Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Debating Controversial Issues: Integrating Science and Current Events

For Teachers 9th - 12th
In order to give young scientists experience with critical thinking skills, introduce them to a current controversy and prepare them to debate. Choose a topic, such as genetically modified organisms, and assign groups to represent...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Texas Social Studies Controversy

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Examine the Texas social studies curriculum controversy with your class. Using a current events instructional activity, learners read the article "A Christian Land Governed by Christian Principles," respond to the discussion questions,...
Unit Plan
C3 Teachers

Reparations: Why Are Reparations Controversial?

For Teachers 8th
To understand why the topic of reparations is controversial, young scholars gather background information by reading articles, watching videos, and examining cases where reparations were made. Learners consider the lasting repercussions...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Controversy over the NYC Muslim Community Center & the 9/11 Experience

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students investigate the controversial planned mosque at Ground Zero. In this current events lesson, students watch 3 public service announcement clips sponsored by the Council on American Islamic Relations and discuss their...
Lesson Plan
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National Endowment for the Humanities

Revolution '67, Lesson 2: What Happened in July 1967? How Do We Know?

For Teachers 6th - 12th Standards
Even in a world in which dozens of participants and curious onlookers record every controversial event, the basic facts of what happened are often in dispute. Revolution '67, Lesson 2 explores 1967 Newark, New Jersey using an examination...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Doing the Honours

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students investigate the actions of British political parties. For this current events lesson, students research the listed Web sites that include information about political party fundraising and peerage. Students also report on honors...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

NYC Muslim Community Center: Why there? Why not?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine religious diversity issues. In this current events lesson, students read the provided articles "Sacred Ground or Bridging a Cultural Divide?" "Multiple Views of the Proposed Muslim Center," and "Protests, a Bonfire, and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Breaking News: Chinese Writer to Have Shakespeare's Face

For Teachers 4th - 7th
Students explore current events by completing a list of worksheet activities. In this William Shakespeare lesson, students identify a resident of China who wishes to undergo plastic surgery to give himself the face of William...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Living News: Classroom Materials

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore controversial current events. In this Bill of Rights lesson plan, students research selected issues and examine the issues from different perspectives. Students script and record news stories that feature their findings.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Why is Evolution Controversial?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine the controversy surrounding evolution --- the challenges to science, the battles over teaching evolution in the schools, and the reconciliation of religion and science. They also examine an interactive time line of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Individuality vs. Conformity

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Spark an animated debate in your class! Young adults consider some of the fads or trends that are prevalent at their school, as well as their own level of participation in them. Just how much of a role does popular culture play in their...
Lesson Plan
Center for History Education

Did Southern Free Men of Color Fight for the Ideals of the South?

For Teachers 6th - 12th Standards
Much of history is distasteful. Primary sources often reveal attitudes acceptable at the time that no longer are. But to understand controversial historical events, historians must examine primary sources that represent a wide variety of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What's the Forecast for Africa?

For Teachers 5th - 10th
Students explore the possibilities for Africa at the G8 Summit. In this current events lesson, students discuss the purpose of the G8 Summit and research the provided web links to learn more about the summit.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Modern Marvels

For Teachers 5th - 11th
Students examine the man-made wonders of the world. In this current events activity, students research selected websites to learn more about the most recent wonders of the world competition. Students also research Stonehenge.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Healthy Old Age?

For Teachers 5th - 11th
Students explore the role of the National Health Service (NHS) in Britain. In this current events lesson, students visit websites and listen to lectures to learn about Britain's free health care. Students investigate problems...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Ban on Same-Sex Marriage: Does it Violate 'Due Process' and 'Equal Protection'?

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students examine due process and equal protection. In this current events instructional activity, students read the provided article, "Due Process and Equal Protection for Gays and Lesbians." Students respond to the provided discussion...
Unit Plan
C3 Teachers

Celebrity Social Responsibility: Does Celebrity Require Social Responsibility?

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Is much required of those to whom much is given? That's the central question asked of middle schoolers in this lesson. Scholars consider the actions of Tommie Smith and John Carlos, Colin Kaepernick, Lady Gaga, and others who have taken...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Harry Potter and the Spellbound Children

For Teachers 4th - 11th
Help your class explore the world of Harry Potter. Learners visit selected websites to learn the background about the book series, discover details about the marketing of the books, and investigate book banning.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Who Are You Calling a Yob?

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students examine anti-social behavior issues. In this current events lesson, students discover the attributes of Asbos and discuss the controversial use of Asbos by British police agencies.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Problem with Authority?

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students consider the prospect of inviting a controversial leader to speak in their community. They analyze the Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's controversial invitation to speak at Columbia University. Students create...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Teaching the Novel in Context

For Teachers Higher Ed
Students write a context paper.  In this teaching the novel in context lesson, students view a primary sources to recreate the cultural and historical context of the novel.  Students make the connection between the literary...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

My View's Write!

For Teachers 6th - 8th
After researching issues involving panthers, middle schoolers practice writing persuasive letters.  They  become familiar with a controversial issue related to panthers and write their position on the issue. This lesson...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Collage and Photomontage

For Teachers 10th
Tenth graders discuss collage and photomontage techniques and artists, and how the art form can convey cultural or current issues. They research a collage artist, then design a topical or personally symbolic collage. Present their...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

An Early Threat of Secession: The Missouri Compromise of 1820 and the Nullification Crisis

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine the controversies over slavery's expansion and how the federal tariffs further entrenched the dividing line between northern and southern interests.