Curated OER
The Origins of Islamic Law: Sharia, Islam, Muslims
Young scholars examine the development and history of Islamic Law (Sharia). They also begin to make comparisons to Western and Judaic Law traditions.
Curated OER
Ask Not What Your Government Can Do For You...Why Not?
Students explore tax incentives that are available for businesses to locate or expand their operations. They discuss reasons entrepreneurs should be aware of the governmental incentives that are available.
Curated OER
Some see art, some see vandalism
Pupils find out what the laws are concerning graffiti in the community. Is it a misdemeanor, does being caught result in a fine? Jail? Community service to remove it? The information is found by interviewing key people in the community.
Curated OER
Panhandlers May Go Begging Elsewhere
Students research what laws affect panhandlers in the community or nearest city, what other cities do about panhandlers and businesses, and what homeless advocate groups suggest is a humane solution. Students then create a presentation...
Curated OER
Don't Answer That Phone!
Students research the rights of customers in private stores like Subway and the dry cleaners and the use of cell phones. Students determine what laws, if any, are related to such cell phone use and present findings to the class along...
Curated OER
Respect for Authority
Students develop cross-cultural understanding. In this democracy lesson, students discuss core democratic values as they examine the governance in their school and their local community. Students also discuss the effectiveness of...
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Parents and Alcohol: Who's To Blame
Students use the internet to read research to find out what other communities are doing to solve the problem of underage drinking. They interview local experts and law enforcement. As a class, they debate the pros and cons of different...
Curated OER
Social Studies: A Quiet Protest
Learners examine the protest by Gallaudet University students concerning the hiring of a new school president. They investigate laws related to protests and present their findings to the class in a multimedia show, oral report, or debate.
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Roe v. Wade: A History of Controversy
Students research what is legal now as far as abortions are concerned. Does it matter what state you live in? Does it matter how old you are? If you are a teen, does the doctor have to notify your parents? Students prepare a panel...
Curated OER
Radio Program #5: Moonshining
Students interpret the conditions that surrounded the "moonshining industry" in southeastern Ohio. Interview people who may have been influenced by some experience with someone involved in this type of industry. Prohibition laws are...
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The Importance of Self-Governance in Changing Laws
Students examine the teachings of Gandhi and King. In this nonviolent resistance lesson, students listen to a lecture that reveals how Gandhi and King educated their followers about nonviolent resistance. Students analyze contemporary...
Deliberating in a Democracy
National Service
Uncle Sam wants you to serve! Scholars investigate the role of mandatory national service in an open democracy. They research, watch a video, and hold a debate surrounding the issue of requiring one year of service to gain a better...
Judicial Learning Center
Your 1st Amendment Rights
Why should classes care about the First Amendment? An engaging lesson serves as a powerful tool for answering just that. As all four cases in the lesson relate directly to freedom of expression in schools, young scholars explore the...
Disney
Renewable Energy
Bring some energy to your physical science curriculum with this engaging Bill Nye the Science Guy lesson. Based on his Renewable Energy video, students explore the concepts of potential and kinetic energy and learn how they are applied...
Curated OER
Richmond Rules!
Third graders consider their town government, rights and responsibilities of individuals, and government services in the town of Richmond. students create a KWL chart. After viewing specified web sites, 3rd graders answer questions to a...
Curated OER
Writing a Class Constitution
Students view a short play and explore the United States constitution relating it to the importance of rules in the classroom and in the community.
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The Mayflower Compact
Fourth graders explore the events leading up to the Mayflower Compact. In this government lesson, 4th graders have a teacher-led class discussion on the importance of government, then complete a worksheet on the topic.
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Applying Principles of Civic Liberty
Third graders relate the everyday duties in the classroom and in the community. In this character education lesson, 3rd graders compare duties in the classroom to duties in the community and chart them on a Venn diagram. Students discuss...
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Protecting the Environment Through Civic Activism
Students discuss how to protect the environment through civic activism. They watch a video about someone who stood up to the government to protect the environment. They also identify something in their community that could be improved.
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Piggy Tale Election
Second graders investigate democracy by reading The Three Little Pigs. In this government lesson, 2nd graders discover ways laws are changed or enacted by holding their own election in class. Students compare the Big Bad Wolf in The...
Curated OER
Globalization: Darfur
Students examine the conflict in Darfur. In this global studies lesson, students listen to their instructor present a lecture about how history, geopolitics, and international law have contributed to the conflict. Students read a case...
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Rights and Responsibilities: Making the Connection
Students examine the Bill of Rights. In this philanthropy instructional activity, students identify the responsibilities that accompany the 5 basic guaranteed rights in the Bill of Rights. Students interview a community member regarding...
Curated OER
Your Safety and Security or Your Civil Liberties - Which is More Important?
Students examine provisions of USA PATRIOT Act and controversies that led the ACLU to take legal action against the legislation. They create, conduct, and document results of a survey related to the PATRIOT Act and controversies...
Curated OER
Stealing Home: Chavez Ravine
Students research the Chavez Ravine community of Los Angeles and the displacement of residents for the construction of Dodger Stadium. They discuss Chavez Ravine in terms of property rights versus eminent domain.