In order to give young scientists experience with critical thinking skills, introduce them to a current controversy and prepare them to debate. Choose a topic, such as genetically modified organisms, and assign groups to represent...

Examine the Texas social studies curriculum controversy with your class. Using a current events lesson, learners read the article "A Christian Land Governed by Christian Principles," respond to the discussion questions, and participate...

Students investigate the controversial planned mosque at Ground Zero. In this current events lesson, students watch 3 public service announcement clips sponsored by the Council on American Islamic Relations and discuss their...

Discuss the difference between legitimate debate on a political issue and arguments that are based on hate through a science-fiction scenario that shows how a controversial issue can be discussed in both ways. Then learn how purveyors of...

Learners discuss current events. In this decision making instructional activity, students work to solve how an issue in their classroom should be solved by using a six-step discussion procedure. They work as a class to come up with a...

Even in a world in which dozens of participants and curious onlookers record every controversial event, the basic facts of what happened are often in dispute. Revolution '67, Lesson 2 explores 1967 Newark, New Jersey using an examination...

Illegal immigration is an ever-changing source of consistent controversy. A reading passage about the rights of undocumented workers and illegal immigrants—and the lack thereof—guides high schoolers into a mock trial activity. Three...

Students examine the controversy surrounding the death penalty in the United States. In this current events instructional activity, students research the history of the death penalty as well perspectives on the topic. Students interview...

Students investigate the actions of British political parties. In this current events lesson, students research the listed Web sites that include information about political party fundraising and peerage. Students also report on honors...

Students examine religious diversity issues. In this current events lesson, students read the provided articles "Sacred Ground or Bridging a Cultural Divide?" "Multiple Views of the Proposed Muslim Center," and "Protests, a Bonfire, and...

Students explore current events by completing a list of worksheet activities. In this William Shakespeare lesson, students identify a resident of China who wishes to undergo plastic surgery to give himself the face of William...

Students explore controversial current events. In this Bill of Rights lesson plan, students research selected issues and examine the issues from different perspectives. Students script and record news stories that feature their findings.

Students examine the controversy surrounding evolution --- the challenges to science, the battles over teaching evolution in the schools, and the reconciliation of religion and science. They also examine an interactive time line of...

How important are symbols and symbolic gestures in society? Middle schoolers have an opportunity to analyze the importance of symbols on American currency with a lesson that investigates the controversies surrounding redesigning the $5,...

Spark an animated debate in your class! Young adults consider some of the fads or trends that are prevalent at their school, as well as their own level of participation in them. Just how much of a role does popular culture play in their...

The controversy over school dress codes continues. The debate involves questions like, why is there a policy? Who sets the policy? Who enforces the policy? What is a fair policy? Tweens and teens have an opportunity to engage in the...

Much of history is distasteful. Primary sources often reveal attitudes acceptable at the time that no longer are. But to understand controversial historical events, historians must examine primary sources that represent a wide variety of...

Students explore the possibilities for Africa at the G8 Summit. In this current events lesson, students discuss the purpose of the G8 Summit and research the provided web links to learn more about the summit.

Young scholars examine the man-made wonders of the world. For this current events lesson, students research selected websites to learn more about the most recent wonders of the world competition. Young scholars also research Stonehenge.

Students explore the role of the National Health Service (NHS) in Britain. In this current events lesson, students visit websites and listen to lectures to learn about Britain's free health care. Students investigate problems...

Students examine due process and equal protection. In this current events lesson plan, students read the provided article, "Due Process and Equal Protection for Gays and Lesbians." Students respond to the provided discussion questions...

Help your class explore the world of Harry Potter. Learners visit selected websites to learn the background about the book series, discover details about the marketing of the books, and investigate book banning.

Students examine anti-social behavior issues. In this current events lesson, students discover the attributes of Asbos and discuss the controversial use of Asbos by British police agencies.

Students explore the controversy surrounding performance-enhancing drugs. In this current events instructional activity, students discuss the prevalence of drug use in the sports world and create poetry about sports. Older students may...