Dynamic Social Studies and History

The concept of checks and balances in our federal goverment is essential to understanding how the three branches of government work to limit excessive power of any one branch. This activity presents 12 examples of checks and balances, asking students to figure out which branch is doing the checking and which is being checked. Graphic for students and answers for teachers are included. This activity would work as classwork for individuals or groups or as homework. Ratings are appreciated!

This worksheet presents 8 court case scenarios. Students are asked to identify which court will hear the case and explain why. Knowledge of the US Court System and jurisdictions is essential to complete this correctly. Answers are provided.

In the weeks following the September 11, 2001 attacks, political cartoonists took the opportunity to illustrate the wide variety of emotions Americans and those around the world were feeling as well as the subsequent actions taken by our government. This lesson presents an introduction to political cartooning techniques, a list of common symbols used in cartooning, and then presents 22 political cartoons from the first months after the attacks. After a presentation of all the cartoons, studen

Looking at a political cartoon can be overwhelming and confusing. This lesson guides students through the process of sound cartoon interpretation. Over time, this type of analysis should become second nature. This lesson offers an explanation of the techniques used in political cartoons with visual examples, a list of symbols used in political cartoons (one blank and one already filled in - your choice which to distribute) and a cartoon analysis worksheet that can and should be used every time

After an introduction to manifest destiny, this lesson uses a powerful visual to illustrate the concept of manifest destiny. Students examine the details of the John Gast's 1872 painting American Progress by answering a series of questions. Next, they read an excerpt of George A. Croffut's 1873 written description of the painting for further detail and understanding of the artwork. Teachers are provided with links to explain the background and history of the painting as well as the complete ar

This activity provides an introduction to right vs. left brain characteristics and the traits that mark a right or left brained person. Students will take a 20 question learning survey, tally their results and write a letter to their teacher describing themselves. The lesson includes an overview handout, 20 question inventory, separate tally sheet, and directions for the written reflection. The purpose of this activity is for students to take an introspective look at how they learn and recogniz

This activity provides an introduction to intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Students will take a 10 question learning survey, tally their results and write a letter to their teacher describing themselves. The lesson includes an overview handout, 10 question inventory, separate tally sheet, and directions for the written reflection. The purpose of this activity is for students to take an introspective look at how they learn and recognize their strengths as well as areas for growth as a student.

This activity presents 4 photos of southern schools in the 1940s, interior/exterior, black/white. Students will analyze the state of education in each of the scenarios by answering a series of questions. It will become clear that separate was NOT equal. The activity concludes with a set of analysis questions regarding the beginnings of the push for equality in education.

This in-class research project asks students to investigate and report on current issues of public policy in the United States. They are asked to research local, state and national issues on six different public policy topics. The project helps students understand the broad scope of public policy in our country. Ratings are appreciated!

This worksheet outlines a list of functions of political parties. Then, students are given 16 scenarios and they have to determine what function is being described. There are also two opened questions where students are asked their ideas of political parties. This may be a homework assignment or an in-class activity. Answers are included. Ratings are appreciated!

This is a creative visual project intended for students to illustrate their understanding of the separation of powers in our federal government. Students are asked to research the roles of the three branches of goverment and present them in written and visual form. Grading rubric included. Ratings are appreciated!

This test entails typical questions on a U.S. citizenship test. It would be excellent to be used as a pre-test to see what students know or as a final check after a civics unit. There are 100 questions and separate answer pages.

School often begins with jumping into content. I have found that students can benefit from some activities that help them assess their skills, motivations and traits. Once students are able to understand themselves, they can succeed as a student and a life-long learner. This bundle examines whether a person is left or right brained, what types of intelligences they possess, and what motivates them to succeed. After these survey assessments, students tally their results and create a reflection

Students can work in class or at home on these activities that ask them to select a state and research it. They will learn basic facts about the state, its geography, its economic characteristics, government structure and education system. Good for students in grades 7-12.

This is chart activity for students to fill out and to discuss as a class. They first define sectionalism in the early 1800s and are presented with 4 issues that caused increasing sectionalism. The students define each issue and then explain the views held by the North and views held by the South on each topic. The lesson concludes with an examination of the Missouri Compromise.

This lesson includes two graphics of the Federal Reserve System, reference to a website explaining the Fed in detail and two worksheets (with answers), asking students to apply their learning to economic scenarios. One activity asks students to determine which role of the Fed is being described in various scenarios. The other activity is more in depth and asks students to identify the economic problem presented and offer solutions the Fed would use to address the problem. Understanding the Fe

This packet of materials includes an introduction to groupwork, the benefits, the behaviors, and the roles. This can be for teacher use or shared with students. The second half of the product contains 4 evaluations of group work that both the teacher and student can utilize. The first is an individual evaluation of one's group participation. The second is an individual evaluation of the group as a whole. Next is an evaluation of how the group members worked in their assigned role. Finally

This worksheet outlines 5 traits that make a nation. Then, students are given 10 scenarios and they have to determine what trait is being described. This may be a homework assignment or an in-class activity. Answers are included. Ratings are appreciated!

This is a worksheet that presents 10 scenarios of American democracy at work. Students have to decide if the statement is outlining direct democracy or representative democracy. This activity would work well as classwork (individual or group) or as homework. Answers are provided. Thank you for rating this product!

This graphic is a good graphic reference for students to understand the left to right spectrum of American political ideologies and our main political parties. The concepts of liberal, moderate and conservative are highlighted left to right. Ratings are appreciated!