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Empowering students with civic knowledge is essential in providing them with a framework to understand world events. This education equips young individuals to become informed and active citizens capable of driving positive change within their communities and beyond. Engaging with current events allows students to apply classroom lessons to real-world scenarios, and a robust high school civics curriculum also encompasses the historical context of civic engagement.
Whether you are searching for politics and government lesson plans, supplemental activities for your civics curriculum, or current events projects to foster lively discussions among students, the following resources will aid you in cultivating our future leaders.
Resources on the U.S. Constitution and Government Functions
From exploring the structure and processes of the U.S. government to hosting high school debates on the U.S. Constitution, these resources will ignite student interest in civics. These topics are particularly suitable for Constitution Day activities!
United States Civics and Government Pre-Test
By Samantha in Secondary
Grades: 6th-10th
This pre-assessment focuses on the branches of government, the U.S. Constitution, governmental structure, and basic functions, allowing you to gauge student comprehension before diving into the material.
Crash Course: Government & Politics-Viewing Guides for All Episodes (Bundle)
By William Pulgarin
Grades: 8th-12th
These graphic organizers will assist your students in capturing key information while watching educational videos on government and politics.
Civics First Day Activity – What is Government
By Let’s Cultivate Greatness
Grades: 9th-12th
This activity encourages students to explore foundational concepts in civics and government, fostering a deeper understanding of their beliefs, misconceptions, and values.
Resources on Elections, Voting, and Being Engaged Citizens
Educating students on the principles of active citizenship prepares them for participation in elections once they reach voting age. Incorporate examples of civic engagement to provide concrete illustrations of these concepts.
American Government and Civics: Running for Office and Engaged Citizens Bundle
By Ms. Social Studies Teacher
Grades: 5th-12th
This bundle features activities centered around elections, campaigns, and active citizenship. Students will explore bias, symbolism, and propaganda while engaging in a mock election.
Redistricting & Gerrymandering Activity with M&M
By Save our Social Studies
Grades: 9th-12th
This engaging activity serves as a visual introduction to redistricting and gerrymandering, suitable for any civics, government, or human geography course.
The Political System and Election Process PowerPoint and Guided Notes
By History Gal
Grades: 9th-12th
This lesson encompasses crucial topics such as political parties, the electoral college, and the factors influencing public opinion.
U.S. Elections | Presidential Election Process | U.S. Government U.S. Election Process
By Holly’s Social Studies Store
Grades: 9th-12th
This resource includes a warm-up, lecture slides, cloze notes, and activity suggestions designed to help students grasp the U.S. election process and timeline.
Resources to Engage Students in Politics and Current Events
Integrating current events into the high school civics curriculum is crucial. It allows students to observe government and citizenship in action through pertinent and relatable narratives.
AP Language/Composition – What’s Up Wednesdays – Current Events
By Schooled by Stultz
Grades: 9th-12th
This weekly activity encourages high school students to expand their understanding of current events by presenting articles and engaging in class discussions.
What to Include in a High School Civics Curriculum
The NCSS National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies outline 10 thematic strands, several of which are directly related to civics. This framework provides a solid foundation for developing or selecting a high school civics curriculum.
Key topics to include are:
- Ethical exercise of political power
- Scope and limits of authority
- Functions and purposes of government
- Rights and responsibilities of citizens within a constitutional democracy
- Managing advancements in science and technology for the benefit of all
- Privacy protection
- Basic rights and freedoms of citizens in a democracy
- Civic engagement
- Civic ideals and practices in different nations
Civics and Government Pacing Guide, Scope and Sequence FREE, Civics Curriculum
By Learned Lessons LLC
Grades: 6th-12th
This comprehensive bundle outlines essential topics for an entire academic year or by semester for civics and government courses, including numerous lesson planning guides across civics, world geography, American history, and world history.
Customize Your High School Civics Curriculum with TPT
Depending on your locality and the regulations set forth by state and local authorities, finding a ready-made curriculum that aligns with your high school civics classes can be challenging. With high school civics resources, you can tailor your course to be relevant and engaging for your students.
