Deliberating in a Democracy
Violent Video Games
High schoolers examine violence in video games. In this American history instructional activity, students read an article on the link between video games and violence. High schoolers respond to discussion questions and debate the topic.
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What are the benefits of having a Free Press?
Students examine why actual malice is necessary in libel cases. Students demonstrate the importance of a third party in libel and slander cases. They analyze why a free press is essential in American society.
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What is Democracy?
Students examine civic duties. In this citizenship lesson, students play an online game that requires them to consider the needs of their community. Students campaign for the issue they choose in the game.
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Citizenship
Students reflect on characteristics of good citizens, examine democratic symbolism, create an award and choose an individual to receive the award as part of this lesson on citizenship. Lesson ties together social studies, language arts,...
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Taxation Without Representation
Eighth graders empathize with how colonists felt when they were taxed without representation. They use a metaphor of students and a school principal to describe the strained relationship that developed between the colonies and Britain.
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Alexis de Tocqueville’s America
Students analyze de Tocqueville's America. In this democratic history lesson, students use primary sources to determine what de Tocqueville found to be so unique in the America. Students analyze artifacts, maps and documents through...
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Citizen Journalism
Students examine the role of citizen journalism, freedom of the press, and the First Amendment. They analyze the results of an Internet survey, discuss the ethics of downloading copyrighted material on the Internet, and write a news story.
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Establishing the Presidency
Students consider how George Washington influenced the presidency. In this presidential history worksheet, students discuss the precedents Washington set and analyze a letter that Washington sent to James Madison.
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Twelve Angry Men: Trial by Jury as a Right and as a Political Institution
Students explore the constitutional guarantee of the right to trial by jury. In this U. S. Constitution lesson, students read or view Twelve Angry Men and respond to discussion questions regarding the jury. Students examine the...
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Clear and Present Danger
Students assume identities of lawmakers, judges, writers, and protestors during times in American history when freedoms of speech and press were limited because country was on the brink of war or fighting one. Students use primary source...
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Fighting for Democracy, Fighting for Me
Ninth graders investigate specific individuals involved in Operation Iraqi Freedom and working backward to stories from World War II. In this US History lesson plan, 9th graders read documents that depict the conflicts faced by...
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Influences of the Enlightenment on the American Declaration of Independence
Eighth graders participate in a lesson that focuses on the study of the Declaration of Independence. The freedoms outlined in the document are discussed. Students make connections between philosophy and the writing of the Declaration.
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American Industry Growth
Eleventh graders explore the economic growth from 1878 to 1893. In this social studies lesson plan, 11th graders discuss how the improvements lead to an inequality in wealth and the problems that it caused.
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum
Red States/Blue States: Mapping the Presidential Election
Young historians investigate how voting patterns have changed by comparing the outcome of the 1960 election to the outcome of the recent election. A creative final assessment has participants making a news show wherein they provide...
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The Man Who Made the Presidency
Students explore the contributions that George Washington made to the presidency. In this presidential history activity, students analyze primary and secondary sources regarding Washington and the precedents he set. Students write...
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Cartoons for the Classroom: Nothing is More Patriotic Than Social Criticism
In this historical events worksheet, students analyze political cartoons that feature social criticism. Students respond to 2 talking point questions.
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Comparing/Contrasting Northern Life to Southern Life
Students compare and contrast the lives of African Americans who moved North vs. those who stayed in the South during the era of Jim Crow Laws.
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Old Hickories
Students analyze historical events to develop a historical perspective. In this critical analysis lesson, students read excerpts, primary sources and other materials in order to understand the Native American Removal that occurred during...
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Cartoons for the Classroom: Turnout or Burnout?
In this current events worksheet, students analyze a political cartoon about voter turnout and respond to 3 talking point questions.
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Cartoons for the Classroom: Tooning into the Candidates - Fred Thompson
In this current events instructional activity, students analyze a political cartoon about about 2008 presidential candidate Fred Thompson. Students then respond to 2 short answer questions.
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Cartoons for the Classroom: Donkeys, Elephants, and Elections
For 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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Cartoons in the Classroom: Pitfalls of Democratic Elections
In this current events worksheet, students analyze political cartoons about democratic elections that go bad. Students respond to 3 talking point questions.
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Cartoons for the Classroom: Berryman, Roosevelt and the Teddy Bear
In this current events worksheet, students analyze a political cartoon about the origin of stuffed teddy bears and respond to 3 talking point questions.
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Cartoons for the Classroom: Invasion of the Super Delegates
In this current events worksheet, learners analyze a political cartoon about the electoral college and superdelegates. Students then respond to 3 talking point questions.