Civics
This curriculum path addresses all four components outlined in the State of New Hampshire's 2023 law defining civics education, specifically the acquisition of civic knowledge, the development of civic skills, an understanding of how civic institutions operate and what role the people play in them, and an appreciation for free speech and civil discourse.
The links below lead to the Educator Guide for each lesson. For the Worksheets and Resources file for each lesson plan, visit the Unit Plan for the relevant unit.
Lesson Plan 18.1
What Is Democracy?
Explore the characteristics of American democracy
Lesson Plan 6.1
Our Constitutions
Learn about the U.S. and N.H. Constitutions and create a classroom constitution
Lesson Plan 6.3
Understanding the Preamble
Discover the purpose of the Constitution and link it to real-life examples
Lesson Plan 6.4
Constitutional Compromise
Study two historic examples of important compromises to see why it is necessary for good government
Lesson Plan 18.2
What Is a Living Document?
Explore how constitutions are amended
Lesson Plan 6.6
Protected Rights
Examine how rights are protected by federal and state Bills of Rights
Lesson Plan 18.7
Rights and Responsibilities
Connect rights and responsibilities to historic and modern-day examples
Lesson Plan 18.9
Good Citizenship and Civic Engagement
Define good citizenship in adults and children
Lesson Plan 18.10
Media Literacy
Exploring media literacy with real-life examples
Lesson Plan 16.3
Voting in New Hampshire
Learn what the N.H. Constitution says about voting and trace how ballots have changed over time
Lesson 16.1
What Is a Primary?
Hold a class primary to choose a state sport
Lesson Plan 18.3
Federalism and the Separation of Powers
Compare levels of governance in a school and play a game to practice dividing power
Lesson Plan 7.2
New Hampshire's State House
Create a museum exhibit about the New Hampshire state house and its symbols
Lesson Plan 18.4
The New Hampshire State Legislature
Identify the core parts of the state legislative process
Lesson Plan 18.5
Local Government
Learn about local issues and participate in a mock town meeting
Lesson Plan 18.8
How Do Taxes Work?
Debate public and private services and how the government pays for things
Lesson Plan 18.11
Perspectives in Democracy
Define debate and discussion and hold a mock town meeting to model civil discourse
Lesson Plan 9.1
A Citizen's Primer
Create an educational primer to celebration the country, the state, or another form of community