Civic Engagement
Explore dozens of free civics videos, lesson plans and student activities ideal for grades 6-12.
Watch “Citizen Nation,” an inspiring coming-of-age series that follows teenagers from across the U.S. as they compete in the nation’s premiere civics competition, We the People.
Citizen Nation: Civics Skills
This collection of short videos and accompanying lesson plans is designed to empower students to participate confidently in civic life.
In these videos, high school students demonstrate essential skills and strategies for civic engagement, critical thinking and respectful communications that have value far beyond the classroom.
Interactive Map: Meet the Stars of ‘Citizen Nation’
Over the course of 10 months, and across eight states, Retro Report follows high school students and their teachers as they compete in We the People.
Citizen Nation: Finding Your Political Identity
A We the People participant reflects on how family, society and his experiences shape his political beliefs.
Citizen Nation: Thinking About the Value of Public Service
A student learns about public service through the example set by his father, a teacher and state delegate.
Citizen Nation: Exploring Judicial Independence
High school students engage in a mock congressional hearing, answering questions on judicial independence.
Citizen Nation: Citizenship Responsibilities
On his 18th birthday, a student votes for the first time, in an election in which his father is a candidate.
Citizen Nation: Preparing for Success
Intense practice, camaraderie and learning prepare students for a journey toward state-level civics competitions.
Citizen Nation: Finding Lessons in Defeat
Students learn that success isn’t only about winning, it’s about growing through the experience.
Citizen Nation: Symbolism in D.C.: It’s All Done With a Purpose
As students explore the nation’s capital, they discover the symbolism of the city and its monuments.
How Media Shaped the Narrative of Civil Rights and Disobedience
Journeylove Taylor reflects on the power of representation as she competes in the national We the People finals.
Civics Skills: Evaluate Sources to Build an Argument
A student demonstrates how he gathers evidence and identifies credible sources while doing research.
Civics Skills: Strategies for Analyzing Challenging Texts
Discover effective research and fact-checking techniques to use online.
Civics Skills: How to (Respectfully) Disagree
Learn to discuss contentious topics with civility and respect for differing opinions.
Civics Skills: Sweeten Your Argument
Which candy bar deserves to be the official candy bar of America? Students present arguments in a classroom hearing
Civics Skills: How Students Stood Up for the Right to Protest
Understand students’ rights that are protected by the First Amendment.
Civics Skills: Engaging Your Community Through Voter Education
Explore ways to become an engaged citizen.
Civics Collections and Videos
These videos and collections feature lesson plans and student activities that you can customize to a variety of ages and topics.
The Civic Engagement Challenge
Retro Report teamed up with Civics Unplugged to invite students to create essays or videos that model civil discourse while exploring issues that people aren’t paying attention to.
The winners each received $500.
Watch ‘Citizen Nation,’ a Retro Report Series on PBS
“Citizen Nation” is an inspiring coming-of-age story that follows teenagers from across the U.S. with diverse personal and political backgrounds as they come together to compete in the nation’s premier civics competition, We the People. Watch the series here or stream it on PBS, Prime Video and YouTube.
The resources were funded in part by the Leonore Annenberg Institute for Civics Award from the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania.
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