Curated OER
Four Corners Debate
Should the student population wear uniforms to school? Pupils express whether they strongly agree, agree, disagree, or strongly disagree with a controversial statement, moving to a designated corner of the room to indicate their stance....
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It's Your Right: A Civil Rights Brochure
Learners examine the US Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Supreme Court cases in order to broaden their understanding of the US Judicial System. They research a variety of textual and Internet resources to create a tri-fold brochure,...
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Legal Aspects Of Fetal Tissue Transportation
Young scholars investigate the current legal status of fetal tissue transplantation. Students engage in a role play discussion of a specific case study. Young scholars explore the ethical controversies surrounding this procedure....
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The Social and Economic Impact of Wildlife and Natural Resource Management
Students develop an understanding of environmental laws and regulations. In this research lesson, students utilize information that involves controversial issues of wildlife and society.
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Alas, All Human
Students define a scientist. In this ethics and science lesson, students read Asimov's Alas, All Human and write responses and discuss the possibilities of imperfection within science by scientists. Students discuss what steps should be...
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The Great Energy Debate
Students explore the controversial issues surrounding the energy debate in Canada. They research recent initiatives being taken in this area and analyze their implication. Students then assume the roles of pivotal stakeholders in this...
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"Now and Then" Comparing Present Day with Medieval Times
Eighth graders compare a present-day social issue with a medieval issue. They use technology tools to conduct their research and demonstrate their new knowledge. Students present their findings to the class in the form of a PowerPoint.
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Medical Research and Your Future
Pupils are asked to investigate current and sometimes controversial medical research in order to address what medical breakthroughs potentially exist in their futures. They create small posters on sheets detailing their support or...
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Race and Genetics: An Integrated Approach
Students analyze racial issues related to the Human Genome Project. They participate in a mock symposium and write a reflection/position paper based on specific ethical principals.
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Clearcutting: Sustainable Forestry?
Young scholars explore the conflicts between the economy and the environment by focusing on forest management in Maine. They read pamphlets on siliviculture and clear-cutting as well as those by environmental groups then conduct a debate...
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Issues of Asylum in the U.S.
High schoolers consider asylum and refugee status. In this U.S. asylum lesson plan, students investigate the cases of Walter Polovchak and Elian Gonzalez. High schoolers then consider the case for asylum reform.
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Intelligent Design
students research the "intelligent design" decision the Ohio State Board of Education reached in October 2002, following a lengthy debate. After analyzing what each side proposed, part of the class is assigned the roles of members of the...
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Unit on Globalization and the Environment
Twelfth graders analyze issues affecting ecosystems. They examine the relationships between members of the international comunity. They also examine the concept of sustainable development.
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Fox hunting debate
Students read the internet article "Hundreds of Hunts Out Despite Ban". The teacher then holds a class discussion about it. Students then hold a formal debate representing all points of view on the issues. Students then write a...
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Faith-Based Initiatives: Separation of Church and State
Students examine the role of religion in everyday life. In this religion and ethics lesson plan, students investigate the use of government funds to support faith-based initiatives. The lesson plan calls for students to conduct research,...
Constitutional Rights Foundation
Driver’s Licenses And Unauthorized Immigrants
Should driver's licenses be granted to unauthorized immigrants? That is the question class members grapple with in a instructional activity that asks them to first read a fact sheet that details the arguments for and against...
Constitutional Rights Foundation
Refugees: International Law and U.S. Policy
Discover the ways America has opened its borders to international refugees, and the ways other countries have been more or less welcoming, with an informational passage about United States and international policies on refugees. After...
Curated OER
How Do We Balance Environmental Conservation with Human Needs?
Students role play a meeting between conservation biologists and local representatives who want to advance the livelihood of local population. In this history lesson, students research the necessities and conservation issues of given...
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The Race for the Double Helix
Students participate in an ethics-based simulation. In this ethics lesson, students role play research scientists working to decipher a code. Students work in small collaborative groups and must interact with other small groups to...
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SeaWorld: Education, Entertainment, or Exploitation?
Students discuss SeaWorld, research marine animal biology, investigate one animal currently collected by SeaWorld, and decide whether they oppose or support SeaWorld's collection policy. Students then gather information relating to...
Personal Genetics Education Project
Genetics, history and the American Eugenics Movement
A poignant 20-slide show introduces high schoolers to the amazing accomplishments of genomics and raises the question of eugenics. This lesson is only for mature audiences, as it deals with rape and other sensitive topics, but it is...
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Stem Cell Research
High schoolers examine embryonic cell research and the controversy that surrounds it. In this stem cell lesson students use a debate model and present and defend their positions.
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Lone Wolves
Students examine the reasons why some people do not support the protection of the wolf on the Endangered Species list. After reading an article, they discuss the controversy of delisting the wolves. As a class, they debate this issue...
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Fidel Castro: El Comandante
Young scholars view a documentary on Fidel Castro. After nearly forty years of rule, he remains one of the most controversial political figures of the twentieth century. After viewing, students discuss what they saw and research the...