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Medicare Reform
Young scholars 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.
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How To Save a Life
Pupils 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 the...
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Canadian Wall of Fame
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.
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Ports in the Storm
Learners explore national security issues related to the possibility of a Dubai-owned company operating an American port. Opinions are solicited and debated.
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Collaboration and Communication Tools-1
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...
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The European Union 1
Students view a PowerPoint presentation on the European Union. In this UK lesson, students explore the question of whether the UK should form part of the European Union and develop their debate skills.
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Transformation of Texas Transportation
Students research how the growth of railroads led to an industrial revolution in Texas and read a newspaper article debating which railroad company should come to Travis County. They write their own article and debate the railroad question.
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Harvest of Fear
Students research and debate the pros and cons of genetically altered foods. Students discuss whether they would be willing to eat genetically modified foods and whether these foods should be allowed to be created.
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What Causes AIDS?
Twelfth graders in an ESL classroom use the internet to research the causes of AIDS. As a class, they discuss the topics mentioned in the various websites and determine if they are viable causes for the disease. They create a...
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Resolving the Kashmir Dispute
High schoolers explain the historical origins of the India-Pakistan dispute over Kashmir and debate both sides' claims. They evaluate the position of India and Pakistan relating to the dispute over Kashmir.
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Checks and Balances: Japanese-American Incarceration
Students examine the three branches of the Federal Government and their decision to place Japanese-Americans in camps during World War II. They analyze debates made by leaders during this time period.
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Just Don't Do It!
Students examine a debate over teaching sex education in public schools. After reading an article, they discover how school officials are trying to inform their students but please a diverse audience. They answer discussion questions...
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Slick Moves: Exploring the Controversial Plan to Drill in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
Young scholars recount their knowledge of natural resources and articulate their understanding of the multi- faceted debate that surrounds drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. They then examine the complexity of drilling in...
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Radio Program #13-Consolidation of Schools
Students interpret the stories of school consolidation efforts. They explore what social and structural changes have occurred in rural schools. Students debate the plusses and minuses of school consolidation from several perspectives.
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Ancient Abstraction
Students compare and debate how an ancient Greek sculpture is similar to modern art. Then they orally describe the cultural contributions of early Greek civilization and their relationship to the modern world.
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Pushing the Boundaries: The Pioneer Spirit
Eleventh graders recognize how social reform occurred at the turn of the century. Through a debate, 11th graders determine advantages and drawbacks of traveling west using original sources and descriptions of the attitudes, beliefs, and...
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Learning the Hard Way
Students explore instances of segregated education around the world, supporting and refuting the idea through debate and persuasive essay.
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The Insurgency
Students view a documentary about the Iraqi insurgency. They discuss the documentary and comment on what they feel the United State's response should be in a debate format.
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The Oily "Grail"
Students discover the quest for a balance between oil exploration and a concern for the environment in Alaska. They synthesize their knowledge by debating the current length of the oil-drilling season.
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Power Play
Pupils explore their own attitudes and practices regarding energy use, and then examine the perspectives of others in order to develop their knowledge of the current political debate on energy policy. Students reflect on their own...
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Pay to Learn?
Students discuss the concept of schools paying students as an incentive for scoring higher on standardized tests. They debate the key issues of this question and write a letter to the local board of education expressing their position.
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A Songwriter Not Silenced - Lesson 2
Learners discuss how a musician's message can influence society and government. They debate if political viewpoints should be publicized in music.
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CCTV: Privacy or safety?
Students read and evaluate a proposal to put CCTV in their school classrooms. Students use a highlighter pen and a map to identify places on the school campus that should have cameras to stop bullying. Students read a message from the...