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Mock Environmental Summit
Young scholars increase understanding of human impact on Earth's sytems and the climate. They develop persuasive and critical skills as writers and presenters. They become familiar with political decision making processes.
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The future of Affirmative Action
Eleventh graders explore the term Affirmative Action. In this US History instructional activity, 11th graders create a presentation that will determine the future of federal affirmative action programs. Students write a speech that...
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Doing What's Right
Students hold a class discussion. In this integrity lesson, students discuss the definition of integrity and read various handouts about what it means to do what's right. Students write a reflection in their journals.
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What Are Legal Briefs?
Twelfth graders read examples of legal briefs and identify their components. Using the text, they develop a list of the components necessary for a brief and which ones they are going to use in the mock court activities. They also...
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The Purpose and Power of Persuasion
Seventh graders are introduced to and discuss the power of persuasion. After reading text, they identify the author's purpose, perspective and argument. They write their own fiction and non-fiction texts and develop a perspective after...
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In Defense of Elitism
Students identify the key components of an argument essay. They differentiate between claims based on facts, opinions, beliefs,and prejudice. Students develop skills of critical thinking in this lesson.
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Wildcat Dumping Site
Young scholars research facts about illegal dumping sites and write an editorial exposing the effects of the site from their point of view and persuades readers to take action. Students brainstorm ideas that could be included in the...
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Procedures of the Court
Young scholars examine the role of the Michigan Supreme Court. They diagram the procedure one must follow to bring a case before the Court. They discuss the order of business for oral arguments as well.
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Video-Conferencing
Middle schoolers write a paper on the impact of video-conferencing in an area of their choice. The paper should discuss pros and cons to this technology and include a clear description of what video-conferencing is.
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Genetic Engineering
Students will apply their knowledge acquired from two guest speakers to writing a three hundred-word essay on either the pros or cons of genetic engineering. They will try to persuade the reader of their essays to agree with their stance...
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Supreme Court
Eleventh graders explore the redistricting process. In this American Government lesson, 11th graders examine the electoral map. Students write an essay posing an argument for the redistricting process.
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Innocents Lost
Students use discussion and writing to express their views about the causes, circumstances and impact of the shooting of a six year old girl by a classmate.
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Your Next Class Trip
Students write a persuasive argument to their principal to take their class trip to a destination of their choice. They must transfer the written argument into a website. They also focus on what it takes to plan a trip.
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Stewardship Letter
Students write a persuasive letter. In this stewardship lesson, students discover the basic format for a formal letter and some effective persuasive techniques. Students write a letter to bring about change in the way humans interact...
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We Need Cash
Learners describe charitable, religious, and civic services in their community, and argue for the value of these services. They write a one-page explanation as to why this service is important to the community and why it deserves $5,000.
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Sea Turtles: An Issue Investigation
Fifth graders explore sea turtles and the issues relating to them as endangered species. They research sea turtles on the Internet and find reasons why the turtles are endangered. They identify potential issues to be considered when...
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Debate On Ratification
Students simulate a delegate that was responsible for the Constitution. They research their arguments, and stage a debate in front of the state's legislature (the class). The class then vote whether or not to ratify the new Constitution.
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Research Activity for the Legal Brief
Students use extensive information about previous cases with related themes and depositions on the Street Law web site to gather information that will be used to write an effective appeals brief for whichever party in the case their...
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Lesson 1: Design a Transportation Stamp
Young scholars, in groups, research a certain form of transportation that has affected Maine's economic and cultural development. They write a persuasive letter that uses the research to support an argument.
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Houses or Walaloos
Investigate the legal history and application of the Fifth Amendment. Write an essay in favor of a person keeping land that has been in his/her family for decades.
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Persuade Me
Seventh graders give persuasive presentations based on the questions they have researched. They examine appropriate delivery techniques for effective persuasive presentations. (Note: This instructional activity should be taught, after...
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The Pros and Cons of Dams
Students investigate the use of dams on rivers in order to manage water uses in particular the Flathead River and Lake. They make presentations about dam management and write a persuasive paper on the issue. If possible they visit the...
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And Your Point Is . . .? Part I
Students, in groups, complete a WebQuest titled "Love Canal Debate". They follow the WebQuest to research and write papers on different points of view regarding the Love Canal environmental disaster.
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Observing Capitalization Rules
In this capitalization worksheet, students complete three activities that help them follow the rules for capitalization in their writing.