ALEX Lesson Plans

Subject: Social Studies (7)
Title: It's in the Hopper!
Description: A Congressional simulation in which students research a topic of interest, write a bill, and submit the bill for consideration by a Congressional committee of their peers. This lesson teaches in a real way the legislative process and committee work.

Subject: Social Studies (7)
Title: Get the Party Started!
Description: "Get the Party Started!" is designed to help students understand how political parties are formed and why people are members of certain parties. Students will have the opportunity to experience what it is like to form a group with like values and ideas. This lesson plan is technology enriched with a podcast and student micro-blogging.

Subject: Social Studies (7)
Title: Democrat or Republican
Description: During this lesson, students will begin to understand the differences between the two major political parties that exist in the United States of America. Students will have the opportunity to discuss the roles of each presidential candidate and his/her political views.

Thinkfinity Lesson Plans

Subject: Social Studies
Title: Chief Executives Compared: The Federalist Papers Add Bookmark
Description: In this lesson, one of a multi-part unit from EDSITEment, students look at an excerpt from the Federalist Papers, written by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison. They discuss how Hamilton's remarks reflect the concerns of some of the Founders. Students compile a list of the powers and responsibilities of the President based on Hamilton's essay and/or additional resources.
Thinkfinity Partner: EDSITEment
Grade Span: 6,7,8

Subject: Social Studies
Title: Xpedition Hall Add Bookmark
Description: Built around the National Geography Standards, Xpedition Hall is a virtual museum that is filled with interactive exhibits designed to provoke reflection on how human beings shape and are shaped by the world in which we live. The Hall contains one exhibit for each of standard, and groups these exhibits into six galleries, which correspond to the standards six underlying '' elements.'' Students use can use an image or map of the Hall to navigate through the exhibits.
Thinkfinity Partner: National Geographic Education
Grade Span: K,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12

Subject: Social Studies
Title: Background on the Patriot Attitude Toward the Monarchy Add Bookmark
Description: In this lesson, from EDSITEment, students look at how the role of President was defined by the founding fathers in order to distinguish the position from that of a monarch. They describe the role of the English monarch as perceived by the Patriots, and then describe how the Patriots viewed the King of England and his effect on their lives.
Thinkfinity Partner: EDSITEment
Grade Span: 6,7,8

Subject: Social Studies
Title: George Washington: The Precedent President Add Bookmark
Description: In this lesson, one of a multi-part unit from EDSITEment, students look at important developments that occurred during George Washington's tenure as the first President of the United States. They explore how that tenure affected the future of the U.S. and the office of President. Students list some of the precedents set during George Washington's term in office and match an action of a President with a power or responsibility of the Chief Executive.
Thinkfinity Partner: EDSITEment
Grade Span: 6,7,8

Subject: Social Studies
Title: Jefferson vs. Franklin: Revolutionary Philosophers Add Bookmark
Description: In this lesson, from EDSITEment, students deepen their understanding of the documents crucial to the birth of United States democracy as they scrutinize the contributions of two towering figures of the American Revolutionary period and beyond. They consider whether Benjamin Franklin's philosophical contributions to the early development of our government may have been overlooked.
Thinkfinity Partner: EDSITEment
Grade Span: 6,7,8

Subject: Social Studies
Title: Before and Beyond the Constitution: What Should a President Do? Add Bookmark
Description: This unit of three lessons, from EDSITEment, focuses on the role of the President under the U.S. Constitution. Students look at the role of President as defined in the Constitution and consider the precedent-setting accomplishments of George Washington. The three lessons can be taught as stand alone lessons or as part of the complete unit.
Thinkfinity Partner: EDSITEment
Grade Span: 6,7,8

Subject: Social Studies
Title: Lost Hero: The ''To Do List'' of the Continental Congress Add Bookmark
Description: In this lesson, one of a multi-part unit from EDSITEment, students explore how the role of President was defined in the Articles of Confederation. They also learn about the weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation regarding the role of the President.
Thinkfinity Partner: EDSITEment
Grade Span: 6,7,8

Subject: Language Arts
Title: It's Independence Day! Or is it? Add Bookmark
Description: Students consider why there are so many different dates associated with the Declaration of Independence and why the nation's birthday is celebrated on July 4.
Thinkfinity Partner: ReadWriteThink
Grade Span: 3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12