Developing a Global Perspective for Educators
The Lorax - Language
First graders identify text features and how they communicate meaning to the reader. In this media literacy instructional activity, learners view the movie The Lorax and discuss how students from another country would respond to this...
Media Smarts
You Be the Editor
Look at different case studies to discuss the ethics of journalism. Twelve real-life events are written up and your learners get to be the editors. Encourage your class to think about the implications of publishing decisions. After each...
Facing History and Ourselves
A Scene from a Middle School Classroom
Citizens in the modern world can't imagine making the same social choices made by many Germans in the 1920s and 1930s, but they don't realize that they actually do it every day by ostracizing others. A case study of middle schoolers...
Curated OER
Your Vote Counts! Election Activity
Students participate in a simulated election. They serve as 'checkers', marking off names of those who vote, a ballot person hands out ballots, and ballot sorters and counters. Teacher rigs up a voting booth where voters mark ballots...
Curated OER
Citizenship and Community
Students discuss why they believe exploring the topic of citizenship in school is important. They rank citizenship topics according to their importance. They examine the possibility of citizenship bringing communities closer together.
Curated OER
Your Participation as a Citizen
Students investigate their right to participate in the governing process of our nation. They look ast the different ways they are able to participate. They define citizenship, and decipher between whether or not citizens should...
Curated OER
Citizenship Program
Students explore teamwork, decision-making, and ways to communicate. They discuss their favorite activities, places they would like to travel and set ground rules for their groups. After identifying their feelings toward the program,...
Curated OER
Tapping into the Experiences of Senior Citizens
Through casual talk and structured interviews, 6th graders tap into the wealth of their senior pals' experiences. They write descriptive essays and narratives based on conversations with relatives or neighbors. They read selected...
Missouri Department of Elementary
Positive Self Talk
Mirror, mirror. Hook sophomores into the benefits of positive self-talk with a lesson that asks them to reflect on the roles they play at home, at school, and in their communities. Class members fill out a “Looking At Me In My...
Oxfam
Sweatshops - Exploitation Is Never in Fashion
Here's a resource that brings home the idea that we are all part of a global community, that our actions have far reaching consequences. Class members examine the labels in their clothes, create a list of the manufacturers, the countries...
Missouri Department of Elementary
My Action Plan
To complete a study of the importance of developing a positive self-image, high school seniors complete an "Action Plan for Maintaining Who I Am" worksheet. They then submit their finished worksheets for inclusion in their Personal...
Common Sense Media
My Online Code
Approach ethical online behavior with a series of activities geared toward teaching pupils about digital citizenship. After a brief discussion about ethics, small groups inspect a fictional social networking profile with ethics in mind....
Curated OER
Did Voters Turn Out -- or Are They Turned Off?
What was the voter turnout at your last state election? Examine voter turnout statistics from the most recent election to learn which ten states have the best turnout record. This lesson offers election data, handouts, and worksheets.
Curated OER
Government
Perfect for a Christian or private school setting, this activity has learners use their Bible to help them identify the purpose of the government. They examine specific Bible verses then use them to define the government and the...
Curated Video
Online Reputation and Cyber-bullying
Combat cyberbullying with information. During this plan, learners watch a couple of videos, consider online behavior scenarios, brainstorm long- and short-term consequences, and discuss how to react to bullying in order to build up to...
Curated Video
Reporting - Safety and Abuse Tool
Keep your charges safe online with instruction on how to report problems on YouTube. After providing learners with information on the Safety and Abuse Tool, demonstrate how to use the tool and discuss the feature. In groups, learners...
Curated Video
Reporting - Flagging
While it may feel like you can post just about anything on YouTube, that's not the case. Teach your class about flagging inappropriate content. Learners watch a demonstration, practice flagging, and answer questions about online content.
Constitutional Rights Foundation
Educating About Immigration The DREAM Act
Group members role play state legislators, supporters of and opponents to the The DREAM Act (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors). After listening to the arguments put forth for and against the immigration...
Curated OER
Discrimination and Media: Focus on Mental Health
Students explore discrimination by the media. In this media awareness lesson, students examine stigmas concerning mental illnesses as they are portrayed in the media.
iCivics
Congress
Through reading materials, worksheets, and a primary source activity, this resource provides an overview of the structure and powers of the legislative branch of government in the United States. Readings review how a bill becomes a law,...
Curated OER
Jacksonian America and the Indian Removal Act of 1830
Students utilize primary sources to explore the national climate concerning Native American Indians during the Andrew Jackson administration. They are presented with opinions for and against the Indian Removial Act of 1830 as they...
Curated OER
Opportunity Knocks, But It Costs, Too!
Sixth graders write a reflection piece, outlining each of the decision-making steps they have used and what decision they have decided upon, which includes possible solutions, as well as possible outcomes for each solution. They also...
Curated OER
Presidential Election 2000
Students examine the presidential candidates and their election platforms. They further analyze the platforms by creating a chart to determine which candidate most represents his or her beliefs and values.
Carolina K-12
Choice, Conflict, and Compromise at the County level
With all the hubbub surrounding national elections, it's easy to forget the importance of local government. After learning about county governance and voter turnout for local elections, young citizens demonstrate how local...