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Debate: Is Cheerleading a Sport?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars research how women are perceived in sports. They debate the issue of whether cheer leading should be considered a sport and are scored on student made rubrics.
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Keeping It Quiet

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Learners consider ways in which countries use censorship to control information. They examine China's recent abridgement of a politician's speech and consider China's recent history with other nations to better explain why censorship is...
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See You Later, Alligator

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore the historical and social significance of animals as cultural symbols in various countries around the world, as well as the impact that humans have made on the population and natural habitats of these animals.
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Crash Test Smarties

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students share hypotheses about the variables needed to produce a collision between two moving objects. They simulate the impact of a moving object on an object that creates a spray of debris, and simulate a NASA Deep Impact study.
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Occupational Oxymoron

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students consider their own notions of poverty, examine the life of a woman classified as "working poor" from a variety of perspectives, and present their findings to the class. Then, students synthesize their knowledge in a paper.
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Soldier's Payback

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students examine their thoughts about enlisting in the Army, then consider the question of whether former soldiers should be called up for active duty. They debate the issue in a town hall meeting, and write proposals offering possible...
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A Good Government Is Hard to Build

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Young scholars explore the challenges that Iraqi leaders are facing while working to create a new government. They engage in a class simulation in which they create a new governing council to preside over their school.
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Liberty for Libya?

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students create a country profile on Libya in order to consider the viability of a transition to a democratic government.
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Oh, Go Fly a Kite!

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students research and report on aspects of kites including: history, types, building and flying kites. They use Inspiration Software as a graphic organizer. They use gathered research to complete informational booklets.
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Iranian Uranium?

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Young scholars explore how Iran's uranium enrichment-related activities has caused a rift between Russia, the United States, and Europe. They stage a mock summitt to discuss Iran's nuclear program.
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No Lights Tonight

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students explore use of batteries and electrical power on farms in the 1930s.
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Royal Treatment

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students analyze the Nepalese King's response to pro-democracy demonstrations, and examine existing monarchies around the world. They conduct research, read an article, and present information on various modern-day monarchies.
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"The Big Bridge Scheme": The Building and Impact of the Brooklyn Bridge

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students watch a video and examine archival newspaper articles to study the different points of view about the building of the Brooklyn Bridge. They examine the impact the bridge had on those living in Brooklyn and Manhattan.
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The Drug Dope Show

For Teachers 9th - 12th
In small groups, students research an assigned drug category including its physical effects, addiction treatments and the societal, academic and economic impacts of drug abuse. They engage in a "talk show" and discussion about drug...
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You be the Tour Guide

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students research the natural features and wildlife of Arizona and Utah. They draw a map of the region that includes rivers, towns, mountains and roads. They work together to create a travel brochure of the area.
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Land of Plenty, Land of Want

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students view a video about the state of the environment. They discover the topic of sustainable agriculture. They identify problems and how to solve them.
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By Any Other Name

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Young scholars examine the differences between the definitions of race and ethnicity defined by the United States government. After reading an article, they discuss the possiblity of the elimination of some races from the 2010 census....
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Calamity Sane

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students observe responses to emergency situations by participating in and making observations about a fire drill. They then analyze the fire drill proceedings from the perspective of a sociologist investigating social order during...
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Case in Point

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students read about and discuss the re-opening of the Emmett Till murder case. They research and write about a famous civil rights trial and create a poster highlighting the importance of the trial.
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Making 'Friends'

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students read "Fans Gear Up to Say Goodbye to 'Friends'" from The New York Times and discuss the elements of the sitcom 'Friends' that made it such a success. After brainstorming reasons for 'Friends' popularity, students work in groups...
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Heightening Awareness

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students review their prior knowledge about Haiti. They examine violence in Haiti by reading and discussing "HAITIAN FORCES BATTLING UPRISING REPORT RETAKING 3 TOWNS." In groups, students research specific time periods of Haitian history...
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Out of Order

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Learners consider the role technology plays in their lives and create one-act plays illustrating how reliance on a certain technology can be problematic if the gadget is not working properly.
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Give Peace a Chance

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students read and discuss the 1979 occupation of the American Embassy in Iran. They research the nations that are believed to currently pose a threat of terrorism toward the United States and speculate on ways in which these nations'...
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Natural Features of Our Community

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders read about and discuss natural features of communities. They listen to a guest speaker, such as a park ranger to expand their knowledge of natural features. They go on a field trip, if possible, to a local zoo or...