This third grade lesson is part of a Government and Citizenship unit. This unit is designed for students to understand that communities and nations need laws and leaders to help protect citizens and keep order, and that our government relies on participation from its citizens. The students will focus on why citizens need laws and […]

At the time the Founders were shaping the future of a new country, John Adams suggested the President should be addressed as H“is Excellency“ Happily, others recognized that such a title was inappropriate. Though the proper form of address represents only a small detail, defining everything about the Presidency was central to the idea of […]

Mini-Mock Trials are shorter versions of mock trial, taking an average of 2-3 hours. They are helpful for teaching about trial procedure as well as teaching the particular content of the trial. For example, one mini mock trial teaches driving responsibility.

This lesson introduces you to several additional intellectual tools useful in making decisions about responsibility. When you have completed the lesson, you should be able to use these ideas in evaluating, taking, and defending positions on issues of responsibility.

This library of mini-lessons targets a variety of landmark cases from the United States Supreme Court. Each mini-lesson includes a one-page reading and a one-page activity, and is appropriate for a variety of uses. Unlike the iCivics lesson plans, these mini-lessons are designed for students to complete independently without the need for teacher direction.