Democratic Principles and Tensions Lesson Plans

Students consider words that reflect their knowledge and opinions about democracy. They work in groups to research countries that have recently transitioned to democratic forms of government.

Students research case studies of U.S.-led regime changes around the world. They examine the possible future democratization of Iraq through the historical lens of past experience.

Students reflect on their knowledge of democracy. After reading an article, they examine current plans for the placement of a democracy in Iraq. In groups, they research past regime changes and democratization attempts and discuss the prospects for it being successful in Iraq. They write an essay arguing for or against a democracy as a standard for all countries to follow in the world.

Students work together in groups to research the Holocaust. Using a rubric, they gather information and develop visual aids. They apply principles of justice, equality and freedom to real-life situations. They present their information to the class.

Students use the Internet to research the democratic principles of justice, equality, responsibility and freedom and apply them to real-life situations. They recognize that although people are different they share common experiences and attitudes.

Students research basic principles for flag design. They investigate where their city flag ranked in a national survey. Students use computers and apply the principles of flag design to create their own community flags.

Students use maps, readings, drawings and photographs to consider how the design of the University of Virginia reflects Thomas Jefferson's democratic ideals and ideas about education. They research early curriculums and varying ideas about education.

Fourth graders design a flag. In this social studies lesson, 4th graders discuss the basic principles of flags. Students research flags and flag designs. Students work in teams to design a flag using the computer.

Seventh graders explore the democratic republic principles of U.S. government. In this U.S. government lesson, 7th graders compare and contrast the governments of ancient Athens,the Roman Republic, and the United States today. Students write letters to their representatives from the perspective of citizens in ancient Athens or the Roman Republic.

Students learn about Frank Lloyd Wright's philosophy of architecture and will relate this philosophy to a discussion of the role of democracy in art and architecture. Students will discuss the types of architecture and new construction in their community.