The curated resources linked below are an initial sample of the resources coming from a collaborative and rigorous review process with the EAD Content Curation Task Force.
John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address inspired children and adults to see the importance of civic action and public service. His historic words, “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country,” challenged every American to contribute in some way to the public good. In this lesson, students learn about a theme in President Kennedy’s inaugural address, civic action, and consider how it applies to their own lives.

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John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

Children often lack knowledge and skills necessary to interact with each other, especially when confronted with differences in mobility, hearing, sight, developmental skills or verbal skills.

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Learning for Justice

Students will answer the question "How can you make change in your community?" during this activity.

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Autry Museum of the American West

Students examine the historic contribution of young people in shaping positive changes in America, then identify characteristics of collaboration and creating coalitions in order to build their understanding of civic community.

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Citizen U

Help students understand the historical context and significance of Lincoln's inaugural address through archival documents such as campaign posters, sheet music, vintage photographs and documents. Other resources in EDSITEment-reviewed sites are included to create the same lessons for any President.

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National Endowment for the Humanities

In this lesson, students assist the new mayor in solving problems in MyTown by setting up a city council and judge (legislative and judicial branches of government). They read and discuss letters from townspeople and decide which branch of the town’s government should handle the problem described in the letter. Available in English and Spanish at this link.

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Constitutional Rights Foundation

The formal powers of the president were outlined in Article II of the Constitution, however the informal roles and responsibilities of the president have continued to evolve over the history of the United States. In this activity, students will examine primary sources to determine which presidential power it best represents.

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LBJ Presidential Library

The 1960 debates between John F. Kennedy and Richard M. Nixon are historically significant because they were the first live televised presidential debates and they had great impact on voters in a close election. As students investigate a historic event from the 1960 presidential campaign, they will learn how political debates help voters select a candidate for office.

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John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

This lesson asks students to revisit the well-known story of a figure in the civil rights movement—Rosa Parks—through the primary source documents associated with her arrest in 1955. Students will examine the documents at pre-designed stations and complete a journal (provided) using their observations. The class will then discuss findings and apply what they have learned about the Fourteenth Amendment, Jim Crow laws, and civil rights.

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Center for Civic Education

In this lesson students will discuss some important questions about the responsibilities of citizens. Students will learn to understand their own beliefs about these responsibilities.

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Center for Civic Education
