This 9th grade social studies class includes a study of the role of a citizen in a democratic government, the framework of the United States Constitution and the federal government, and the history and framework of Nebraska, tribal, and local governments. Content is taught with an emphasis on civic online reasoning and civil discourse. Through instruction focused on inquiry learning, students learn to become informed, active, and engaged citizens.
This course also includes a Civic Action Project requirement. The guiding principle of the Civic Action Project (CAP) is that all students who graduate from Lincoln Public Schools will be able to demonstrate actions that represent a citizen who understands the importance of personal responsibility to preserve our democratic ideology by being an engaged citizen. The Civic Action Project is an opportunity for students to not only learn the practical applications of their studies, but to also become actively contributing citizens and community members through the service they perform.
The course's essential questions include:
This course also includes a Civic Action Project requirement. The guiding principle of the Civic Action Project (CAP) is that all students who graduate from Lincoln Public Schools will be able to demonstrate actions that represent a citizen who understands the importance of personal responsibility to preserve our democratic ideology by being an engaged citizen. The Civic Action Project is an opportunity for students to not only learn the practical applications of their studies, but to also become actively contributing citizens and community members through the service they perform.
The course's essential questions include:
- What are my rights as a citizen?
- What are my responsibilities as a citizen?
- What ideas shaped the creation of the U.S. Constitution?
- What are the roles and functions of the federal government?
- What are the roles and functions of state and local government?
- How do citizens influence government decisions?
Civic Action Project
Civic Engagement Fair Instructions
CAP Project Student Presentation Slides
CAP Project Reflection Sentence Starters
CAP Project Student Presentation Slides
CAP Project Reflection Sentence Starters
Unit 1.1 - What are my rights as a citizen?
Introduction to Civics
Media Literacy
Natural Rights
Ideas of John Locke Reading Worksheet
Why Do We Need Government? Slides
Why Do We Need Government? Paragraph
Why Do We Need Government? Slides
Why Do We Need Government? Paragraph
Declaration of Independence
Declaration of Independence Slides
Declaration of Independence Notes
Declaration of Independence Reading Questions
King George Break-Up Letter
Declaration of Independence Notes
Declaration of Independence Reading Questions
King George Break-Up Letter
Government Basics
Human Rights
Unit 1.2 - What are my responsibilities as a citizen?
Citizenship
Responsibilities and Duties
Responsibilities and Duties Slides
Responsibilities and Duties Notes
Responsibilities and Duties Check - Google Form
Document Analysis Slides
Document Analysis Practice - JFK Speech (1961)
Responsibilities and Duties Notes
Responsibilities and Duties Check - Google Form
Document Analysis Slides
Document Analysis Practice - JFK Speech (1961)
Character and Civic Virtue
Character and Good Citizenship Slides
Good Citizen Simulation
Debatable Issue Position Paper
Unit 1.2 Review Sheet
Good Citizen Simulation
Debatable Issue Position Paper
Unit 1.2 Review Sheet
Unit 2.1 - What ideas shaped the U.S. Constitution?
Articles of Confederation
Articles of Confederation Slides
Articles of Confederation Notes
Articles of Confederation Check - Google Form
Articles of Confederation Notes
Articles of Confederation Check - Google Form
U.S. Constitution
The Constitutional Convention and Pizza Activity
Pizza Activity Reflection
Principles Underlying the U.S. Constitution Reading Worksheet
U.S. Constitution Slides
U.S. Constitution Notes
U.S. Constitution Parts Check - Google Form
Pizza Activity Reflection
Principles Underlying the U.S. Constitution Reading Worksheet
U.S. Constitution Slides
U.S. Constitution Notes
U.S. Constitution Parts Check - Google Form
Federalism
Federalism Slides
Federalism Notes
Federalism Check - Google Form
Federalism Worksheet
Unit 2.1 Review Sheet - U.S. Constitution
Federalism Notes
Federalism Check - Google Form
Federalism Worksheet
Unit 2.1 Review Sheet - U.S. Constitution
Bill of Rights
Student Rights Pear Deck
First Amendment Pear Deck
Bill of Rights Slides
Bill of Rights Notes
Bill of Rights Scenarios
Value of Rights Worksheet
First Amendment Pear Deck
Bill of Rights Slides
Bill of Rights Notes
Bill of Rights Scenarios
Value of Rights Worksheet
Amendments 11-27
Amendments Slides
Amendments Notes
Amendments Matching Worksheet
Amendments Scenarios
Document Analysis Practice - Amendments 13, 14, and 15
Document Analysis Practice - Voting Rights Act (1965)
Unit 2.1 Review Sheet - Amendments
Amendments Notes
Amendments Matching Worksheet
Amendments Scenarios
Document Analysis Practice - Amendments 13, 14, and 15
Document Analysis Practice - Voting Rights Act (1965)
Unit 2.1 Review Sheet - Amendments
Unit 2.2 - What are the functions of the government?
Political Parties and Ideologies
Political Ideology Slides
Political Ideology Notes
Liberal vs. Conservative Quiz
Political Ideology Position Paper
Political Ideology Notes
Liberal vs. Conservative Quiz
Political Ideology Position Paper
Legislative Branch
Legislative Branch Slides
Legislative Branch Notes
Legislative Branch Check - Google Form
How a Bill becomes Law Reading Worksheet
How a Bill becomes Law Slides
How a Bill becomes Law Notes
How a Bill becomes Law Simulation Instructions
Legislative Branch Notes
Legislative Branch Check - Google Form
How a Bill becomes Law Reading Worksheet
How a Bill becomes Law Slides
How a Bill becomes Law Notes
How a Bill becomes Law Simulation Instructions
Executive Branch
Executive Branch Slides
Executive Branch Notes
Executive Branch Check - Google Form
Student President Presentations
Executive Branch Notes
Executive Branch Check - Google Form
Student President Presentations