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Problem-Based Research Lesson: Wal-Mart Debate
To prepare for class, students will read several articles (links included). Students discuss the articles, and ways to deal with the proliferation of big-box stores in rural areas. The class takes two minutes to generate a research...
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The Great Debate Lesson Plan: Slavery in the U.S. Constitution
Middle schoolers examine the U.S. Constitution to see what has been writte about slavery. Then, students, in groups, research the Constitutional Convention of 1787 to explore slavery compromises.
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Slavery and the Legal Status of Free Blacks: Rhetorical Analysis of Debates During the 1847 Illinois Constitutional Convention
Eleventh graders read actual arguments regarding the status of free blacks in Illinois and slavery in the United States more generally.
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The Alien and Sedition Acts
Students discover the conflicts that arose between the political parties over issues of foreign policy and economics. Using the Internet, they research the Alien and Sedition Acts and how they relate to the U.S. Constitution. They...
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Québec Sovereignty – Oui ou Non?
Students examine the Quebec question. In this Quebec instructional activity, students research issues related to Quebec's sovereignty. Student then participate in a videotaped debate on the issue.
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The Embodied Presidency
Eighth graders examine the issue of slavery. In this Civil War lesson, 8th graders participate in a debate. Students evaluate the impact of slavery and war on the country.
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Voting and US Resident Aliens
Twelfth graders examine the process of voting. In this American Government lesson, 12th graders evaluate the arguments for and against alien voting. Students participate in a debate on voting rights.
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The Struggle for Women's Rights in the 1800's
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.
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The Cherokee Removal
Eleventh graders examine the issue of Cherokee removal from the perspectives of Andrew Jackson, members of Congress, and members of the Cherokee nation. They adopt the perspectives and engage in debate over the issue of Cherokee removal.
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Representation: Majority rule
Students explore various forms of decision making including majority rule, executive, consensus and autocracy (as well as exploring the power of veto), when they debate a bill in a class parliament.
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Testing DNA and the Death Penalty
High schoolers explore issues surrounding death penalty debate and participate in a values-clarification activity to help them form their opinions on this topic. They create a talk show to discuss issues involved with DNA testing and the...
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Elementary School Uniforms
Fifth graders debate the pros and cons to wearing school uniforms. In this uniforms lesson plan, 5th graders identify, research, and present pros and cons in a debate setting.
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America 2000: Federal Round Table Discussion
Eighth graders examine the United States Constitution and identify the beliefs and values Americans follow today. In groups, they compare and contrast state's rights and federal rights and the issues affecting them. They debate the...
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Gumshoeing the Web
Students discuss hackers and issues of computer privacy. They read the article "Sniffing Out Crime by Bits and Bytes," and debate the article through role-playing.
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Over the Borderline?
Students study President Bush's proposal for immigration policy in the US and examine various perspectives on immigration that are currently being debated. They read and discuss an online New York Times article.
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Peace in the Middle East: A Simulation
Tenth graders develop an understanding of the Arab-Israeli conflict. They describe how each side has a valid claim to the Holy Land. They familiarize themselves with the challenges of settling this issue.
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Birds
Pupils study birds and examine the idea that they evolved from reptiles or dinosaurs. In this birds lesson students divide into groups and research one side of the debate, then at the end have the pupils debate each-other.
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Chemical Controversy
Students explore the endocrine disruption theory. They work in groups to research and develop a persuasive oral argument to support one side of the endocrine disruption theory. Students engage in debate and other activities to analyze...
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Trade Wars: the Candidates Take a Stand
Students research topics related to trade, and develop a graphic organizer. They debate and discuss topics related to trade.
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Global Warming Investigation Guide
Students expllore the issue of global warming. They investigate how temperature changes naturally over time and by location. In addition, they explore the different areas where human activities might be affecting
climate and write a...
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Labor Matters
Students examine the labor movement. In this labor issues lesson, students discuss the role of labor organizations and research their beginnings in order to better understand the debate over the Employee Free Choice Act.
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Wall to Peace: Deconstructing Divisions Among People and Cultures
Students analyze quotes and poetry related to relationships in society. In this civics instructional activity, students participate in small group debate game and focus on communication skills that reinforce civil discussion. Students...
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The Bill of Rights
Students examine the intent Bill of Rights. In this American government instructional activity, students watch segments of the Discovery video "The Bill of Rights." Students discuss and debate the 4 Supreme Court cases...
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Whose Neighborhood is It? Whose America is This?
Students use electronic resources to study immigration issues, analyze immigration issues dealing with security, economics, lawfulness, culture, and human rights, and discuss possible solutions. Students then express their opinions by...