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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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The Unfinished Lincoln Memorial
Students develop a list of images of President Abraham Lincoln: for example, self-taught youth, great debater, advocate of abolition of slavery and assassinated hero. They must determine if these images of Lincoln stand up under scrutiny.
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Cities as Transportation Centers
Pupils work in small groups to identify some of the major transportation centers, recommending two as possible sites for a national political convention, based on population density and the travel networks available in 1835.
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Pros and Cons of Hydroelectric Power
Students develop arguments for and against the construction of hydroelectric power plants. Poll the groups to determine which view dominates in the class and students write a summary of their conclusions.
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To Be Or Not To Be a State? That Is the Question
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.
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Radio Program #9: The Millfield Mine Disaster
Students interpret the experience of the Millfield Mine Disaster and its storytellers. They debate whether the non-union status of Mine #6 was a factor. Students interview community members who have worked in the mining industry.
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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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Will the Real Ben Franklin Please Stand Up?
Young scholars explore the life and accomplishments of Benjamin Franklin. In this colonial history lesson, students research Benjamin Franklin's work as a printer, a writer, a statesman, and an inventor. Young scholars determine what his...
PBS
The Housing Crisis: GDP, Housing Bubble, Recession
Secondary pupils examine the housing bubble and the 2008 and global economic crisis. Defining GDP and GDP growth, recession, and bubbles, young economists debate what makes a bubble and how housing can be an economic indicator....
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Taking a Closer Look at Religions Around the World
Young scholars explore diversity. In this religious studies lesson, students develop their knowledge and understanding of world religions as they use Internet and print sources to research Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism...
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Can You Find a Solution?
Students explore the topic of public conservation. In this Florida panthers lesson, students read a scenario about the endangered panther and collaborate to plan a way to protect the panther population. Students also participate in a...
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What is cooperative negotiation?
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...
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Muhammad Ali and his Vietnam War Resistance: Defining Nonviolent Action through Gandhi and King
Students research Muhammad Ali's act of civil disobedience. In this civil disobedience lesson, students research Ali's defiance of the Vietnam War draft and compare his reasoning to Martin Luther King's thoughts on the war. Students...
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Bible Lesson: Wagons West
Students debate whether manifest destiny is right or wrong. In this manifest destiny lesson, students discuss the westward movement and the role of manifest destiny as they focus on the Native Americans. Students view the...
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The 1955 Flood and Its Changes
Seventh graders explore Connecticut history. In this 1955 flood instructional activity, 7th graders compare maps of Putnam, CT before and after the flood. Students also read eyewitness accounts in order to prepare for a debate about the...
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Can the Lords Keep Their Jobs?
Young scholars investigate reform in British Parliament. In this current events lesson, students visit selected websites to learn what the House of Lords is responsible for and determine how their jobs may be changing.