Barack Obama: Exploring the U.S. Presidency

Get your students involved in the issues facing President Obama with these activities, articles, and lessons. Explore what it means to be president of the United States by centering these activities and lessons on Barack Obama.

President Barack Obama Barack Obama Political Career Biography Barack Obama Biography Educator's Guide to Barack Obama A Day in the Life of a New President To better understand Barack Obama's position, have your students explore what they would do if they were president of the United States. If I Were the President So You Want to Be President? Could You Be President? Blank Journal Page Ask your students to imagine the first few days in office as a new U.S. president, and journal from Obama's perspective. Focusing on Barack Obama Nobel Peace Prize President Barack Obama was surprised and deeply humbled to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Have students use this worksheet to investigate the Nobel Peace Prize and its recent recipients. Hail to the Chief -- A Song for the President Have your students write a song to Barack Obama in honor of his inauguration. The Face of a Leader Obama is known for his oratory skills. In this activity, students can fill a silhouette with quotations from his speeches. Write a Letter to the President Have your students write a letter to Obama detailing the goals they would like to see met during his administration. This is a great opportunity to summarize the initiatives laid out during Obama's campaign. Presidents' Occupations Many previous U.S. presidents were lawyers before they took office. Reference the occupations of past presidents while discussing the career Obama is leaving. The Letter Teach your students the proper way to write a letter by having them compose a letter full of advice from a past U.S. president to President Obama. Visit the White House via the Internet Much of the United States eagerly awaited the Obamas' move into the White House. Allow your students to use the Internet to take a tour and try a scavenger hunt. Presidential Pets Barack and Michelle Obama promised their daughters, Malia and Sasha, that they would get a pet dog after they moved into the White House. Take this opportunity to explore past presidents' pets.

Presidential Cabinet As President Obama appoints members to his Cabinet, discuss the importance of this advisory group and those who head executive departments. U.S. President's Cabinet Order of U.S. Presidential Succession U.S. Executive Offices and Independent Agencies Checks and Balances Learn more about the U.S. system of checks and balances, and the president's role in turning bills into law. Presidential Resources Know the Presidents Review facts about U.S. presidents, a great worksheet to use during the presidential elections process. U.S. Presidents' Biographies Learn about the life and accomplishments of each U.S. president by reading biographies about these leaders. Use these resources to increase students' knowledge of American history. Overview of the Presidents: Basic Facts & Figures This chart lists U.S. presidents' birth places, parties, and birth and death dates. Use this reference when studying U.S. History, celebrating Presidents' Day, or learning about the presidential election process. Wives and Children of U.S. Presidents A chart listing the wives and children of the U.S. presidents. U.S. Vice Presidents A list of U.S. vice presidents. Presidential Events Crossword Puzzle I Children identify presidents by the event that occurred during his administration in this crossword puzzle. All About the Presidents Mini-Book Highlights in the terms of a selection of U.S. presidents are featured. Presidents' Day Printable Book (Grades 1-3) Celebrate the presidents with this printable book. You can honor Washington and Lincoln with crosswords, math worksheets, reading comprehension lessons, art projects, puzzles, and much more. Presidents' Day Printable Book (Grades 4-8) Celebrate U.S. Presidents with this printable book. You can honor Washington and Lincoln this Presidents' Day with crosswords, math worksheets, reading comprehension lessons, art projects, puzzles, and much more.