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How to Write a Bill
High schoolers view video excerpts from, "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" and discuss them to brainstorm how to write a bill. They divide into two groups representing senate committees to participate in a mark-up session where they read...
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The Giver: A Research Unit
Eighth graders complete a reading of Lois Lowry's, The Giver, and determine a social problem the effects the "utopian society." They research information about the social problem using a number Internet, print, and media resources. They...
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Writing and Amending Bills
Students participate in a classroom Congress simulation. They research and write a bill, and enact the passing, amending, and vetoing process of taking a bill through the Committee process of Congress.
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Order, Order
Third graders practice creative writing by making a book. In this book publishing instructional activity, 3rd graders investigate the steps needed to publish anything by researching the Internet. Students collaborate on a list of 5...
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Art to Zoo: India-Where Remarkable Differences Are Ordinary
Students "visit" India to learn about its culture and the lives of children in India. For this India lesson, students conduct research and report on the lives of Indian children in the form of a mock interview between a journalist and...
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Take Only Photos and Leave Only Bubbles: Learn About American History from a Sunken Spanish Galleon
Students simulate the research process of investigating a shipwreck. In small groups, they conduct Internet research, and develop and write a proposal for excavation of the archaeological site.
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Applications and Interviews
Students practice completing applications for jobs. They examine the do's and dont's of filling out an application. They also participate in a mock interview process.
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What Makes an Amendment?
Students investigate amendments to the Constitution. In this government lesson, students research how an amendment is made and amendments that have both passed and failed. They write their own amendment and attempt to have it pass by the...
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And Your Point Is . . .? Part II
After researching recent community or political issues, paired with a review of proper debate format, class members select a topic, adopt a side, and prepare for a debate. The value in this resource is the review of debate procedures,...
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A More Perfect Union: The Story of Our Constitution
Sit back, relax, and transport to 1787! This instructional activity on the Constitution begins with guided imagery of the Constitutional Convention. The class reads A More Perfect Union: The Story of Our Constitution in an interactive...
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INVITING CANDIDATES TO CLASS
Students explore the election process by researching politcal platforms, inviting candidates to speak, surveying registered voters, and running a mock election.
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To Be or Not To Be
Fifth graders investigate and conduct an interview associated with a career they are considering. They present the information in an expository writing piece using a different point of view.
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Who Are We? An Introduction to the Life Within Our Bodies
Students examine cell structure, cell division, and the basic structure of DNA. They read and discuss a case study of DNA research, answer discussion questions, role-play the process of mitosis, and complete a DNA Fact or Fiction worksheet.
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Big Cat Classification
First graders discover the different names and classifications of big cats by using word processing applications. In this animal life lesson, 1st graders investigate one big cat and create a database of facts about it using an word...
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Simulating the Legislative Process
Students research and simulate a debate of an issue. They simulate proposing a bill to the legislature.
C-SPAN
Conducting a Moot Court
Review the conduct of different roles within the Supreme Court. A moot court activity educates learners about the roles of each member of the court and the process of a case with video clips, research activities, a graphic organizer,...
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Preparing a Business Plan to "Be Your Own Boss"
Do your scholars strive to work for themselves some day? Help young entrepreneurs create a business plan for an original idea and present it to a "board of directors." They complete online research (some links provided) and put together...
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Forensic Colloquium Experience: Debating the Issues
Pupils prepare for an participate in a debate. They watch instructional videos on how debates proceed. Pupils work in teams to research various topics, present their opinions on the issue, and respond to opposing viewpoints during a...
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Choose Your Own Adventure: School Nutritional Policy
Mature audiences are required for this lesson on implementing health-related policies. First, they openly explore the CDC obesity page while taking notes about what they discover. Then they view a PowerPoint about the success of public...
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I'm Number One!
Fourth graders complete a unit of lessons on the first seven presidents of the U.S. They conduct research, write a four-paragraph essay, and create posters and speeches for a simulated campaign convention.
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Time Marches On
Students discover the times of Colonial America by creating a timeline. In this U.S. History activity, students research a teacher-directed website about African Americans in early colonial times. Students utilize their information to...
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The Real Work is Done in Committee: A Simulation
Students research the Canadian federal legislative process, and identify the main features of local, provincial, and federal governments in Canada. They simulate the process of a bill going through the legislative process.
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Gallery Walk/Webquest
Students participate in a gallery walk or Web Quest to study the various roles and processes in the Canadian government.
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Four Corners Mystery: Where In The World Are We?
Students research and describe various locations around the world using five fundamental themes of geography.