Lesson Ideas
Democracy
Sometimes old ideas are good ones! In this BrainPOP movie, Tim and Moby introduce you to the history of democracy. You’ll find out what the word means, and how a democratic government functions. You’ll also learn the three ideas that democracy rests upon, and where we think democracy got its start. You’ll see how democracy worked in Ancient Greece, and what sorts of problems that system had. Finally, you’ll learn the difference between a direct democracy, like the kind in Ancient Greece, and a representative democracy, or republic, the system that most modern democratic nations today follow. Every vote counts!
Parliamentary System Lesson Plan: Determining a Government for a New Country
In this lesson plan, adaptable for grades 6-12, students explore BrainPOP resources to discover what a parliamentary system of government is and how it compares and contrasts with the system of government in the United States. Using what they learn about the two systems, students will write a speech persuading a new country to consider either a parliamentary system or a system like that of the United States.
This lesson plan is aligned to Common Core State Standards. See more »
From Primary to General Election Lesson Plan: Win the White House
In this lesson plan, adaptable for grades 5-12, students first watch the movie Presidential Election and then play Win the White House. The game invites students to take on the role of a presidential candidate from primary season through the general election, strategically managing time and resources to win as many electoral votes as she or he can over the 10-week campaign. This lesson plan is aligned to Common Core State Standards. See more »
Mission US: City of Immigrants Lesson Plan
In this social studies lesson for grades 5-12, students use BrainPOP resources and the Mission US: City of Immigrants game to learn about immigration. This lesson plan is aligned to Common Core State Standards. See more »
Checks and Balances Lesson Plan: Branches of Power Game
In this lesson plan which is adaptable for grades 5-12, students use BrainPOP resources (including a free online social studies game, Branches of Power) to learn about checks and balances and the branches of government. See more »
Articles of Confederation Lesson Plan
In this lesson plan which is adaptable for grades 6-12, students will use BrainPOP resources to learn about the Articles of Confederation. This lesson plan is aligned to Common Core State Standards. See more »
U.S. Legislative, Executive, and Judicial Powers Lesson Plan: Branches of Government Game
In this lesson plan which is adaptable for grades 3-8, students use a free online game to sort sort the three branches of government : Legislative, Executive, and Judicial. Students then extend their learning by creating their own version of the game. See more »
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Lesson Plan: The Quandary Game
In this lesson plan which is adaptable for grades 6-12, students use a free online game called Quandary to practice ethics, critical thinking and problem solving skills. This lesson plan is aligned to Common Core State Standards. See more »
The Election Lesson Plan: Your Rights as a Citizen
In this lesson plan, which is adaptable for grades 3-5, students use BrainPOP resources to explore their rights as citizens. Students will explain what a democracy is and its advantages and disadvantages, and make inferences about what America would be like without democracy. Students then demonstrate their understanding of the voting process, political parties, and candidates through the creation of wikis. This lesson plan is aligned to Common Core State Standards. See more »
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