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Democracy is Cool
Students discuss the components of a representative democracy. In groups, they create a t-shirt that shows the components and why it is "cool" to live in a democracy. As a class, they examine the concept of the common good and how...
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Respecting Diversity
Students explore the concept of philanthropy. In this service learning lesson, students read and respond to The Sneetches by Dr. Seuss. Students discuss self-respect and respect.
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How Long Will It Last?
Students turn on a flashlight and leave it on until the energy is used up (12-36) hours. They estimate or preduct how long they think the energy in the batteries will last. They then estimate how long a birthday candle will burn, giving...
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Racial Inequality: Remnants of a Troubled Time
Eighth graders study the ratification of the 14th Amendment and the Plessy v. Ferguson decision. For this US History lesson, 8th graders read excerpts from the Brown v. Board of education decision. Students investigate one of three...
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Africa Colors a Destiny
Students discover the peace corps and the culture of Chad. In this cultural awareness lesson, students watch a slide show and examine various primary sources from peace corps volunteers in Africa. This lesson includes web-links,...
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Franklin Says I Love You
Students consider the importance of giving as they read "Franklin Says I Love You". In this character education lesson plan, students engage in discussion about the importance of sharing and giving. They relate to the story by offering...
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What is a Philanthropist and Why Do We Care?
Students practice using the word philanthropy. They identify examples of philanthropy in America. They describe how certain philanthropic acts relate to the core democratic values.
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A Little Rebellion Now and Then Leads to Archival Material
Students examine the American Revolution and the Articles of Confederation. They, in groups, participate in different activities.
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Saudi Arabia
Students view a video clip about bombings in Saudi Arabia. They discuss the causes and implications of other recent terrorist attacks. They examine the United States - Saudi Arabia relationship as well.
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But Where Is It On This Modern Map? A problem-solving, mind-boggling experience!
Trace Columbus' voyages by locating them on 21st Century maps. Using a navigators lesson, 4th graders will examine the Age of Exploration and trace Columbus's routes accurately on laminated world maps using different maps. Note: You...
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Tolerance in Times of Trial
Learners view the treatment of people of Japanese and German descent during World War II. They explore the problems in assigning blame to populations during times of war. They identify modern examples of discrimination and stereotyping.
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A World At Peace
Learners view a film segment and identify examples of world conflict. They examine why groups fight for control of land or natural resources. They discover ways in which conflict can be avoided.
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War of 1812
Eighth graders locate the major land forms and bodies of water on a map of Louisiana. In groups, they discuss the role of the Mississippi River in the Battle of New Orleans and how land and water affect the outcome of battles. To end...
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Egyptian Tomb Art: Expressions of Religious Beliefs
Ninth graders are introduced to the Prown's technique of describing various objects. As a class, they view pictures of the pyramids in Egypt and discuss how the size and shape of them show their belief in eternal life and religion. ...
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O Canada
Learners 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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Examine Economic Factors That Influence Human Migration Along the U.S/Mexican Border
Young scholars bring in their own article about immigration and how it is affecting their community. They summarize their article and brainstorm reasons why someone would immigrate to another country. They discuss push and pull factors.
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Property, Theft and Generosity
Students examine excerpts of Lewis and Clark's journal entries during their expedition. They identify any disputes with the Indians over land and discuss how they might have been avoided. They add entries to their journals.
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The American Flag
Students examine the history and origin of the United States Flag. They identify each symbol and discover the proper way to display it. They discuss how the flag itself has played a part in recent events.
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Making the Future Present
Students draw and describe a new system for prison surveillance. After reading an article, they discover the use of a wearable computer by prison guards. In groups, they develop a proposal for a new type of technology to be used in a...
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The League
Students explore the concept of civic virtue in a democratic state. In this democracy lesson, students listen to John F. Kennedy's inaugural speech, read selections on democracy, and discuss the importance of civic rights and...
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Helping the Hungry: Researching the Causes of Hunger and Related Charities.
Students research the issue of hunger and poverty in the US. The class then works together to choose a charitable organization and develop a fundraising strategy.
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Getting to Know You
Students converse with each other while playing a game in order to discover things that are alike and things that are different about themselves. The students gather data about themselves, organize and display data on the graph, and...
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The Mayflower Compact Started It
Students examine the role the Mayflower Compact had in aiding the common good. They analyze the importance of the Compact and what affect it had on the colony. They write a paper summarizing how they interpreted the Compact itself.
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Music Motivates
Middle schoolers listen to songs from the Civil Rights movement. They explain how the music might have inspired African-Americans to be activists in the movement. They examine how the Civil Rights movement affected the common good.