A debate continues regarding same-sex marriage as a constitutional right. This lesson requires learners to define marriage then formulate an argument that reconstructs the national debate perspectives. Many standards are addressed but a...

SAC is a specific approach to discussing history and controversial issues. Rather than adhering to an either/or debate-style paradigm, it fosters speaking and constructivist listening to enable learners to build consensus through...

Twelfth graders discuss the creation of the United States, the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution. Through a class debate, role-playing Federalists and Anti-federalists, they identify the reasons for and against ratification...

High schoolers review the main points of the Versailles Treaty. In groups, they analyze a variety of political cartoons about Wilson and the treaty itself and share their findings with the class after completing a worksheet. To end the...

Middle schoolers debate which power was responsible for the outbreak of World War I. In this cause and effects lesson, students research the causes of the outbreak of World War I on ProQuest in preparation for a (limited) reenactment of...

Students research the trafficking and slavery issues in a country of their choice. In groups, they prepare arguments which support their point of view. They reverse their positions to make the debate more interesting.

What sunk the Sultana? Scholars become investigators to uncover the facts behind the 1865 sinking just after the end of the Civil War. Through group work, videos, and primary documents, they research and analyze why 1,800 men died....

Students 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. 

Tenth graders differentiate between positions, interests, and values.  In this current events lesson, 10th graders analyze, in a response to literature, the failure of a fictional negotiation.  Students demonstrate the ability...

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.

For this current events worksheet, students analyze political cartoons that feature caricatures of George Bush and John Kerry. Students respond to 3 talking point questions.

Fourth graders examine the depiction of North Carolina tobacco farms in several photographs. They work in small groups to prepare an argument for a class debate and create promotional signs to advertise their point of view about tobacco...

Students investigate a trial in the netherlands in order to comprehend the concept of human rights and how they need protection. They conduct the research done by reading in small groups and have a mock trial using the details of the...

Twelfth graders identify issues related to the rights of children who live on the street. Using the internet, they research topics of interest to them. In groups, they develop arguments supporting their point of view and debate them in...

Students in college identify issues related to the rights of children involved in prostitution. Using the internet, they research a specific issue of interest to them. In groups, they develop arguments which support their point of...

Students interpret information from the video "The Lost Children of Rockdale County" through a series of written questions and answers, and group discussion and evaluate the parameters of parental responsibility in the lives of teenagers.

Students explore a framework of political and social values to evaluate the validity of any public policy debate, bill, or law. They participate in cooperative learning in terms of the group investigation model.

The emerging politicians in your government might be familiar with the words "Democrat" and "Republican," but what do they really know about the role of political parties in America? Use this activity to reinforce information from your...

Students study the pros and cons of the aquaculture industry after reading hypothetical case study. They simulate a town meeting debate about aquaculture.

Students explore the reasons the United States became involved in World War I.  In this World History lesson plan, students research the reasons Woodrow Wilson made the decisions he did, prepare a debate and write a paper.

Ninth graders examine why there is a low birth-weight in infants.  In this Social Studies lesson, 9th graders read articles on the low birth weight.  Students debate the different strategies to help combat low birth weight. 

Eighth graders research Puerto Rico's culture, religion, language, government, etc. and identify differences and similarities with the United States. They participate in a debate about whether or not Puerto Rico should become a state.

Students assist in preparing for debate as part of the group. They participate in the debate and the follow-up discussion, then write a letter expressing what they have learned and project their expectations for the future.

Learners work cooperatively in groups to present the specific needs of an assigned territory to a mock meeting of government officials in an attempt to amend an existing law.