Fifth graders define ethical terms (love, honor, heroism) and defend their definitions.

Students debate the validity of predictions about the greenhouse effect.

Students research famous Canadians, then present their findings in bill form. They argue and attempt to convince the class that these important Canadian figures deserve to be included in the classroom wall of fame.

Students research the priorities and needs of an assigned country. They come together and debate current events from the point of view of the country they are representing.

Students discover the quest for a balance between oil exploration and a concern for the environment in Alaska. They synthesize their knowledge by debating the current length of the oil-drilling season.

Students work in groups to design a filtration process that will separate clean water from polluted water. They organize data in tables or graphs and present their findings to the class. Students identify further safety protocols that...

Students discuss the advantages of using calculators and spreadsheets in balancing checkbooks. They also identify the pros and cons of using these tools in adult education classrooms.

Fourth graders study census-taking. They participate in a variety of activities surrounding the U.S. census of 2000. They compare a modern census to one of 1905.

Students calculate how much of each paycheck is deducted into the Medicare system, explain the need for health insurance and Medicare, and work in small groups to develop their own plan to reform Medicare.

Students explore national security issues related to the possibility of a Dubai-owned company operating an American port. Opinions are solicited and debated.

Students use telecommunications and online resources to participate in activities that develop solutions outside the classroom. They use email attachments and FAX to send their finished letters describing why people should or should not...

Students research and debate the pros and cons of genetically altered foods. Students discuss whether they would be willing to eat genetically modified foods and whether these foods should be allowed to be created.

Students view a PowerPoint presentation on the European Union. For this UK lesson, students explore the question of whether the UK should form part of the European Union and develop their debate skills.

Students research how the growth of railroads led to an industrial revolution in Texas and read a newspaper article debating which railroad company should come to Travis County. They write their own article and debate the railroad question.

Twelfth graders in an ESL classroom use the internet to research the causes of AIDS. As a class, they discuss the topics mentioned in the various websites and determine if they are viable causes for the disease. They create a...

High schoolers interpret the stories of school consolidation efforts. They explore what social and structural changes have occurred in rural schools. Students debate the plusses and minuses of school consolidation from several perspectives.

Students compose lyrics to songs for a music festival to promote issues in their community. They write artists' statements explaining the issues they chose to write about.

High schoolers explain the historical origins of the India-Pakistan dispute over Kashmir and debate both sides' claims. They evaluate the position of India and Pakistan relating to the dispute over Kashmir.

Students examine the three branches of the Federal Government and their decision to place Japanese-Americans in camps during World War II. They analyze debates made by leaders during this time period.

High schoolers engage in series of studies having to do with the Ambient Air Module. They create a presentation to recommend a solution for the asthma problem experienced by students at school. The rubric is found at the end of the...

Students examine a debate over teaching sex education in public schools. After reading an article, they discover how school officials are trying to inform their students but please a diverse audience. They answer discussion questions...

Students recount their knowledge of natural resources and articulate their understanding of the multi- faceted debate that surrounds drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. They then examine the complexity of drilling in the...

Students compare and debate how an ancient Greek sculpture is similar to modern art. Then they orally describe the cultural contributions of early Greek civilization and their relationship to the modern world.

Pupils explore instances of segregated education around the world, supporting and refuting the idea through debate and persuasive essay.