Welcome to C-SPAN Classroom's Lesson Plans!
This section of the website is designed to enhance social studies curriculums by providing teachers with structured lesson plans that examine a variety of topics and are supplemented with video clips of related C-SPAN programming. Our lessons are separated into categories commonly studied in social studies curriculums. Our lessons contain an overview, vocab words, suggested procedure and activities, as well as potential follow up assignments to reinforce student's learning.
Table of Contents
AP U.S. Government Key Terms
- Letter from a Birmingham Jail for AP U.S. Government Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "Letter from a Birmingham Jail" is one of the nine required, foundational documents for AP U.S. Government. This lesson includes a guided reading of the Letter, supported…23 minutes
- Line-Item VetoThe line-item veto provides a president or governor with the power to reject specific provisions in a bill. In this lesson, students will watch a short video clip and examine the rationale and…5 minutes
- AP Government: Quantitative Analysis Question PracticeThis is intended as an end-of-course review activity for practice with the Quantitative Analysis Question format included on the AP United States Government and Politics exam since the 2018 redesign.…31 seconds
- AP Government: SCOTUS Comparison Question PracticeThis is intended as an end-of-course review activity for practice with the SCOTUS Comparison Question format included on the AP United States Government and Politics exam since the 2018 redesign.…1 minute
- Models of DemocracyIn this lesson students will view video clips that are examples of the three models of democracy: Participatory, Pluralist, and Elite. For each video clip, students will need to identify each type of…51 secondsView All
- Letter from a Birmingham Jail for AP U.S. Government
Bureaucracy & Regulation
- Presidential Records Act (1978)This lesson explores the Presidential Records Act (1978), its provisions, related complications, and impacts on the United States. The lesson, which features several experts speaking as part of a…4 minutes
- U.S. Government SecrecyThis lesson focuses on the history of U.S. government secrecy and related modern issues. The lesson, which features Columbia University history professor and author of "The Declassification Engine,"…2 minutes
- Campaign Fundraising: An InvestigationThis lesson features an investigation of a selected member of Congress to determine whether they may have been influenced by campaign contributions. The lesson opens with reflective questions that…3 minutes
- Walmart’s “Transformation”This lesson focuses on the growth of Walmart and its recent transformation. The lesson, which features journalist Rick Wartzman, author of "Still Broke: Walmart’s Remarkable Transformation and the…2 minutes
- Irish Catholics and Tammany HallThis lesson focusing on the role of Tammany Hall in 19th century New York City and its impact on Irish Catholics and other immigrants opens with two reflective questions that ask students to consider…3 minutesView All
- Presidential Records Act (1978)
Campaigns & Elections
- Legacy of President Jimmy CarterThis lesson explores the legacy of President Jimmy Carter. The lesson, which features Marquette University (Milwaukee, WI) political science professor Julia Azari, opens with reflective questions…2 minutes
- Campaign Fundraising: An InvestigationThis lesson features an investigation of a selected member of Congress to determine whether they may have been influenced by campaign contributions. The lesson opens with reflective questions that…3 minutes
- History of GerrymanderingUniversity of North Florida professor and author Nick Seabrook looked at the history of gerrymandering in America. He discussed the origin, and its connection to Elbridge Gerry and George Burrington.…6 minutes
- Ted Kennedy: Lion of the SenateThis lesson focuses on the life and legacy of the "Lion of the Senate," Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA). The lesson, which features biographer, author of "Ted Kennedy: A Life," and former Boston Globe…4 minutes
- Political Poll BashingThis lesson focuses on the history of election polling failures and subsequent poll bashing throughout United States history. The lesson, which features American University (Washington D.C.)…3 minutesView All
- Legacy of President Jimmy Carter
Civil Rights & Civil Liberties
- The U.S. Juvenile Justice SystemThis lesson focuses on the American juvenile justice system, including its role educating incarcerated youth. The lesson, which features bestselling author and journalist Jeff Hobbs, opens with…3 minutes
- The Red Scare of the 1940s and 1950sThis lesson focuses on the American 'Red Scare' of the 1940s and 50s. The lesson, which features University of California, Davis, history Professor Kathryn Olmsted, opens with reflective questions…4 minutes
- Escape from Enslavement - William and Ellen CraftThis lesson focuses on William and Ellen Craft's 1848 escape from enslavement in Macon, Georgia. The lesson, which features Ilyon Woo, author of "Master Slave, Husband Wife," opens with reflective…3 minutes
- The Green BookThis lesson focuses on the history, role, and legacy of the "The Negro Motorist Green Book." The lesson, which features TV and radio broadcaster, and author of "Driving the Green Book," Alvin Hall,…2 minutes
- The Second Virginia Convention (1775)This lesson features a historical reenactment of the Second Virginia Convention (1775), in which Patrick Henry gave his famous "Give me liberty, or give me death" speech. The lesson, which takes…1 minuteView All
- The U.S. Juvenile Justice System
Comparative Government
- The War in UkraineThis lesson focusing on the War in Ukraine (2022-present) opens with two reflective questions that ask students to consider the motivations for and effects of war. Students then view an introductory…1 minute
- Cold War Anti-Communist Trading CardsThis lesson plan about the Bowman Bubblegum Anti-Communism Cold War Trading Cards opens with two reflective question that ask students to reflect on the Cold War and teaching the concepts of…1 minute
- Hong Kong: British to Chinese RuleThis lesson plan opens with reflective questions that ask students to consider their prior knowledge their guaranteed rights in the United States. Students then watch, analyze, and respond to an…3 minutes
- Models of DemocracyIn this lesson students will view video clips that are examples of the three models of democracy: Participatory, Pluralist, and Elite. For each video clip, students will need to identify each type of…51 seconds
- US Tax Rates Compared to Other CountriesIn this lesson students will view a series of video clips that examine overall tax burden in the United States and how it compares to other developed countries. Students will learn about which…2 minutesView All
- The War in Ukraine
Constitutional Foundation
- History of State of the Union AddressesThis lesson focuses on the history of presidential State of the Union addresses. The lesson, which features Stonehill College professor Peter Ubertaccio, opens with reflective questions that ask…4 minutes
- Daniel Webster and American NationalismThis lesson focuses on the emergence of American nationalism in the early 1800s and Daniel Webster's role in its development. The lesson, which features University of California law professor Joel…3 minutes
- Enrichment Lesson - Ancient Greek Democracy - Today?This lesson was designed to be used as an enrichment activity for students that have mastered the basic historical information about the democracy that developed in ancient Greece. The lesson has…6 minutes
- Early American NeutralityThis lesson focuses on the efforts of early America to remain neutral with other countries amidst an era of ongoing conflict. The lesson features author Lindsay Chervinsky's lecture on the United…2 minutes
- Presidential SuccessionThis lesson plan about the history of presidential succession opens with a reflective question that asks students to consider their prior knowledge of the topic. Students then review an introductory…3 minutesView All
- History of State of the Union Addresses
Criminal Law & Justice
- Nuremberg Prosecutor Benjamin FerenczAt age 27, Benjamin Ferencz served as the chief U.S. prosecutor at the Nuremberg Trials for the case against 22 leaders of the Einsatzgruppen, which were mobile Nazi death squads responsible for the…5 minutes
- The U.S. Juvenile Justice SystemThis lesson focuses on the American juvenile justice system, including its role educating incarcerated youth. The lesson, which features bestselling author and journalist Jeff Hobbs, opens with…3 minutes
- The Red Scare of the 1940s and 1950sThis lesson focuses on the American 'Red Scare' of the 1940s and 50s. The lesson, which features University of California, Davis, history Professor Kathryn Olmsted, opens with reflective questions…4 minutes
- Escape from Enslavement - William and Ellen CraftThis lesson focuses on William and Ellen Craft's 1848 escape from enslavement in Macon, Georgia. The lesson, which features Ilyon Woo, author of "Master Slave, Husband Wife," opens with reflective…3 minutes
- 1977 Hanafi Siege of Washington D.C.This lesson focuses on the 1977 Hanafi Siege of Washington D.C., in which Hamaas Abdul Khaalis and members of the Hanafi Movement seized the District of Columbia building, the B'nai B'rith…3 minutesView All
- Nuremberg Prosecutor Benjamin Ferencz
Economics & Financial Literacy
- American GenerationsThis lesson presents an overview of America's six living generations. The lesson, which features San Diego State University psychology professor Jean Twenge, opens with reflective questions that ask…1 minute
- Life During the American Industrial AgeThis lesson focuses on daily life during the American industrial age of the late 19th century and early 20th century, using the life of Bartolomeo Vanzetti as a case study. The lesson, which features…5 minutes
- Panama CanalIn this lesson, students watch a video clip from C-SPAN's Reel America series, which features archival footage from 1934 of the building of the Panama Canal. After watching the clip, students engage…8 minutes
- The Microchip IndustryThis lesson focuses on the modern microchip industry and its impact on international economics and foreign relations. The lesson, which features Tufts University professor Chris Miller and…2 minutes
- Walmart’s “Transformation”This lesson focuses on the growth of Walmart and its recent transformation. The lesson, which features journalist Rick Wartzman, author of "Still Broke: Walmart’s Remarkable Transformation and the…2 minutesView All
- American Generations
Education
- American GenerationsThis lesson presents an overview of America's six living generations. The lesson, which features San Diego State University psychology professor Jean Twenge, opens with reflective questions that ask…1 minute
- The U.S. Juvenile Justice SystemThis lesson focuses on the American juvenile justice system, including its role educating incarcerated youth. The lesson, which features bestselling author and journalist Jeff Hobbs, opens with…3 minutes
- Becoming an AstronautThis lesson explores the life and story of an astronaut and what youth should do if they are interested in such a career. The lesson, which features NASA astronaut Dr. Kjell Lindgren, opens with…4 minutes
- American Museums in the 18th and 19th CenturiesThis lesson focuses on the evolution of American museums in the late-18th and early-19th centuries. The lesson, which features Harvard University professor and author Reed Gochberg speaking at a…3 minutes
- Conspiracies in AmericaThis lesson features video clips from authors Brendan McConville and Elizabeth Williamson speaking about conspiracy theories in America dating back to the Revolutionary time through modern-day. They…2 minutesView All
- American Generations
English & Literature
- John SteinbeckIn this lesson, students will hear Western History Association President David Wrobel talking about novelist John Steinbeck’s work in relation to the American West. Wrobel discusses how the plight…28 seconds
- So You Want To Be A Presidential Speechwriter?Featuring former Senior Speechwriter for the Obama Administration Sarada Peri, former Senior Speechwriter for the George W. Bush Administration John McConnell, and former Deputy Director of…5 minutes
- African American Women in Arts and LiteratureThis lesson plan about five African American women in arts and literature during the Civil Rights era opens with reflective questions that ask students to consider their prior knowledge of famous…2 minutes
- Choice Board - The Star-Spangled Banner The Star-Spangled Banner was penned by Francis Scott Key as he witnessed the bombardment of Fort McHenry in Maryland during the Battle of Baltimore on September 13-14, 1814. These words would…48 seconds
- Chatter - Our Inner VoiceIn this lesson, students will view videos of Ethan Kross, psychologist and author of the book "Chatter." He talks about our so-called inner voice and shares tools people can use to improve mental…2 minutesView All
- John Steinbeck
Environmental Policy & Land Use
- Landscapes and HistoryThis lesson uses an urban stream and its surrounding landscape in Columbia, South Carolina to link landscapes with history. The lesson, which features University of South Carolina professor Kent…3 minutes
- The Bald EagleThis lesson focuses on the history of the bald eagle, particularly its evolving status as an American symbol. The lesson, which features Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Jack Davis, opens with…1 minute
- Panama CanalIn this lesson, students watch a video clip from C-SPAN's Reel America series, which features archival footage from 1934 of the building of the Panama Canal. After watching the clip, students engage…8 minutes
- New York City Revolutionary War RelicsThis lesson focuses on the discovery, collection, and analysis of Revolutionary War artifacts in New York City. Featuring Colonial Williamsburg curator Erik Goldstein speaking at an event hosted by…3 minutes
- "Silent Spring Revolution" - Conservation Efforts in the U.S. Historian Douglas Brinkley, author of "Silent Spring Revolution," talked about American biologist Rachel Carson’s work on environmental pollution and the impact her 1962 book Silent Spring had on…10 minutesView All
- Landscapes and History
Executive Branch
- Presidential Records Act (1978)This lesson explores the Presidential Records Act (1978), its provisions, related complications, and impacts on the United States. The lesson, which features several experts speaking as part of a…4 minutes
- First Lady Edith WilsonThis lesson explores the legacy of First Lady Edith Wilson. The lesson, which features author Rebecca Boggs Roberts, opens with reflective questions that ask students to consider the roles of First…4 minutes
- Legacy of President Jimmy CarterThis lesson explores the legacy of President Jimmy Carter. The lesson, which features Marquette University (Milwaukee, WI) political science professor Julia Azari, opens with reflective questions…2 minutes
- Famous First Ladies' SpeechesThis lesson explores famous examples of speeches from American First Ladies. The lesson, which features a panel discussion hosted by the First Ladies Association for Research and Education (FLARE),…45 seconds
- Choice Board: Virtual Field Trip to the CIA MuseumThis lesson features a virtual tour of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Museum, a location not normally open to the public. The lesson, which features the museum's director and curator Robert…3 minutesView All
- Presidential Records Act (1978)
Federalism and State Issues
- Choice Board - Compensating College Athletes for their Name, Image and Likeness (NIL)The issue of student athletes having the right to be compensated for use of their name, image and likeness (NIL) has been growing across the country. In addition, access to health care and equity are…3 minutes
- What to expect during the 2020 Redistricting ProcessFollowing the 2020 Census, states are responsible for redrawing congressional district lines. This lesson looks at the processes that states will use during the 2020 redistricting cycle. Students…3 minutes
- Distribution of a Coronavirus VaccineThis lesson looks at the issues relating to the distribution of a coronavirus vaccine when a safe vaccine is developed and approved. This resource has students view video clips of policymakers,…3 minutes
- Election Night 2020: What to ExpectWith the coronavirus pandemic and the increase in early voting and voting by mail, many experts are predicting that election night might look different than previous years. This lesson has students…1 minute
- Increasing Civic EducationEducation is a part of our lives and has always been left to the states to decide what is covered, when it is covered, and how it is covered. Currently ten out of the fifty states do not require any…4 minutesView All
- Choice Board - Compensating College Athletes for their Name, Image and Likeness (NIL)
Foreign Policy
- Choice Board: Virtual Field Trip to the CIA MuseumThis lesson features a virtual tour of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Museum, a location not normally open to the public. The lesson, which features the museum's director and curator Robert…3 minutes
- The Red Scare of the 1940s and 1950sThis lesson focuses on the American 'Red Scare' of the 1940s and 50s. The lesson, which features University of California, Davis, history Professor Kathryn Olmsted, opens with reflective questions…4 minutes
- Ana Montes - Cuban SpyThis lesson focuses on the life and career of Defense Intelligence Agency analyst Ana Montes, who was a spy for Cuba for nearly 17 years. The lesson, which features investigative journalist and…4 minutes
- Dinner with the PresidentThis lesson focuses on the relationship between food, culture, and politics in the American Presidency. The lesson, which features journalist Alex Prud’homme, opens with reflective questions that…3 minutes
- Panama CanalIn this lesson, students watch a video clip from C-SPAN's Reel America series, which features archival footage from 1934 of the building of the Panama Canal. After watching the clip, students engage…8 minutesView All
- Choice Board: Virtual Field Trip to the CIA Museum
Geography
- Landscapes and HistoryThis lesson uses an urban stream and its surrounding landscape in Columbia, South Carolina to link landscapes with history. The lesson, which features University of South Carolina professor Kent…3 minutes
- Life During the American Industrial AgeThis lesson focuses on daily life during the American industrial age of the late 19th century and early 20th century, using the life of Bartolomeo Vanzetti as a case study. The lesson, which features…5 minutes
- The Green BookThis lesson focuses on the history, role, and legacy of the "The Negro Motorist Green Book." The lesson, which features TV and radio broadcaster, and author of "Driving the Green Book," Alvin Hall,…2 minutes
- Message-in-a-Bottle NotesThis lesson focuses on historical message-in-a-bottle notes. The lesson, which features author Ric Mixter speaking at a virtual event hosted by the Leelanau Historical Society Museum in Leland,…5 minutes
- Panama CanalIn this lesson, students watch a video clip from C-SPAN's Reel America series, which features archival footage from 1934 of the building of the Panama Canal. After watching the clip, students engage…8 minutesView All
- Landscapes and History
Gun Rights & Firearm Legislation
- Weapon Makers That Transformed AmericaThis lesson plan opens with reflective question that asks students to reflect on the role that guns play in American society. Students then watch, analyze, and respond to two introductory video clips…5 minutes
- Should the federal government enact "red flag" laws to prevent gun violence?This lesson looks at legislation that would provide federal grants for states to enact red flag laws. Red flag laws, also known as extreme risk protection orders, allow law enforcement to remove…4 minutes
- Second Amendment Supreme Court Cases: DC v Heller and McDonald v ChicagoThe D.C. v. Heller and McDonald v. Chicago Supreme Court cases addressed issues relating to an individual's right to bear arms and the incorporation of the Second Amendment to the Constitution. This…3 minutes
- AP Government Landmark Supreme Court Cases ReviewThis lesson provides students with an opportunity to review the facts and holdings of, and connections between, the fifteen landmark Supreme Court cases selected for inclusion in the redesigned AP…2 minutesView All
- Weapon Makers That Transformed America
Health
- Dinner with the PresidentThis lesson focuses on the relationship between food, culture, and politics in the American Presidency. The lesson, which features journalist Alex Prud’homme, opens with reflective questions that…3 minutes
- Lincoln and the Evolution of the American FuneralThis lesson focuses on the funeral of Abraham Lincoln and its impact on American funeral practices. The lesson, which features mortician and author Todd Harra speaking at an event hosted by the…4 minutes
- World War I Plastic SurgeryThis lesson plan about the history of plastic surgery and the work of Harold Gillies opens with a reflective question that asks students to consider the consequences of war. Students then watch,…3 minutes
- Chatter - Our Inner VoiceIn this lesson, students will view videos of Ethan Kross, psychologist and author of the book "Chatter." He talks about our so-called inner voice and shares tools people can use to improve mental…2 minutes
- The Making of American Fitness CultureThis lesson plan opens with an individual student reflection regarding their personal experiences with fitness and a brief introductory clip detailing major American cultural themes of the 1960s and…6 minutesView All
- Dinner with the President
Immigration
- Life During the American Industrial AgeThis lesson focuses on daily life during the American industrial age of the late 19th century and early 20th century, using the life of Bartolomeo Vanzetti as a case study. The lesson, which features…5 minutes
- Irish Catholics and Tammany HallThis lesson focusing on the role of Tammany Hall in 19th century New York City and its impact on Irish Catholics and other immigrants opens with two reflective questions that ask students to consider…3 minutes
- Rural America after the Civil WarThis lesson plan about the history of rural America after the Civil War opens with reflective questions that ask students to consider differences between rural and urban areas. Students then watch,…2 minutes
- Changing American DemographicsThis lesson plan opens with reflective questions that ask students to reflect on the people who live in their local communities. Students then watch, analyze, and respond to three introductory videos…2 minutes
- Ellis Island - Island of Hope, Island of TearsIn this lesson, students will explore immigration through the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration 1989 documentary "Island of Hope, Island of Tears." Students will hear some of the reasons…4 minutesView All
- Life During the American Industrial Age
Interest Groups & Lobbying
- The Bald EagleThis lesson focuses on the history of the bald eagle, particularly its evolving status as an American symbol. The lesson, which features Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Jack Davis, opens with…1 minute
- Campaign Fundraising: An InvestigationThis lesson features an investigation of a selected member of Congress to determine whether they may have been influenced by campaign contributions. The lesson opens with reflective questions that…3 minutes
- Walmart’s “Transformation”This lesson focuses on the growth of Walmart and its recent transformation. The lesson, which features journalist Rick Wartzman, author of "Still Broke: Walmart’s Remarkable Transformation and the…2 minutes
- Choice Board - Labor Movement in the U.S. Labor or Trade Unions represent thousands of workers in a variety of industries in the United States who seek improvements in working conditions and wages, among other rights. These organizations are…21 seconds
- Employee Free Choice ActIn this lesson, students will view video clips that discuss the economic benefits, costs, and trade-offs regarding the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA). Students will discuss the different…5 minutesView All
- The Bald Eagle
Judicial Branch
- 2022-2023 Supreme Court Term PreviewThis lesson plan offers a preview of cases in the 2022-2023 Supreme Court term. The lesson opens with reflective questions that ask students to consider their knowledge of famous Supreme Court cases…6 minutes
- CURRENT TERM - 2022-2023 Supreme Court Oral ArgumentsThe Supreme Court has the power to interpret the Constitution. Its rulings on cases determine the meaning of laws and acts of Congress and the president. During oral arguments, attorneys for each…8 minutes
- Supreme Court Advocate Bessie MargolinThis lesson plan about Supreme Court advocate Bessie Margolin opens with two reflective questions that ask students to their prior knowledge of famous women throughout U.S. history. Students then…3 minutes
- Privacy or Public InterestThis lesson plan opens with reflective questions that ask students to reflect on the nature and scope of privacy. Students then watch, analyze, and respond to an introductory video that presents a…2 minutes
- Constance Baker MotleyIn her 2022 Senate confirmation hearing to become the first Black female Supreme Court Justice, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson listed Constance Baker Motley as one of her primary role models. This…2 minutesView All
- 2022-2023 Supreme Court Term Preview
Legislative Branch
- Presidential Records Act (1978)This lesson explores the Presidential Records Act (1978), its provisions, related complications, and impacts on the United States. The lesson, which features several experts speaking as part of a…4 minutes
- The Bald EagleThis lesson focuses on the history of the bald eagle, particularly its evolving status as an American symbol. The lesson, which features Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Jack Davis, opens with…1 minute
- The Red Scare of the 1940s and 1950sThis lesson focuses on the American 'Red Scare' of the 1940s and 50s. The lesson, which features University of California, Davis, history Professor Kathryn Olmsted, opens with reflective questions…4 minutes
- U.S. Government SecrecyThis lesson focuses on the history of U.S. government secrecy and related modern issues. The lesson, which features Columbia University history professor and author of "The Declassification Engine,"…2 minutes
- History of State of the Union AddressesThis lesson focuses on the history of presidential State of the Union addresses. The lesson, which features Stonehill College professor Peter Ubertaccio, opens with reflective questions that ask…4 minutesView All
- Presidential Records Act (1978)
Media
- The 1990sThis lesson provides an overview of the 1990s through an exploration of several proposed zeitgeists, or "defining spirits or moods" for the decade (Oxford). The lesson, which features American…6 minutes
- Famous First Ladies' SpeechesThis lesson explores famous examples of speeches from American First Ladies. The lesson, which features a panel discussion hosted by the First Ladies Association for Research and Education (FLARE),…45 seconds
- Becoming an AstronautThis lesson explores the life and story of an astronaut and what youth should do if they are interested in such a career. The lesson, which features NASA astronaut Dr. Kjell Lindgren, opens with…4 minutes
- Speeches That Defined A PresidencyThis lesson features several notable examples of 'speeches that defined a presidency,' based on C-SPAN's 2023 television series of the same name. The lesson opens with an introductory video clip in…2 minutes
- Choice Board: Virtual Field Trip to the CIA MuseumThis lesson features a virtual tour of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Museum, a location not normally open to the public. The lesson, which features the museum's director and curator Robert…3 minutesView All
- The 1990s
Political Parties
- American GenerationsThis lesson presents an overview of America's six living generations. The lesson, which features San Diego State University psychology professor Jean Twenge, opens with reflective questions that ask…1 minute
- Legacy of President Jimmy CarterThis lesson explores the legacy of President Jimmy Carter. The lesson, which features Marquette University (Milwaukee, WI) political science professor Julia Azari, opens with reflective questions…2 minutes
- Speeches That Defined A PresidencyThis lesson features several notable examples of 'speeches that defined a presidency,' based on C-SPAN's 2023 television series of the same name. The lesson opens with an introductory video clip in…2 minutes
- Dinner with the PresidentThis lesson focuses on the relationship between food, culture, and politics in the American Presidency. The lesson, which features journalist Alex Prud’homme, opens with reflective questions that…3 minutes
- History of State of the Union AddressesThis lesson focuses on the history of presidential State of the Union addresses. The lesson, which features Stonehill College professor Peter Ubertaccio, opens with reflective questions that ask…4 minutesView All
- American Generations
Science & Technology
- The 1990sThis lesson provides an overview of the 1990s through an exploration of several proposed zeitgeists, or "defining spirits or moods" for the decade (Oxford). The lesson, which features American…6 minutes
- Becoming an AstronautThis lesson explores the life and story of an astronaut and what youth should do if they are interested in such a career. The lesson, which features NASA astronaut Dr. Kjell Lindgren, opens with…4 minutes
- Choice Board: Virtual Field Trip to the CIA MuseumThis lesson features a virtual tour of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Museum, a location not normally open to the public. The lesson, which features the museum's director and curator Robert…3 minutes
- Ana Montes - Cuban SpyThis lesson focuses on the life and career of Defense Intelligence Agency analyst Ana Montes, who was a spy for Cuba for nearly 17 years. The lesson, which features investigative journalist and…4 minutes
- U.S. Government SecrecyThis lesson focuses on the history of U.S. government secrecy and related modern issues. The lesson, which features Columbia University history professor and author of "The Declassification Engine,"…2 minutesView All
- The 1990s
Social Services
- Walmart’s “Transformation”This lesson focuses on the growth of Walmart and its recent transformation. The lesson, which features journalist Rick Wartzman, author of "Still Broke: Walmart’s Remarkable Transformation and the…2 minutes
- The New Deal Subsistence Homesteads ProgramThis lesson plan opens with a reflective question that asks students to consider the role of government of supporting those in need. Students then watch, analyze, and respond to two introductory…3 minutes
- President Lyndon Johnson's Great Society InitiativesIn his 1965 State of the Union address, President Johnson called on Americans to continue on the “road to the great society,” proposing a sweeping national agenda from education reforms to a war…5 minutes
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) The LIHEAP Program assists low income households with energy costs. LIHEAP offers programs that keep people cool during the summer and warm during the winter, help with energy bills, repairs and…53 seconds
- How Are Your Tax Dollars Being Spent on Federal Social Programs?As Congress prepares the national budget, they must consider programs that fall within the scope of its spending, the impact funding those programs will have and prioritize items in the budget. In…1 minuteView All
- Walmart’s “Transformation”
State History
- Landscapes and HistoryThis lesson uses an urban stream and its surrounding landscape in Columbia, South Carolina to link landscapes with history. The lesson, which features University of South Carolina professor Kent…3 minutes
- Escape from Enslavement - William and Ellen CraftThis lesson focuses on William and Ellen Craft's 1848 escape from enslavement in Macon, Georgia. The lesson, which features Ilyon Woo, author of "Master Slave, Husband Wife," opens with reflective…3 minutes
- The Green BookThis lesson focuses on the history, role, and legacy of the "The Negro Motorist Green Book." The lesson, which features TV and radio broadcaster, and author of "Driving the Green Book," Alvin Hall,…2 minutes
- The Second Virginia Convention (1775)This lesson features a historical reenactment of the Second Virginia Convention (1775), in which Patrick Henry gave his famous "Give me liberty, or give me death" speech. The lesson, which takes…1 minute
- Maryland - Union or Confederate?This lesson focuses on the mix of Union and Confederate support in Maryland during the American Civil War. The lesson, which features editor Charles Mitchell speaking at an event hosted by the…5 minutesView All
- Landscapes and History
StudentCam
- StudentCam Documentary Competition Step-by-Step GuideLooking for a project-based learning experience? StudentCam challenges middle and high school students to think critically about issues that affect them, their communities, and our country.…2 minutes
- An Introduction to the C-SPAN Video LibraryThis activity is a way to introduce your students to C-SPAN's extensive Video Library. This will help students gain an understanding of what content C-SPAN covers. It can also help prepare students…3 minutesView All
- StudentCam Documentary Competition Step-by-Step Guide
Supreme Court Cases
- Campaign Fundraising: An InvestigationThis lesson features an investigation of a selected member of Congress to determine whether they may have been influenced by campaign contributions. The lesson opens with reflective questions that…3 minutes
- 2022-2023 Supreme Court Term PreviewThis lesson plan offers a preview of cases in the 2022-2023 Supreme Court term. The lesson opens with reflective questions that ask students to consider their knowledge of famous Supreme Court cases…6 minutes
- CURRENT TERM - 2022-2023 Supreme Court Oral ArgumentsThe Supreme Court has the power to interpret the Constitution. Its rulings on cases determine the meaning of laws and acts of Congress and the president. During oral arguments, attorneys for each…8 minutes
- Supreme Court Advocate Bessie MargolinThis lesson plan about Supreme Court advocate Bessie Margolin opens with two reflective questions that ask students to their prior knowledge of famous women throughout U.S. history. Students then…3 minutes
- Diversity on the U.S. Supreme CourtThis lesson plan opens with reflective questions that ask students to consider the impact of diversity in American government. Students then watch, analyze, and respond to an introductory video that…3 minutesView All
- Campaign Fundraising: An Investigation
U.S. History
- The 1990sThis lesson provides an overview of the 1990s through an exploration of several proposed zeitgeists, or "defining spirits or moods" for the decade (Oxford). The lesson, which features American…6 minutes
- Presidential Records Act (1978)This lesson explores the Presidential Records Act (1978), its provisions, related complications, and impacts on the United States. The lesson, which features several experts speaking as part of a…4 minutes
- Presidential Voice - D-Day SpeechesOn June 6, 1944, 156,000 Allied troops participated in the largest air, sea, and land operation in the history of warfare. The Germans had heavily fortified the beaches of Normandy and 4,000 Allied…1 minute
- Landscapes and HistoryThis lesson uses an urban stream and its surrounding landscape in Columbia, South Carolina to link landscapes with history. The lesson, which features University of South Carolina professor Kent…3 minutes
- American GenerationsThis lesson presents an overview of America's six living generations. The lesson, which features San Diego State University psychology professor Jean Twenge, opens with reflective questions that ask…1 minuteView All
- The 1990s
World History
- The 1990sThis lesson provides an overview of the 1990s through an exploration of several proposed zeitgeists, or "defining spirits or moods" for the decade (Oxford). The lesson, which features American…6 minutes
- Presidential Voice - D-Day SpeechesOn June 6, 1944, 156,000 Allied troops participated in the largest air, sea, and land operation in the history of warfare. The Germans had heavily fortified the beaches of Normandy and 4,000 Allied…1 minute
- First Lady Edith WilsonThis lesson explores the legacy of First Lady Edith Wilson. The lesson, which features author Rebecca Boggs Roberts, opens with reflective questions that ask students to consider the roles of First…4 minutes
- Nuremberg Prosecutor Benjamin FerenczAt age 27, Benjamin Ferencz served as the chief U.S. prosecutor at the Nuremberg Trials for the case against 22 leaders of the Einsatzgruppen, which were mobile Nazi death squads responsible for the…5 minutes
- Choice Board: Virtual Field Trip to the CIA MuseumThis lesson features a virtual tour of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Museum, a location not normally open to the public. The lesson, which features the museum's director and curator Robert…3 minutesView All
- The 1990s
