Researchers have discovered that when making decisions, teens' brains function differently than the brains of adults. After reading an article about this research, middle schoolers learn about a five-step decision-making process and...

Here's a new twist in the egg drop competition. Using only six inches of tape, four straws, and 2 pieces of newspaper, teams build a structure that keeps an egg from breaking when dropped. What's different about this project is that the...

It's time to take action. In small groups, scholars read texts about the global water crisis. Next, they create campaign posters to inform the community about the issue, as well as possible solutions. 

Young political scientists investigate the Poor People's Campaign protest held in Washington, D.C., on June 18, 2022. They research how the event was reported in various news outlets and consider their stance on whether...

Students research ribbon campaigns in the community. They interview students and community members who wear ribbons representing various campaigns. Students write a feature about these people and the campaigns.

Feeling ambitious about getting your scholars examining the election process? While this presidential election simulation will take preparation, the ensuing enthusiasm will be worth it! Using one or more large classes, 12th graders are...

Students explore energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. They conduct a home energy audit, a transportation campaign, and an investigation in the school. Students develop a plan to conserve energy and reduce emissions.

Students research the HPV vaccine and discover what it is supposed to do. In gropus, they consult with doctors and local health officials to discover the possible side effects of the vaccine and presents their findings to the class. They...

What is advertising? What role does it plan in an election? Middle and high schoolers discuss advertising and its purpose by sifting through different magazines and discussing the products they find. Then they relate advertisements to...

Entertaining political cartoons, campaign songs, and slogans are sprinkled throughout this presentation, which details the Presidential Election of 1840. Teachers can bring their own discussion topics to the slideshow with references to...

Students view different commercials and ad campaigns that present opposing notions of "truth." Students use these commercials to evaluate what makes an effective public service announcement (PSA) or advertisement, then choose a national...

Fifth graders research work to research six areas in the life of Adlai E. Stevenson II: His Early life, Governor of Illinois, Campaigns for president, Ambassador to the UN, famous quotes, later years. They create a supply of notecards...

Students study the life and art of George Rounalt as they examine his painting, "The Clown." They study the Nazi campaign against modern art such as the Degenerate Art exhibition of 1937. Finally, they create an original piece of art...

Students research online and in books city statutes regarding posting signs on utility poles, interview appropriate officials about ordinances and how completely it is enforced, explore what has happened elsewhere when citizens decided...

A good addition to a unit on the War of 1812, this slideshow details causes, specific battles, political contexts, and several campaigns of the war. Maps and pictures with broad topics allow teachers to bring their own discussion topics...

Stump speeches are the focus of this exercise that combines politics and language arts. After learning about this type of speech, the class listens to Obama's 2008 presidential campaign stump speech and answers a series of questions that...

Students create a digital scrapbook of the election of 1948 -- one of the most interesting and unique elections in US History.

In this Greek history activity, students read an excerpt about how the Greeks lost their marble structures. They identify which goddess the Parthenon was build for; why the Greeks wanted the marble returned to Athens; and why the British...

Students research and promote one local action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in their community through an integrated unit project. Students evaluate possible ways to reduce emissions and review major and local contributing factors....

Students role play as political analysts first forecasting the electoral college vote in a presidential election and then, following the results of the actual count. They study the role of swing states, and why political participation is...

Students interpret historical evidence presented in primary and secondary resources. In this political systems lesson, students conduct research to compare and contrast the forms of government in the United States and...

Students study the changes in reporting and journalism techniques that have evolved due to advances in technology by reading an online transcript. They debate whether the technological advances are positive or negative in the reporting...

Students explore organizations that promote effective marketing strategies and create their own visual symbols that benefit effective forestry cultivation.  In this creative lesson students study logos of organizations, create their...

Students write a persuasive essay as if they were an African American in World War II and decide if they would contribute war bonds or not. In this World War II lesson plan, students study the segregation of World War II and the unity...