Students examine the debate about using trees to clean up the environment by reading and discussing a news article. They research the various contexts for which scientists may want to genetically alter trees and assess the validity of...

Students investigate the many ways of learning and examine classroom instructional techniques. They research the history of American Public Education.

Students consider social class issues in Great Britain. In this current events instructional activity, students visit selected websites and participate in a classroom discussion regarding social justice issues and segregation of social...

Learners participate in a mock legislature. In this American justice system lesson, students follow the provided steps to participate in a simulation that requires them to debate a proposal for mandatory birth control for substance abusers.

Students take an economic angle on social security, working in small groups to create a reader's guide to the program and the current debate.

Eighth graders compare two visual works of art about John Brown. They read a text or listen to an interview, and identify information about him. They debate their opinions using evidence in written and visual texts. They research other...

Learners read and analyze "Congruent Figures," by Takahashi Takako. They participate in a literary circle discussion, complete reading log handouts, complete a pre- and post-reading survey, and conduct a debate.

Pupils brainstorm their rights as Americans. In this The Constitution Lives! instructional activity, students discern the difference between rights and rules by completing a worksheet. Pupils consider the differences between types of...

Students examine the "Little Planet Times" and discuss how to solve the town's problem. In this literature/problem solving instructional activity, students record the opinion of each of the council members and role play their position....

Students consider their contributions to society. In this service learning lesson, students examine Jewish tradition of tikkun olam. Students recognize that the world is imperfect as they participate in classroom activities and write...

Eleventh graders explore the process of perfecting the Union through changes made to the Constitution, and through the powers delegated to each branch of government.  In this American Government lesson, 11th graders research various...

Students  explore steps to control football violence. In this current events instructional activity, students listen to a lecture about patriotism, policing, and films relating to British football. Students debate the efforts...

Students discover voting barriers. In this government lesson, students explore the history of voting. Students work in small groups to analyze and debate if certain groups of people should have the ability to vote or not.

Young scholars, working as a whole class, think about and debate the question of influence. First, there will be some group work then a class debate. The question for debate is: Can young citizens have any influence on governments?

Ninth graders explore how legislation is introduced to the House of Representatives with special emphasis on how issues of national importance arise and how bills move through the chamber. Students debate an urgent bill and direct...

Fifth graders define ethical terms (love, honor, heroism) and defend their definitions.

Students consider how colonial citizens chose sides in the American Revolution. In this Revolutionary War lesson, students role play Loyalists, Patriots, and undecideds in a classroom simulation. Students research their positions so that...

Students research the priorities and needs of an assigned country. They come together and debate current events from the point of view of the country they are representing.

Students calculate how much of each paycheck is deducted into the Medicare system, explain the need for health insurance and Medicare, and work in small groups to develop their own plan to reform Medicare.

Students examine their own beliefs about the morality of capital punishment through a "where you stand" activity. They explore economic arguments about the costs, benefits and morality of capital punishments by reading and discussing...

Young scholars debate the validity of predictions about the greenhouse effect.

Students research famous Canadians, then present their findings in bill form. They argue and attempt to convince the class that these important Canadian figures deserve to be included in the classroom wall of fame.

Students explore national security issues related to the possibility of a Dubai-owned company operating an American port. Opinions are solicited and debated.

Students use telecommunications and online resources to participate in activities that develop solutions outside the classroom. They use email attachments and FAX to send their finished letters describing why people should or should not...