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Pandora's Box
Some of today's technologies are controversial, in vitro fertilization being one of them. Mature high school biology classes examine the technology involved in and dilemmas created by this procedure. They play different roles in an...
Deliberating in a Democracy
Youth Curfews
Don't stay out too late! Scholars analyze the need for youth curfews in a democratic society. They examine primary documents, case studies, and short video clips to form their opinions and take a position on the issue. Holding a class...
Facing History and Ourselves
The Audacity of a Vote: Susan B. Anthony’s Arrest
Susan B. Anthony's speech "Is It a Crime for Women to Vote?" takes center stage in a instructional activity that asks class members to consider how they might respond to what they consider an unjust law. Groups work through the speech...
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Tobacco in North Carolina
Fourth graders examine the depiction of North Carolina tobacco farms in several photographs. They work in small groups to prepare an argument for a class debate and create promotional signs to advertise their point of view about tobacco...
State Bar of Texas
Baker v. Carr
Can the federal government override the state government to protect the citizens of the United States? The 1962 Supreme Court case Baker v. Carr outlines the issue of equal protection under the law. Scholars investigate with a short...
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Congressional Moments
Students listen to clips from Congressional Moments radio programs to examine role government plays in our lives, and discuss role of citizens in a representative democracy.
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AP Environmental Science-Food Fight
The content in this lesson is of a controversial nature. Please review to make sure it is suitable for your class. A video, The Meatrix is shown to the class, and then they discuss the emotionally-charged language that it uses. They are...
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Primary Season 101
While this New York Times resource posted several months ago it could still be a useful learning experience. Learners practice using the Times's Campaign 2012 Politics section to help them answer 16 questions about the Republican...
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How Would You Feel?
Sixth graders put themselves in the shoes of aborigines who were displaced from their homes in the 1800s by Europeans who came in and took their land from them. They discuss the social injustices suffered by these people, and write...
What So Proudly We Hail
The Meaning of America: Equality
What if society sought equality by handicapping the gifted and dispelling any traces of diversity? Kurt Vonnegut Jr. offers one possible answer to this question through his incredibly engaging and thought-provoking satirical...
National Endowment for the Humanities
Lesson 2: The United States, France, and the Problem of Neutrality, 1796–1801
While the French Revolution could be considered inspired by the American Revolution, it created thorny problems for the new United States. Should the United States get involved and be drawn into a European drama? Was the US strong...
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The Cricket World Cup
Pupils explore the influence of politics on the Cricket World Cup. Students research and gather information on the World Cup. They create a report on their findings. Pupils debate why England should or should not stay out of Zimbabwe.
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The Commission of Inquiry
Students explore the role and functions of a commission of inquiry and participate in a democratic debate.
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Civil Service Reform: Senate Debates
High schoolers examine the 1883 Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act. They discuss the spoils system, answer discussion questions, read and analyze speeches, complete a worksheet summarizing their findings, and report their findings to the...
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Globalization: Prescription Drug Prices
Students take a closer look at prescription drug prices in the United States and around the world. In this global issues lesson, students investigate health care costs, consider the impact of global prescription agreements, and...
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Citizens' Power : Deliberative Assemblies
Students study the rule that govern the operations of deliberative assemblies. They explore how they can become respectful citizens who explain Parliamentary government.
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Debating Women's Rights
Third graders, in groups, debate Women's Rights and compare women of the past to the women of the present.
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Lincoln-Douglas Debates of 1858
Students examine the transcripts of the 1858 Lincoln-Douglas debates and create a platform for each candidate in the 1858 Senate race. They utilize the candidates' arguments to explore the historical and political impact.
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Fox hunting debate
Students read the internet article "Hundreds of Hunts Out Despite Ban". The teacher then holds a class discussion about it. Students then hold a formal debate representing all points of view on the issues. Students then write a...
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Citizen Involvement In the Legislative Process
Students engage in a lesson plan which can be adapted to a simulation, emphasizing citizens' contributing to the legislative process. They gain a better understanding of how the legislative process works.
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Civil Service Reform: Senate Debates
Eleventh graders outline civil service reform proposals made by Senators during debates on Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act. They interpret 1883 Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act to see if it incorporated Senators' proposals or...
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Debating Responsibility
Students examine the benefits of taking responsibility for their actions. In this character education instructional activity, students role-play various scenarios and discuss the impact of taking responsibility in each situation.
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Globalization and Energy Security
High schoolers take a closer look at energy security and energy independence. In this global issues lesson, students investigate the concept of energy security, consider energy policies and national security issues, and participate in a...
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Are Curfew's Fair?
High schoolers explore and discuss how curfews are set up. They discuss how difficult it can be to define appropriate and inappropriate behavior. Students role play situations involving curfew and the behaviors they are meant to curb.