An accessible version of the archival material represented on this site will be made available upon request.
Please contact us at dolearchives@ku.edu to request the document be made available in an accessible format.

K-12 Educational Programming Catalog


The Dole Institute of Politics strives to promote a new era of leadership that uses politics to bring people together across differences.

We provide unique opportunities for students and educators to better understand our history by showcasing the stories and experiences of Senators Bob and Elizabeth Dole, and the enduring civic contributions of the Greatest Generation.

This catalog is designed to help you get to know the types of educational programs we offer, what grade level(s) they're geared toward, and how they can be delivered.


Legend

    Grade level(s) the program is applicable to

    Program is offered in-person or via Zoom/Teams

    Program is offered only in-person

    Typical time allotted for the program

Last Updated

  • This catalog was last updated in August 2026 and represents all of the educational programming available during the 2026-27 academic year.

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About our Educational Programming

Mix n' match to create your perfect lesson

Each of the following activities can be combined with others to create one 60-90 minute program that best fits the needs of your class.

Create something entirely new

Our staff are ready to work with you to design a lesson or educational program unique to your class or subject based on the primary sources from the Dole Archives. Explore our Topic Guides to get an idea of what primary sources from our archives are popular and readily available.

Explore even more programming

The Dole Institute works with extracurricular organizations, student and adult groups, and more to provide programming designed around existing standards and curriculum.
A young woman wearing a blue KU sweater looks through a beige box containing archival material. Other people are in the background.

A high school student looks through a box of constituent letters while conducting research.

An educator leans over a table to look at an archival document with a student.

A teacher looks at a document identified by a student while conducting research.


Introductory Programming

These programs are designed to help students learn more about Senators Bob and Elizabeth Dole, the mission of the Dole Institute, and conducting research with primary resources.

    K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

    Offered in-person or via Zoom/Teams

    5-15 minutes


Learn about our mission and the legacies of Senators Bob and Elizabeth Dole

    K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

    Offered in-person or via Zoom/Teams

    10-30 minutes


Analyze a photograph for context clues

    K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

    Offered in-person or via Zoom/Teams

    5-30 minutes


Learn about what an archive is and get a behind-the-scenes look at the important work of preserving documents from a congressional career

    6-8, 9-12

    Offered in-person or via Zoom/Teams

    20-30 minutes


Learn how to analyze primary sources from an archive


Primary Source Analysis

Utilizing materials from the Robert and Elizabeth Dole Archives and Special Collections, these programs help students better understand how to analyze primary resources.

    6-8, 9-12

    Offered in-person or via Zoom/Teams

    30-45 minutes


Analyze and discuss Kansas constituent letters that offer contrasting opinions about whether 18-year-olds should be able to vote

    6-8, 9-12

    Offered in-person or via Zoom/Teams

    30-45 minutes


Analyze and discuss primary sources in support of an in opposition to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

    6-8, 9-12

    Offered in-person or via Zoom/Teams

    30-45 minutes

    Designed for STEM students


Analyze and discuss primary sources that relate to clean air and water initiatives from the 1980s and 1990s

    6-8, 9-12

    Offered in-person or via Zoom/Teams

    15-45 minutes


Learn about one of Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm's famous quotes through an interactive discussion and activity

    6-8, 9-12

    Offered in-person only

    45-60 minutes


Receive hands-on training from our archival staff on how to research and handle archival materials, including manuscripts and photographs

    3-5, 6-8, 9-12

    Offered in-person or via Zoom/Teams

    30-45 minutes


Analyze and discuss Kansas constituent letters written by students. Paired with the Write As Your Right lesson.


Skills & Activities

Drawing from civic education and participation, these programs are designed to teach students about a specific skill, symbol, or idea.

    K-2, 3-5

    Offered in-person or via Zoom/Teams

    5-15 minutes


Vote in various mock elections, such as Best Political Pet, to identify differences in election systems used in the United States

    K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

    Offered in-person or via Zoom/Teams

    10-30 minutes


Learn about what it takes to campaign for political office by exploring campaign posters and creating your own campaign buttons

    K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

    Offered in-person or via Zoom/Teams

    15-30 minutes


Read a student-written letter to Senator Bob Dole and learn how to write your own letter to your elected representatives

    K-2, 3-5, 6-8

    Offered in-person only

    20-30 minutes


Answer trivia questions about civics and government complete with a game to see who can complete an American Flag puzzle the quickest

    K-2, 3-5

    Offered in-person or via Zoom/Teams

    5-20 minutes


Practice your artistry skills by coloring a photo of Leader the Dog, Senators Bob and Elizabeth Dole’s miniature schnauzer

    K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

    Offered in-person or via Zoom/Teams

    10-20 minutes


Learn about the inner workings of a United States Senator's office by exploring different job positions and their responsibilities

    6-8, 9-12

    Offered in-person or via Zoom/Teams

    30-45 minutes


Explore the values and character traits of Senators Bob and Elizabeth Dole to be inspired to serve your community