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The Tank Man
High schoolers explore the events surrounding the confrontation at Tiananmen Square between Chinese forces and "The Tank Man." They discover how censorship affects what the media reports and what the public learns. Students research...
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Japanese Internment Camps in the US During World War II
Eighth graders analyze the impact of the Japanese/American conflict during World War II on the Japanese American population and evaluate the consequences of government action regarding international conflict. Students demonstrate their...
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The Early Tensions of the Cold War
Students uncover the roots of the Cold War. In this Cold War lesson, students research the political philosophies of the Soviet Union and the United States during the era as they define key vocabulary and discuss government systems....
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Justice in America
Eleventh graders analyze primary sources for evidence of intent and purpose. In this American government instructional activity, 11th graders compose a one-page response explaining their understanding of "justice." Students read and...
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The Need for Laws
Students consider the presence of authority in their lives. In this law lesson, students compare forgotten laws that function in their lives to forgotten instructions in making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
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Local Four Minute Men Committee
Students research the "Third Liberty Loan" pamphlet. In this discussion instructional activity, students read the pamphlet and discuss their opinions. Students answer questions and discuss main points of the document.
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Barriers to Immigration: The Chinese Exclusion Act
Students study the Chinese Exclusion Act and its impact on the Chinese here in the US and abroad. They watch a video, then perform research which is guided by worksheets imbedded in this lesson plan.
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World Trade: It's for Nebraska
Learners examine markets, international trade, and the role of government in international trade. After reviewing articles on the Governor of Nebraska's recent trade missions, they discuss in small groups their opinions of whether or...
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Flip Flop Diplomacy
Ninth graders examine the dress of diplomats. In this American Government lesson, 9th graders read an article and answer guided questions. Students participate in a quiz on the reading.
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Hidden Messages
Students examine the concept of censorship in authoritarian government and how Japanese and Chinese artists used their work as political commentary. This lesson includes possible lesson enrichments.
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Fast Forward
Students view a television program exploring social and economic changes at the close of the twentieth century. They discuss changes from differing perspectives including poor and rich citizens from various countries. Students write an...
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National Security
Students discuss the Rosenberg spy case during the Cold War. They research and report on a recent or current investigation into espionage by people working for the U.S. government. Students find out what they can from newspapers,...
Peabody Essex Museum
Chinese New Year Celebrations
Gong He Xin Xi! Happy New Year! Planning a Lunar New Year/Spring Festival Celebration? Check out the activities and resources in a packet that encourages pupils to research the cultural values and traditional practices associated with...
Foreign Policy Research Institute
Life in a Totalitarian State
This interesting role-playing activity helps your class understand some of the qualities of totalitarianism by assigning each one as a spy or comrade citizen for a duration of five days. Students should find this highly engaging and...
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Israel/Palestine and Saudi Arabia
Seventh graders examine governmental structures in place around the world. For this political systems lesson, 7th graders discuss components of a modern economy, and read two articles. Students answer questions after reading articles and...
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Chinese Bronze Vessels: A Ceramic Interpretation of a Historic Tradition
High schoolers demonstrate a knowledge of a historic period (Shang Dynasty) and an appreciation of a different culture (Chinese) by making a ceramic container that is meant to hold something of value.
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International Business Travel Project
Students research and develop a plan for an international business trip. They conduct Internet research, prepare a structured itinerary, and develop an oral presentation that includes a pie chart itemizing the trip's expenses.
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The Vietnam War 1954-1975
Discuss the full travesty of the Vietnam War. Whether it's for history class, Memorial Day, or Veterans Day, this slide show is sure to make an impact on learners in the upper grades. Vivid images, concise language, and the complete...
National History Day
“Saving the Bear”: The Russian Expeditionary Force of World War One
How have Russian politics affected countries on a global stage? The discussion of the Russian Revolution and World War I begins with an analysis of primary resource letters. Learners finish with a project where they create a timeline of...
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Finding Meaning in the Badge
Children who are three to five years old study two rank badges from the Qing dynasty to develop an understanding of social rank, language skills, and symbolism. The instructional activity is discussion-based and requires learners to...
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Witch Hunt or Red Menace? Anticommunism in Postwar America, 1945-1954
Students investigate what constitutes an "un-American" activity and why Soviet espionage was such an important issue in the 1940's and 1950's. Joseph McCarthy's impact on American anticommunism is examined in this instructional activity....
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Feudal Japan
An excellent overview of historical Japanese culture, this presentation could carry through a world history unit or a lesson on the history of Japan. Especially interesting are the slides that compare Japanese armor and castles to other...
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Development of American Political Parties: The Two-Party System
Was American politics always bound to the two-party system? Learn how the two-party system developed, why third parties tend not to do so well, and all the various political parties that have emerged throughout US history. Each party is...
ProCon
Universal Basic Income
Should the United States adopt a universal basic income? After reading brief background information, scholars research the debate topic by reviewing the top three pros and cons. They also respond to a survey question and review other...