Students explore 1920s America. In this American history lesson, students research primary and secondary sources in order to examine the events and noteworthy people of the time period. Students use their...

Learners investigate the history of immigration in the U.S. and the current debate over illegal immigration. In small groups, they conduct Internet research on an assigned time period, analyze political cartoons, and discuss themes in...

Students explore the concept of "reasonable doubt" in our criminal court system and compare it to "preponderance of the evidence" in the civil court system. They discuss the trials of OJ Simpson and other historical criminal defendants.

High schoolers examine the Eugenics movement in America with the case Buck vs. Bell, in which a woman was sterilized against her. They examine how science has been influential in forming public policy. They write a short paper on their...

Learners consider the rights of illegal immigrants. In this illegal immigration lesson, students analyze the Supreme Court case Plyler v. Doe and determine whether illegal immigrants should have access to public benefits. Learners...

Students discuss the fact and fiction of slavery in the South. After viewing a video on two New Orleans plantations, they determine the accuracy of the facts presented. In the computer lab, they visit various sites and examine which ones...

Students consider how to fight poverty. In this global issues lesson, students define indigenous communities and participate in an activity that requires them to allocate funds to end poverty among the indigenous in Papua New Guinea.

Pupils explore the upbringing of John Kennedy and how it effected his culture, character and personality. They investigate their own family traditions, values, and interests.

High schoolers begin the lesson by comparing and contrasting two state constitution's preambles. After identifying the themes in the state preambles, they compare the U.S. Constitution's preamble to the states. They work together to...

Students examine myths and stereotypes about Hispanic immigrant groups. They appreciate and share the strengths of their diversity and view films that challenge ideas about education and cultural values. They explore the Latino Rights...

In this lesson plan, students are introduced to the contributions made by African-American soldiers that have been excluded from traditional textbooks. To gain an appreciation for these unsung heroes, students engage in research to...

Young scholars explore the significance of National Documents. In this National Documents lesson, students read handouts regarding the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights. Young scholars complete the...

Learners examine and analyze various excerpts from documents of freedom such as Magna Carta and Virginia Declaration of Rights, identify how documents influenced each other, and discuss ideas and rights necessary to build representative...

Students develop an appreciation and understanding of the people, their attitudes, values and beliefs as reflected in their architecture. They use slides and or a walking tour showing the various styles of architecture, in New Haven,...

Students become more knowledgeable about the lives and responsibilities of circus kids and become aware of diverse family lifestyles.

Students reach The Domestic Slave Trade, then examine the differences between the people enslaved in North America as opposed to those in Brazil.

Introduce your class to the Core Democratic Values. The activity focuses on defining the Core Democratic Values and related terms. Small groups look up terms and present a song based on the information they've found. After the...

Pupils examine the U.S. Constitution. In this American history lesson, students explore the founders' vision of U.S. government as they participate in readers' theatre, role-playing scenarios, and constitutional analysis activities.

Young scholars examine the political socialization that contributed to the Holocaust. For this Holocaust lesson, students read about supporters of the Nazi party and how political socialization led to the Hitler Youth.

Students determine that history is a field of study that can help them understand themselves and the people around them. By reading sources by and about people with many of the same interests and concerns that they have and learning to...

Students read "A Single Lucid Moment" as a class. In groups, they identify the aspects of the United States that might allow for homelessness to happen and compare it with the culture of New Guinea. They write a journal entry about how...

Learners participate in an election for the purpose of comprehending the political process and the responsibilities that come with citizenship in a free society. They elect officials with no identity and are surprised with the revealing...

Students analyze the concept of democracy. In this democratic values lesson, students analyze the lyrics of selected popular music that address issues that challenge the role of United States as a world leader. Students create exhibits...

Young scholars participate in a lesson that investigates post-modernism in American literature. They conduct the lesson with the help of reading "America" by Ginsberg to create context. Then students define the genre and the culture that...