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Fighting The Horse Race: Creating Ads Which Explore 2008 Presidential Candidates & Issues

For Teachers 6th - 12th
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...
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declaration of Independence

For Teachers 10th
Tenth graders research the Declaration of Independence and its impact. They assemble puzzle pieces of the declaration and create their own declaration of independence including grievances and resolution.
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Gun Control and Terrorism: Laws or Loopholes?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers examine the Second Amendment of the Constitution. They research and organize key arguments and other fundementals of gun control. They participate in a debate defending the wording of the Second Amendment.
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"The Big Bridge Scheme": The Building and Impact of the Brooklyn Bridge

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Young scholars 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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"Tree of Peace": Critical Thinking About Revolution to Global Conflict

For Teachers 10th
Tenth graders explore the importance of peace in society.  In this Global History lesson plan, 10th graders create a common vocabulary for the different elements that exist in a peaceful society.  Students discover the...
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A More Perfect Union: Women's Suffrage and the Constitution

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students reflect on the pros and cons of Women's Suffrage and it was viewed during the late 1800's.  In this history lesson, students will analyze documents on women's suffrage so that they can compare and contrast the rights of...
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Adult Criminal Justice System

For Teachers 12th
Twelfth graders examine the procedures and protections involved in processing an accused person through the criminal justice system. They view a Powerpoint presentation, conduct research, and write a paper describing a crime they have...
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On The Home Front

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers write their responses to five questions about their home town. After watching an excerpt from "The War", they work together in groups to identify the characteristics of the four towns in the movie into a graphic...
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Chicago Tribune vs. US (1942): When Does Freedom of the Press Go Too Far?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students define freedom of the press in peace and war time. As a class, they identify the need for the public to be informed, but discuss where the line should be drawn to protect national security. They develop their arguments and...
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Resisting British Rule in America

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students examine the Sons of Liberty. In this lesson on British rule, students analyze terrorism vs. patriotism through a variety of different perspectives. This lesson includes instruction, assessment, Internet resources, and activities.
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Being a Good Citizen

For Teachers 1st
First graders discuss citizenship. In this being a good citizen lesson, 1st graders complete a worksheet identifying characteristics of a good citizen. Students draw a picture then use a flip camera to capture good classroom citizens.
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Balance of Power

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers explore the impact of the Federal Reserve Bank. In this central bank instructional activity, students read specific selections out of their textbooks about the history of the bank and its role in the U.S economy. High...
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Decolonization and Self-Determination

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers define and discuss colonialism and self-determination. After reading the European's view on the topic, they analyze a map of imperialism in 1914. They watch excerpts of a video and take notes on various United Nations...
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Going by the Rules

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Learners examine George Washington's Rules of Civility. In this George Washington lesson, students investigate how rules influence people, and the roles of citizens in America. Learners will discuss and reword rules and work in...
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Voting

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars investigate voter participation in the U.S. They watch and discuss a Bill Moyers video, complete a handout, and develop a plan to help a community overcome obstacles to voter participation.
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Technology Blackout Day

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students describe the impact of modern technology inventions on daily life. They create a graph of the class's favorite item of technology and draw a picture of their favorite piece of modern technology.
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US Policy In Somalia

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students investigate the US policy for the country of Somalia. They conduct research using a variety of resources. They locate the country and then discuss major geographical features of the areas. Students discuss the present US...
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Follow the Marx

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore communism from historical and theoretical perspectives to present to fellow classmates at a teach-in. Each team of students be responsible for researching and presenting on one of the suggested topics in the lesson.
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Marching For Freedom

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students appreciate the sacrifices that people from across the country made to ensure that all citizens could exercise their constitutional right to vote. They access excellent websites and documents imbedded in this plan to guide their...
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Citizen Journalism

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Learners 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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Lesson PlanThomas Jefferson's Library: Making the Case for a National Library

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students explore techniques of persuasive writing. In this persuasive writing lesson, students examine primary sources regarding the sale of Thomas Jefferson private library to Congress. Students write their own persuasive letters...
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Establishing the Presidency

For Teachers 6th - 8th
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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Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students examine readings and symbols to learn about the War of Independence and Thomas Jefferson. In this War of Independence lesson, students explore the role of Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration for Independence. Students answer...
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The constitution and The Bill of Rights

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Learners explore an Internet site that introduces the Framers, court cases, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights and even games and quizzes.