This page contains general educational resources and activities that may be used as stand-alone lessons or in preparation for a Situation Room visit.
For content specific to the Constitutional Crisis simulation, please click here.
For content specific to the Washington's Cabinet simulation, please click here.
"How to Read a Document" Guides and Workbooks
These primary source document guides and workbooks can be used in any history or government class to introduce students to several historical and contemporary documents found in the National Archives.
These guides and workbooks include instruction on the reading and use of broadcast media, government cables, charts and tables, political cartoons and more.
How to Read a Document: Constitutional Crisis
The “How to Read” a document series introduces students to a series of visual guides and helpful hints designed to support the reading of primary sources. The “Constitutional Crisis” guide includes memoranda, cables, tables, graphs, broadcast news reports, and a federal bill.
Time Expected: 10 - 20 minutes for each document. 40 minutes for the entire guide.
Grade Levels: 11-12
How to Read a Document Workbook: Constitutional Crisis
The workbook is the companion piece to the guide. It contains the text of the joint resolution proposing the twenty-fifth Amendment. The twenty-fifth amendment is a core document analyzed in the constitutional crisis simulation. The workbook also includes photographs and articles for review as well as question and answer guides.
Time Expected: 10-20 minutes for each document. 45 minutes for the entire guide.
Grade Levels: 11-12
How to Read a Document Workbook and Guide: George Washington’s Cabinet
The “How to Read” a document series introduces students to a series of visual guides and helpful hints designed to support the reading of primary sources. The “George Washington’s Cabinet” guide includes artwork, maps and documents. Additionally, engage your students in “Make Your Own Political Cartoon” activity.
Time Expected: 10-20 minutes per document; 45 minutes for entire guide and workbook.
Grade Level: 9-12
The “How to Read” the news series introduces students to a series of visual guides and helpful hints designed to support the reading of news in multiple formats and platforms.
Time Expected: Varies
Grade Levels: 8-12
Foreign Policy Films:
These foreign policy films provided by Extra Credits introduce students to the basic tenets and tools of American foreign policy.