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Civil Rights and the ADA
Students examine and discuss the 14th and 15th amentments, and evaluate the agendas of Americans from underrepresented groups in the quest for civil rights. They conduct Internet research and create essays or posters regarding Civil Rights.
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The U.S. Trade Embargo on Cuba
Students examine perspectives for and against the U.S. trade embargo on Cuba, develop a position on the embargo and articulate viewpoints in a public forum.
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The Cold War Warrior Defending: The Moral Beacon of the World
Students identify President Reagan's domestic and foreign policy, describe America's attitude toward communism, list characteristics which endeared Reagan to the American people, and explain why some Americans spoke out against Reagan's...
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America's Wars, 1898-1945
Students examine the wars the United States was involved in between 1898 and 1945. In groups, they determine the causes and effects of each war and how each war changed the way the United States handled their foreign affairs. As a class,...
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The Panic of 1837 And the Presidency of Martin Van Buren
Students analyze period political cartoons as they study the causes of the Panic of 1837. They use primary sources to evaluate President VanBuren's response to the panic and public opinion of the results of his policies. Then they...
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Social Studies: Haitians in America
Students examine Haitian culture, including its discovery, colonization, and political and economic development. Role-playing in two ethnic groups, they caucus and develop strategies for the Haitian Revolution. In learning centers,...
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Burial "Rights"
Students, after viewing several segments of the video, "Stories Under the Stones," discuss the pros/cons of separate burial areas for different groups of people. They analyze a series of documents regarding the burial policy of one...
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Education Reform
High schoolers identify problems and potential improvements for U.S. public school education. They research and debate the pros and cons of the "No Child Left Behind Act".
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Jefferson's Blood
Students view the video "Jefferson's Blood" and complete a series of activities, dealing with both Thomas Jefferson's public and private life, in order to better explain Jefferson as a man and politician.
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Conflict Diamonds
Young scholars examine how diamonds are portrayed in American culture. They identify the political and social implications of conflict diamonds and the locations of these diamonds in Africa. They evaluate the effectiveness of the...
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Cartoons for the Classroom: Donkeys, Elephants, and Elections
In this current events worksheet, students analyze political cartoons about the 2006 American mid-term elections. Students then respond to 3 short answer questions.
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A Delicate Balance
Students reflect on racial balance in their own schools, debate merits of policies that seek to create and maintain school racial diversity, and write essays on whether their school should promote racial balance.
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Music Advocacy
Learners view part of a video about advocating for music education. They discuss the importance of supporting music education in schools and create a presentation for the PTO, a news release about a local music event and/or scripts for a...
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Market Structures and Competition
Students explore the role of government in the economy market. In this economics lesson, students analyze the decision making and how it takes into consideration additional cost, benefits and public awareness of what they are trying to...
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Journalists Under Fire
Students research current events in relation to the United States military. In this current event lesson plan, students find out what is going on in the war and use what they find to explain and debate their stance on current events.
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The President's Role and Succession
Fourth graders examine the role the President of the United States plays in American government and the order of succession of cabinet members. They explain about presidential qualifications and the path to becoming President.
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Learning About the Civil Rights Movement Through Photographs
Young scholars examine the racial inequality that existed in the United States before the Civil Rights Movement. After listening to song lyrics and viewing photographs, they discover the importance of the movement in helping society...
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Participating in State and Local Government
Students analyze the structure, organization, and powers of State legislatures. They outline the overall shape of the office of the governor.
Students analyze the structure of local governments as creations of the State. They describe...
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Virginian Contributors
Students examine the contributions of native Virginians to the United States. For each person, they read excerpts of a book about their contributions and organize the information in a chart. In groups, they become an expert on one of...
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What Is the Role of the President in the American Constitutional Government?
Students read about the role of the president. In this US government lesson plan, students read about the role of the president as stated in the US Constitution. Students examine issues of presidential power and identify various checks...
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Can I Be Swayed?
Young scholars identify loaded words and examples of bias in print media. They describe how media can be used to manipulate public opinion. Students identify examples of interest groups that use media to sway public opinion in order to...
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Flag Wars
Students consider how zoning policy shapes the character of neigborhoods. They see how zoning and loan policies have been used historically in the U.S. to benefit some people and discriminate against others. They examine tensions between...
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The Great Depression - FDR and the New Deal
Learners consider the role that government should play in economics. For this Great Depression lesson, students analyze New Deal legislation to develop an informed opinion about the public programs and then present their findings to...
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Chapter 18 – The New Deal
In this U.S. history worksheet, students read assigned textbook pages regarding New Deal policies and respond to 47 short answer questions.