Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) rights Lesson Plans

Students explore debates regarding gay rights following the Supreme Court's Lawrence v. Texas decision. They participate in a fishbowl discussion, exploring questions on marriage, adoption, custody, employment, and military service.

Students consider gay rights. In this editorial cartoon lesson, students analyze an editorial cartoon by identifying the idioms and puns in the cartoon. Students create their own editorial cartoons.

Students discuss the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy regarding sexual orientation and restage the debate leading up to the recent decision in Rumsfeld v. FAIR. They write essays evaluating the merits of the decision.

Students analyze voter preferences in past elections, and then write letters to a presidential candidate, recommending winning strategies drawn from their research.

Students create a genealogy book tracing their heritage many generations back. They examine their own ethnicity, attitudes, and self-awareness. They examine new American trends regarding family structure and ethnicity.

Students research background, personal interests, family history, and positions on current issues of the leading presidential and vice presidential candidates. They create unbiased presentations aimed at informing voters about candidate's qualifications.

Students research current articles about the influence of religion on the presidential election of 2004.

Students define the term legacy and examine how newspapers relay the notion of legacy. After reading an article, they explore the beliefts and accomplishments of Cardinal John O'Conner. They research different aspects of his career and the effects of his legacy on others. They identify their own vision of legacy and create a written representation of them.

Students consider the implications of oppression. In this gay rights lesson, students examine the Bill of Rights and conduct research regarding gays in the military. Students use their research findings to prepare for and participate in a debate regarding the military ban of openly gay people.

Students explore the controversial topic of same-sex marriages in a fishbowl discussion. They write balanced news articles based on interviews exploring people's opinions on laws that define marriage.