Inspiring youth to engage in activating democracy and emerge as game changers
Students learn tools and skills available to citizens for understanding and protecting our wealth and liberties in a constitutional democracy (lessons 1 and 2).
Students learn basic concepts and structure of government in principle and practice through lens of landmark laws that have shaped our society (lessons 3 and 4).
Students explore two critical issues of their generation and what they might do to create game-changing action plans to support ongoing efforts (lessons 5 and 6).
NEW Film documents the life work and legacy of Founder Riki Ott and how youth are making change
A CONCERNED CITIZEN : Civics in Action
Marine toxicologist Dr. Riki Ott, who helped fishing communities hit by the Exxon Valdez and Deepwater Horizon oil spills, creates a civics course to help young activists become effective.
“It is my hope that, as people’s health, livelihoods, and property are harmed by these extreme oil activities, people will understand the need to shift off oil to safer energy options and take action to achieve true energy independence. This is the movement that I see growing in all regions of our country.” – Riki Ott
Look what can happen when youth tune into civics
Twenty-one young plaintiffs in Juliana v. United States are suing the federal government to force action on the climate crisis. Aided by Our Children’s Trust, these young game-changers are shifting the debate to the courts and elevating the voices of those who have the most to loose from climate chaos – our youth and future generations. To incorporate this real-life civics lesson in your classroom, download our In-Brief for Educators, which breaks down the case and includes lesson tips and vocabulary. Lesson Plan 6 guides students through this case.
Liberty and Justice for All?
Take an Ultimate Civics Quiz
Think you know U.S. Civil Rights history? Test your knowledge with the latest Ultimate Civics Quiz about the history of racism in the U.S. In this quiz, we explore dynamics that have impacted People of Color since 1492. The more we learn and understand, the better we can be. Check out the quiz here.
Overview of lesson flow | Tools + Rules = Game Changers
Created by educators and activists
Ultimate Civics curricula, Activating My Democracy, have been developed by activists and educators, and guest taught in middle school and high school classrooms nationwide. These lesson plan sets incorporate the C3 Framework for Social Studies State Standards.
Media rich courses
Activating My Democracy is filled with rich, motivating content that gets kids excited about civics! Each 50-minute lesson plan is packed with power point notes and slides, short film clips, worksheets for students, worksheet guides for teachers, and lots of extra resources.
Fulfilling a Need to Know
In 13 years of course development and teaching in over 30 states, the most frequently asked question by students from fifth grade to university is: What can I do? This lesson set offers practical civics instruction to engage youth in shaping their future.
Onsite Workshops Opportunities
Invite Ultimate Civics director Riki Ott to your classroom, community, or teachers’ in-service day or conference for a presentation, training, or teaching. To inquire about availability, contact us.
