Pragmatism Lesson Plans

Students discuss the roles that morality and pragmatism play in war, and then create a timeline documenting Israel's evolving response to terrorism since 1948.

Here are three assignments relating to decision-making and impulse control. Children with ADHD or behavioral issues discuss the need for making good decisions and for controlling their impulses. They make a timeline of ten decisions and their consequences from their own lives. Then complete a Personal Impulse Control Plan, and write a reflection piece that describes and explains the three things that they feel are the most important to self-control.

Third graders explore cultural awareness by reading children's literature. In this human poverty lesson, 3rd graders read the book Galimoto by Karen Lynn Williams and discuss the main character's struggle to achieve his goals. Students complete a reading comprehension form which categorizes the different story settings and structure.

Third graders build a model car (galimoto). In this language arts extension, 3rd graders read the story Galimoto by Karen Williams and discuss the story elements as a class. Inspired by the story, students gather objects about build their own model car.

Students examine their own political party affiliations and political beliefs. After reading an article, they discuss how students at Duke define their political philosophies. They brainstorm events, people and experiences that have shaped their own political philosophies and write an essay outlining their philosophy.

Students explore the history of Gandhi and his viewpoint and example of nonviolence.  In this World History lesson, students complete numerous research assignments and activities over the course of nine lessons to expand their knowledge about Gandhi and the British Empire.

Students explore whether or not the gender 'playing field' is becoming more level. They share their views by responding to questions regarding changing attitudes about women and men in the past, present and future.

Students examine the experience of modern-day immigrants through learning about the personal experiences of a variety of immigrants.

Students consider indicators that mark a country's progress, examine how last year's State of the Union address has affected U.S. foreign policy, research issues deemed important in that speech, and create report cards assessing the country's progress.

Students work in pairs as global wedding planners to research and propose authentic wedding ceremonies from various cultures around the world. They reflect on their understanding of marriage, and the ways in which it is informed by society and the media.