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The Presidential Nominating System
Students examine the process by which candidates for U.S. president are nominated by the Democratic and Republican parties. They identify the differences between primaries and caucuses and key terms and issues related to the primary...
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US Policy In Somalia
Students investigate the US policy for the country of Somalia. They conduct research using a variety of resources. They locate the country and then discuss major geographical features of the areas. Students discuss the present US...
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Conflict Diamonds
High schoolers examine how diamonds are portrayed in American culture. They identify the political and social implications of conflict diamonds and the locations of these diamonds in Africa. They evaluate the effectiveness of the...
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Saudi Arabia
Students view a video clip about bombings in Saudi Arabia. They discuss the causes and implications of other recent terrorist attacks. They examine the United States - Saudi Arabia relationship as well.
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Walk in My Shoes
Students discover how culture, geography and history affect how someone views an area of the world. They role play the role of a Palestinian, Jew or Briton and examine how they felt about Israel during its formation. To end the lesson...
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Defending the Homeland--The Alien and Sedition Acts of 1789
High schoolers explore that there have been times during the history of the US when ,in response to real and perceived threats, both domestic and foreign, our country has responded by passing legislation. Students trace the fundamental...
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Perceptions of War
Tenth graders share perspectives on war with Iraq with students from various countries, and write position papers expressing specific stance on issues.
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Human Rights Violations
Students explore how human rights are different in each part of the world. In this freedome lesson, students define human rights, research how human rights in one country ultimately affect other countries, and share their findings...
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How Was the Inside vs. Outside Paradigm Created?
Students, after listening to a lecture, examine Nigeria from slave trading to the Civil War as well as listen to the Arrested Development song about slavery. In addition, they create a circle diagram for essay #1.
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Senate Judiciary Committee Confirmation Simulation
Students research the Supreme Court judicial selection process while role playing. They examine the political nature of the process and discuss merits of Supreme Court nominees.
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Carter’s Approach to Facing the Energy Crisis
Learners examine President Carter's stance on the energy crisis of the 1970s. In this energy crisis lesson, students analyze primary sources that feature the crisis during Carter's term. Learners script and produce advertisements to...
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Seeking Civil Rights
Students explore the impact of the Plessy v. Ferguson case. In this social justice lesson, students examine the case, Jim Crow laws, and non-violent forms of protest. Students write essays to persuade the government regarding unjust laws.
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The Road to Democracy
Eleventh graders examine the road to the American Revolution. In this American Revolution lesson, 11th graders read Thomas Paine's works and identify the issues that the colonists had with the British government.
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Keeping Time
Students compose lyrics to songs for a music festival to promote issues in their community. They write artists' statements explaining the issues they chose to write about.
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Fatah Vs. Hamas: Continued Strife In The Gaza Region
High schoolers investigate the conflict between Hamas and Fatah while focusing on the Gaza region in the Middle East. They conduct research using a variety of resources. The participate in a discussion using the information found. Then...
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INTERNATIONAL FORUM ON IRAN'S NUCLEAR PROGRAM
Pupils research Iran and their position on nuclear power.
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Using NewsHour Extra Feature Stories
Students read NewsHour Extra's feature story and answer the questions on the reading comprehension handout.
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US Patriot Act: Security vs. Privacy
Young scholars use readings, worksheets and discussion to explore the ramifications of the US Patriot Act which was passed by Congress shortly after September 11th. They review Constitutional Amendments and consider how they relate to...
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The Invasion of Iraq
Students explore the war in Iraq. They use videos, newspapers, and other media to examine the circumstances leading up to the invasion, the war's major battles, and the post-war situation on the ground. Students read letters from Iraq...
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The Bills of Rights: Cutting It down to Size
Eighth graders explore democratic values. In this U. S. Constitution lesson, 8th graders read the Bill of Rights and consider the significance of the amendments. Students design a governmental time capsule that includes their own plan...
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Hatchet Job
Students explore the difference between temperance and prohibition. After reading a story, students explore the difference between a vigilante action and a protest. They explore social and political factors that may cause social...
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The Saturday Night Massacre
Students look at the actions taken by Nixon from several perspectives. They explain the Constitutional issues involved with the firings and the concept of Presidential privilege as it evolved during this period. Students draw conclusions...