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Class Actions
Learners examine the many facets of the term "class," defining the term and exploring some of the ways that class plays into life in American society. They participate in a poll about class-related issues.
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How I Became Me
Young scholars examine their own identities and read about the experiences of adopted Chinese daughters celebrating the Jewish rite of passage, the bat mitzvah. They write personal poems or speeches illustrating how their identities...
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Trying Teens
Students explore the court cases and legal organizations that were instrumental in creating a system of juvenile justice in the United States, then present their findings in a composite timeline.
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When Human Rights Are Wronged
Students explore the concept of human rights by examining the arresting of prominent Chinese dissidents who are members of the China Democratic Party. They develop and defend their own Bill of Human Rights and write a reflective essay.
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Breathing New Life into Old Traditions
Students investigate the role of ceremonies and other traditions of Native American cultures. They research various Native American nations and create posters that visually depict their research.
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High Profiles
Students research and write newspaper articles about current world leaders, using a New York Times International article as a model. They research a current world leader's personal background and political history.
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The Science of Aging
Students reflect on the lives of older people they know, then research and debate the key issues surrounding scientific experimentation in anti-aging. They write a short story that reflects their own philosophical beliefs on aging and...
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Bringing Cultures Together
Young scholars research specific information for the United Nations and present them in a PowerPoint presentation. They connect with another student in in their country of research by emailing them. They create a blog of creative writing...
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Know Your Rites
Students examine ceremonies in cultures around the world that celebrate young peoples' entry into adulthood.
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Delegating Authorities
Students compare and contrast democracies around the world after reading a New York Times article. They create posters and participate in a "democracy roundtable" in which they discuss two democracies.
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Classes For The Masses
Young scholars explore how class is represented in the media by developing ideas for television pilots that deal with class issues. They compile short lists of television characters from working, middle and upper classes.
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Peter The Butterfly
Students complete an interdisciplinary unit chronicling the life cycle and movement patterns of the butterfly. Through language arts, mathematics, and science activities, students identify various types of butterflies and document the...
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Mail Bonding
Students explore different forms of communication via the Internet and the effects these electronic mediums have on social relationships. They compose e-mail messages and predict the gender of authors of anonymous e-mail messages of...
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Loud and Clear
Young scholars brainstorm various forms of protest, examine the context for President George W. Bush's visit to Britain, and research protests throughout history. Students use the information gathered to create informative posters and...
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Love Hurts
Students examine how the love bug virus caused billions of dollars in damage after it spread from Asia. Students create profiles of hackers and design a public service announcement and posters to discourage the creation of such viruses.
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Pardon Me, Please
Students research capital punishment policies supported by leaders who have issued pardons, then reflect on how executive pardons might affect the balance of power between the branches of government.
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The Fight for Human Rights
Students explore the concept of human rights by developing and defending their own 'Bills of Human Rights' and by writing a reflective essay that compares their notions of human rights and the protection of them.
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When Worlds Collide
Learners explore the intersection between immigration and America's vision of itself. They examine how immigrant groups view themselves as Americans, and how the American 'mainstream' views these same immigrant groups.
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The Name of the Game
Students explore the cultural significance of various sports from around the world. They then teach their classmates about these sports by participating in a Global SportsFest as both instructors and players.
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Social Studies: How to Teach Children
Students examine reasons for teaching children and the characteristics of an effective teacher. After a Powerpoint presentation which includes a humorous look at the 1915 rules for teachers, they create daily teaching schedules and...
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Can We Be Both Conservationists and Consumers?
Students explore their role as consumers and conservationists and what roles they play in today's economic climate. They explore resource allocation issues. Students analyze data and draw comparisons between historical and present-day...
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Words from the Wise
Students explore how famous people, through newspaper Op-Ed articles, often inform the public about issues of national importance. They write Op-Eds in the voice of famous people on current news topics.
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The Skinny on Sororities
Students explore the boundary between membership exclusivity and illegal discrimination in private organizations by examining a recent case of alleged discrimination in a college.
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The View
Students explore the structure and purpose of Op-Ed pieces in the newspaper. They then write Op-Eds from the perspectives of United States presidents on important issues of their day.