Suggestions for unit or lesson plans that can be incorporated into social studies, history, and other middle- and high-school courses with a civic component. The suggestions are focused on the selection and close reading of sources, and aimed at encouraging students to think about why sources are valid and relevant, as well as how to use them as they think about and discuss civic issues.
Material Type: Lesson Plan
Definition and examples of civic engagement. Created by Kimberly Kutz.
Material Type: Lesson
What aspects of citizenship changed with the ratification of the 19th Amendment? Created by Kimberly Kutz.
Material Type: Lesson
This is a collection of essential questions about civics that you can use in your history or social studies class. These questions could form the foundation of an individual lesson (i.e. a writing assignment, a class discussion) or they could be used to re-organize your curriculum (i.e. the basis for identifying topics for inclusion and a method of summative assessment). You'll also find links to a slidedeck and to background reading on the topic.
Material Type: Activity/Lab, Homework/Assignment
A record number of 142 women are serving in Congress in 2021 following a landmark election that saw more women, including women of color, running for office than ever before. Still, women make up just a quarter of Congress, while comprising more than half the U.S. population. Throughout U.S. history, women have played an important and evolving role in the political landscape — from Abigail Adams urging the Founding Fathers to “remember the ladies” in 1776 to this year, when Kamala Harris became the first woman and woman of color to take office as vice president. Despite barriers to entry, women in American politics continue to break into new government roles, using their knowledge and experience to shape the nation’s laws, policies, and organizations. As American politics continue to evolve and new resources emerge to support diverse contributors, great potential exists to expand women’s involvement in government.
Material Type: Activity/Lab, Case Study
