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Idea-Noun Definition: Source Searching
A great idea for showing language arts pupils the universality of themes, even in the real world! Have class members choose an idea-noun (peace, justice, war, love, etc.) at the beginning of the year or semester. They complete weekly...
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Living Under the Illinois Black Codes
Students use the text of the Illinois Black Codes to examine the laws in place. Using this information, they draw their own conclusions about why the laws existed in a free state. They also identify the purpose of these laws and how they...
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World War II on the Home Front: Civic Responsibility
Students explore World War II. In this World War II lesson, students discover how volunteerism demonstrates civic responsibility. The lesson uses World War II-era posters to appeal to the learners and help them to understand the...
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A Different Drummer
Eighth graders investigate philosophy and meditation techniques by discussing Emerson and Thoreau. In this philosophical traditions lesson, 8th graders identify the men Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, their work, and their...
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Supreme Court Shake-Up
Students examine the role of the Supreme Court through an interactive program. They analyze the history of the Court and its members. They finally explore how the Supreme Court works.
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Aftermath and Universal Lessons of the Holocaust
Students reflect on the information given to them during the examination of the Holocaust. In groups, they answer hard questions about what they have learned and how they could make a difference in the world today. They also analyze...
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Understanding Treaties: Students Explore the Lives of Yakama People Before and After Treaties
Students analyze treaties made between the US government and Native American tribes. In this government lesson, students evaluate bias emotionally connect with what was gained and lost during the late 1700's. This is a 3 part lesson...
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Lessons from the Holocaust
Middle schoolers discover what a dictatorship is by examining the holocaust. In this government lesson, students discuss the laws that were enacted for Nazis to take control of Germany, and the types of laws we have put place to prevent...
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Federalist 47
Students will analyze and evaluate political propaganda. In this instructional activity on the Federalist movement, students will examine the Federalist papers and analyze the Anti-Federalist argument mage against constitutional...
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Defying Convention: A World of Black and White
High schoolers watch a series known as "Unforgiveable Blackness". They examine the history of interracial marriage. They analyze how Jack Johnson was affected by this development.
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Identity: A Path to Self-Esteem
Sixth graders participate in a brainstorming activity in which they identify the types of decisions they make everyday. Individually, they complete a worksheet on making decisions effectively. After reading a poem, they identify the...
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The U.S. Constitution and Disability Laws
Young scholars examine the United States Constitution for laws that protect people with disabilities. They discover how the education system provides equal education to all students and how the Federal Government makes sure this is...
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Dorothea Dix: Reform in Massachusetts
Young scholars examine the life and reform efforts of Dorothea Dix on behalf of people with disabilities. They discover how her efforts resulted in the passage of legislation. They also examine the care people with disabilities receive.
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O Canada
Students examine the history of Canadian settlement through an interactive program. They learn why some parts of the country where more heavily populated than others. They discover what life is like for a Canadian and their government...
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Introduction to the Rich European Jewish Culture
Students examine the culture of rich, European Jews. Using photographs, they discuss their feelings about them and decide on two they would like to use. They respond to questions found on the analysis guide. They research the music of...
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Esperanza Rising: Lesson 9
Sixth graders explore culture by reading a book with classmates. In this Hispanic history lesson, 6th graders read the story First Day in Grapes, and discuss the tough lives of migrant workers. Students answer study questions after the...
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T.V. Smarts
Students research visual messages by completing a media quiz. In this television programming lesson plan, students identify the many programs and commercials which use sexual imagery to sell their program or product. Students discuss...
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Fighting Political Apathy Among Youth
Students research and describe youth participation in political elections. They survey random adults about their voting behavior and chart the results in a graph. They compile their results to predict future voter participation.
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We Are Canadian!
Students work together to create a list of communities in Canada in alphabetical order. As a class, they discuss what it means to be Canadian and create a symbol of what it means to them. They share their artwork with the class and...
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Citizen Me
Fifth graders examine what it means to be a citizen. Using the Constitution, they discover the functions and purpose of government. They compare and contrast the difference between a democracy and a monarchy. As a class, they discuss...
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The Rwanda Commemoration Project: Genocide in Our Time
Students define the word genocide and explain the key events in Rwanda history. In groups, they explain the relationship between the Tutsis and Hutus and read the first hand account of a young victim in the genocide. They research the...
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Teaching Awareness of Human Development
Students examine the process of human development and identify the reasons for a good nights sleep. Individually, they write a list of the situations in their lives which are stressful. As a class, they discuss myths about stress and...
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Digital Values: Internet Safety
Students explore digital communication by participating in a critical thinking activity. In this Internet safety lesson, students discuss ways to protect their identity on the Internet as well as preserving friendships. Students complete...
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Three Generations of Imbeciles...": Eugenic Sterilization in America
Pupils examine the Eugenics movement in America with the case Buck vs. Bell, in which a woman was sterilized against her. They examine how science has been influential in forming public policy. They write a short paper on their findings...