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Digging Deeper: Mission San Saba
Seventh graders review their prior knowledge on the Spanish mission system in Texas. Using the internet, they examine the motives of the Spanish to establish missions in Texas, specifically the Mission San Saba. They research the reasons...
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The Bill of Rights
In groups, learners review one of four selected Supreme Court cases. The whole class watches a video introducing the four cases, and then small groups dive into Internet research in an attempt to write a two-paragraph summary of the...
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Capitol Visitors Center
Students complete a post-trip discussion after visiting the capitol building in Austin.  As a class, they review how soldiers received their allotment of land for participating in the Texas Revolution.  Individually, they write a letter...
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Shelby County: The Regulator-Moderator War
Seventh graders comprehend the importance of the Regulator-Moderator War through John W. Middleton's memoir. They comprehend how the different motivations held by each faction began the conflict. Students are shown the map of Shelby...
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Writing an Analytical Essay From a Supreme Court Case
Critical thinkers read a summary of a United States Supreme Court case, including important background information and the court's final decision. They form an opinion in agreement or disagreement regarding the case and then write an...
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Discussion-Activity: An Election Primer
Students research and discuss the 2000 presidential election. They role-play Al Gore's and George W. Bush's legal teams, and members of the Florida Supreme Court. They of each legal team present their arguments to the Supreme Court.
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A Tough Nut to Crack
Sixth graders explore agriculture by examining world geography. In this pecan cultivation lesson, 6th graders identify the history of the famous nut and the impact it has on the U.S. economy, diet and human body. Students define...
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Dangers of the West
Eighth graders explore the American West. In this Westward Expansion lesson, 8th graders examine primary sources to investigate the dangers travelling to and settling in the American West. Students design brochures that would help those...
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Iwo Jima: Forgotten Valor
Students explore the nature of island combat on Iwo Jima during World War II. They examine the association between the Pacific Theater of World War II and Iwo Jima. Students evaluate Charles Lindberg's oral history, propaganda posters,...
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The Inaugural Speech: Setting The Tone For The Administration Of A President
Students investigate the Inaugural Speech of the President of The United States while comparing two speeches. They conduct research to find the two speeches on the internet and look at them side by side. The lesson includes background...
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"Last Man Standing" Lesson Plan: What Do People Want from Politicians?:
Students evaluate various methods of sampling opinions, consider the role of polling in elections, and consider the role of media reporting in the outcome of elections. They gain skills they can use to analyze and evaluate media...
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Secretary of State Powell
Students study the life of Colin Powell who was Secretary of State during President Bush's first term. They investigate the workings of the US State Department by researching a number of websites.