Teachers | iCivics

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Constitutional Principles (HS)

View the Constitution from the perspective of its foundational principles. Consider the Founders' intentions and the Constitution itself as you discover how the constitutional principles are critical…
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Lesson Plan

No Bill of Rights, No Deal (HS)

Jump into the big debate over the Bill of Rights, and see how the Federalists and Anti-Federalists battled over the fate of the U.S. Constitution. Where did the idea come from? How did they decided…
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Lesson Plan

Cabinet Building

The president isn’t alone when it comes to the day to day work of the Executive Branch. This lesson takes a look at the history of the presidential cabinet, how the cabinet is built through the…
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Lesson Plan

Philosophically Correct

Trace how philosophers throughout history have envisioned the ideal government. Explore ideas from Locke, Hobbes, Rousseau and more in this new high school lesson.
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Lesson Plan

Familiar But Flawed

Did Americans find fault in every ounce of the British government? Maybe not. Learn how America's Founders improved upon familiar structures of British government to contain tyranny in favor of…
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Lesson Plan

Race to Ratify Extension Pack

Make your students’ gameplay more meaningful by using our activity and assessment set designed specifically for Race to Ratify. This easy-to-use Extension Pack helps you give context and purpose to…
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Lesson Plan

Lessons from Antiquity

Where did democracy get its start? In this lesson, students learn about direct democracy in Athen's and Rome's republic, how each took shape, and the ideas our Founders borrowed from these great…
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Lesson Plan

Got Grievances?

You bet we do! What economic, political, and social factors led to the writing of the Declaration of Independence and American Revolution? Find out what caused the colonies to break from Great…
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Lesson Plan

Trial Court (Simulation)

Did Cellar breach the contract? Or was there no contract to begin with? Let students decide in this scripted trial simulation.Got a 1:1 classroom? Download fillable PDF versions of this lesson's…
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Lesson Plan

Foreign Policy

Many pieces play a part in carrying out our nation’s foreign policy—and they don’t always get along. In this lesson, students learn what foreign policy is, discover the agencies who execute it, and…
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Lesson Plan

The Public in Public Policy

Can a person really influence public policy? Yes, and in multiple ways. In this lesson, students discover who and how different groups influence public policy. With a case study that can be adapted…
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Private i

How Did Laws, Courts, and People Impact Civil Rights…

Grade 5

Everyone deserves to be treated equally. But how can people make sure that happens? In this inquiry-based unit, students will explain how Amendments to the Constitution attempted to address slavery’s…
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Grade 5
Private i

How Did Opposition to Laws Fuel the American…

Grade 3

What happens when people don’t have a say in the laws? In this inquiry-based unit, students will explore how the American colonies’ resistance to laws fueled the American Revolutionary War. They will…
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Grade 3
Private i

Introduction to Inquiry Mysteries, Grades K-1

Grade K-1

Students have lots of questions! Engage their curiosity through inquiry-based learning. In this unit, students will learn to examine images of primary source artifacts. They will have the opportunity…
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Grade K-1
Private i

Then and Now

Kindergarten

The past tells us about the present! In this unit, students analyze primary images from the past and compare them to those from today. Students will have the opportunity to learn how people, work,…
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Kindergarten
Private i

How Do We Celebrate Our Shared Traditions?

Kindergarten

Traditions can be large or small. Kids may be familiar with certain traditions. This unit allows them to explore more. They will have the opportunity to identify traditions that are important to…
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Kindergarten
Private i

What Makes a Good Leader?

Grade 1

Every community needs leaders. But how do we choose them, and what makes someone a good leader? In this unit, students will explore leaders in their community and identify leadership traits. Students…
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Grade 1
Private i

Introduction to Mysteries, Grades 2-3

Grade 2-3

We learn by asking questions! In this inquiry-based unit, students will have the chance to learn how asking questions can lead to learning. They will understand that sometimes there is more than one…
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Grade 2-3
Private i

Why Do People Move?

Grade 2

People move for many different reasons. Maybe for jobs or to be closer to family. In this inquiry-based unit, students will learn all about moving. They will start by learning about the push and pull…
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Grade 2
Private i

Why Do We Need Maps?

Grade 2

This inquiry-based unit puts kids on the map! Key vocabulary and primary source information allow kids to study different map projections and learn how maps have changed over time. The 1904 World’s…
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Grade 2