic sanctions, your students may be wondering how they are used in foreign policy. In this lesson, students simulate a situation room with a historical example.
| Elementary | FL Civics Benchmarks: SS.2.CG.2.4 |
Students watch a video or read a story about how people celebrate Independence Day. They look for symbols, people, and documents that represent the United States.
| Elementary | FL Civics Benchmarks: SS.5.CG.3.4, SS.5.CG.2.3 |
Introduce your students to the history of the Nineteenth Amendment, which expanded voting rights to women. In this multimedia lesson, your students examine a primary source song and image.
| Secondary | FL Civics Benchmarks: SS.7.CG.1.9 |
In this lesson, students examine a quote by James Madison and complete a graphic organizer. They watch video examples of checks and balances in action and identify the powers of each branch.
| Elementary | FL Civics Benchmarks: SS.K.CG.1.1, SS.K.CG.1.2 |
On Daylight Savings Day, we move our clocks ahead one hour. Why do we have laws like this? In this lesson, students watch a video story to learn why rules and laws are important.
| Secondary | FL Civics Benchmarks: SS.6.CG.1.2 |
For the Ides of March, have your class explore the Roman Republic. In this lesson, students compare and contrast the political system in Ancient Rome and the modern-day United States.
| Elementary | FL Benchmarks:1.CG.1.1 & 1.CG.1.2 |
Civics Lesson: Garrett A. Morgan Made His Community Safer
In this civics lesson, your students will learn about Garrett A. Morgan and the steps he took to make his community safer.
| Elementary | FL Benchmarks: 3.CG.2.1 |
Civics Lesson: Good Citizenship Awards
In this lesson, your students will learn about the accomplishments of Black Americans who demonstrated good citizenship and made their communities better.
| Elementary | FL Benchmarks: 5.CG.1.1 |
Civics Lesson: The Declaration of Independence
In this lesson, your students will act as historians and examine this founding document to find out why it was created and the ideals it supports.
| Secondary | FL Benchmarks: 7.CG.1.1 & 7.CG.1.2 |
Civics Lesson: Ancient Greek and Roman Influences in the U.S. Government
Like the Winter Olympics, our government has roots in Ancient Greece. In this free lesson, your students will make connections between the U.S. government and political principles from ancient Greece and Rome.
| Elementary | FL Civics Benchmarks: SS.5.CG.2.4 |
Empower students to help their community with this mini-inquiry project. Students research problems and propose solutions in this group activity.
| Secondary | FL Civics Benchmarks: SS.8.CG.2.5 |
Play a game called Do They Have the Right?, in which students examine Supreme Court cases and debate whether the Bill of Rights protects the related rights and freedoms.
| Secondary | FL Civics Benchmarks: SS.912.CG.3.2, SS.912.CG.1.1 |
For Bill of Rights Day, examine the First Amendment through actual Supreme Court Cases. In groups, students review and debate the facts of the case.