Curated OER
Understanding the Election of 1800 and the Twelfth Amendment
Eleventh graders examine the election of 1800. In this American Government lesson, 11th graders summarize the events that made the election controversial. Students advocate for a candidate during a short role playing session.
Curated OER
Anti-Railroad Propaganda Poster -- The Growth of Regionalism, 1800 - 1860
Students research the anti-railroad movement of the mid-19th century. They review propaganda from the period and consider various points of view. They develop role-plays and write essays using their research.
Curated OER
Vote for Me!
Students conduct a mock presidential interview. In this US presidents lesson, students research the lives of former U.S. presidents and then role play interviews of the "presidents."
Curated OER
How Do We Balance Environmental Conservation with Human Needs?
Students role play a meeting between conservation biologists and local representatives who want to advance the livelihood of local population. In this history instructional activity, students research the necessities and conservation...
Curated OER
Patriots v. Loyalists
Students consider how colonial citizens chose sides in the American Revolution. In this Revolutionary War lesson, students role play Loyalists, Patriots, and undecideds in a classroom simulation. Students research their positions so that...
National Endowment for the Humanities
The Music of African American History
High schoolers examine role spirituals have played in African American history and religion, examine Harriet Tubman's use of spirituals in her work, explore power of spirituals in Civil Rights Movement, and work with oral tradition,...
Curated OER
Changing Planet: Infectious Diseases Classroom Activity
Here is a different approach: emerging epidemiologists first go home to interview family on the topic of infectious disease. Then they come to class and view a video and PowerPoint that explore how climate change may increase the...
Curated OER
Unit on International Law and Organizations
Students participate in a debate between internationalists and the rights of sovereign nations. They read interviews and role play one of the sides in a mock interview.
Curated OER
What's planning permission?
Students investigate land regulations. In groups students explore how local councillors grant planning permission and how land is regulated. Students role play making decisions on a planning committee. They discuss why a land use...
Curated OER
Put It In Print
Students research immigration reform and immigrant experiences in Indiana. They form their own opinions and voice them. They role-play editors and writers of a newspaper to get their information across.
Curated OER
The Federalist Papers
Students identify the Articles of Confederation and explain why it failed. They explain the argument over the need for a bill of rights in the Constitution and James Madison's role in securing its adoption by first Congress. Finally,...
Curated OER
Social Studies: Ramadan Observance
Students discuss Ramadan and the practice of fasting. Working in groups, they visit Websites and complete worksheets about the Muslim holiday. Students write letters role-playing as someone unfamiliar with a celebration and then write...
Curated OER
Making A New Nation
Eighth graders read standard road maps and topographical maps, and examine the lives of pathfinders who opened the trails to the West. They develop Living History presentations, role-playing a character from the past.
Curated OER
Espionage and Sedition Acts: Mock Trial
Bring to life the severity of the Espionage and Sedition Acts through a mock trial. Learners have prior knowledge of WWI and the context of these acts. An anticipatory set gets the class discussing the ethics of wartime dissension, and...
Curated OER
Diversity and Equality
Students explore how our political system addresses issues of diversity. After reading an included article, they discuss the constitutionality of student-led prayer in schools. Working in groups, they role play a Supreme Court case...
Curated OER
What is an Iron Triangle?
Learners discuss how interest groups, congress and the executive branch play a role in policy making to make up the Iron Triangle. They list the three points of the Iron Triangle and explain the role they have on public policy. Students...
Curated OER
Predator-Prey Relationships
Students explore the interrelatedness of predators and prey in four different activities. They simulate an aquatic insect, fish, and osprey food chain during a poker chip game, play an M&M game to simulate the relationship between...