From historical court cases to contemporary protests, these high school American history lesson plans will help your students understand the importance of learning from the past in order to build a better future. They explore amendments to the U.S. Constitution, significant Supreme Court cases, and more.
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Television and the 1960 Election Lesson Plan: When Media and Politics Collide
Download this lesson plan to teach your students about the first-ever televised presidential debates in 1960 and their long-term impact.
Shaped Staff
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Crimes and Punishments: Teach the Fourth, Fifth, and Eighth Amendments
Supreme Court cases pertaining to issues raised in these amendments hold relevance for students.
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Glenn Greenberg
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Teaching U.S. Government: History of Political Parties Lesson Plan
Download a free lesson plan to teach middle and high school students about the history of U.S. political parties in time for the 2020 presidential election.
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Teaching Supreme Court Cases: You Have the Right to Remain Silent
The Miranda v. Arizona ruling stated that a detained criminal suspect has the right to an attorney and against self-incrimination.
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Teaching Supreme Court Cases: The Role of the Fourth Amendment in Schools
Use this New Jersey v. T.L.O. (1985) lesson plan to teach your students about the Fourth Amendment and unreasonable search and seizure.
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Teaching Supreme Court Cases: Prayer in Schools and the First Amendment
Have your students debate and discuss prayer in schools and the First Amendment with this free lesson plan for Grades 6-12.
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Teaching the Fourteenth Amendment: The Power of Citizenship
Several U.S. Supreme Court cases you can cover in class relate directly to schools and children. Here are eight examples.
Glenn Greenberg
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Teaching Supreme Court Cases: Tinker v. Des Moines and Freedom of Speech
Use this Tinker v. Des Moines lesson plan to teach your students about the debate surrounding Freedom of Speech in public school settings.
Shaped Staff
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Teaching the First Amendment: Exploring the Five Freedoms
It’s always timely to review and explore the freedoms guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution, including the First Amendment.
Glenn Greenberg
Shaped Contributor
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View more U.S. history activities for high school students. Or, check out our full list of free learning activities created for students in every grade and subject.
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