Curated OER
Private Property Vs. the Public Good: the Problem of Eminent Domain
Students view video The Electric Valley, discuss film clips and review news articles and other documents pertaining to eminent domain, prepare declarative statement on issue that has pro or con side, and present case to opposing side in...
Curated OER
Eminent Domain: Whose Land is it Anyway?
Students research eminent domain and whether or not there has been a land dispute in their community. Students search local newspapers, local history books or talk with civic leaders and long-time citizens and create a chart showing the...
Channel Islands Film
Eminent Domain
After viewing the documentary The Last Roundup, a documentary about the transitioning of Santa Rosa from a privately own island to a National Park, class members debate the takings clause of the Fifth Amendment that permits the...
Curated OER
Eminent Domain: Should Private Property Be Taken for Public Use?
Learners explore the concept of eminent domain. In this eminent domain activity, students analyze positive and negative consequences of Supreme Court rulings in three cases pertaining to the public good.
Curated OER
Stealing Home: Chavez Ravine
Learners research the Chavez Ravine community of Los Angeles and the displacement of residents for the construction of Dodger Stadium. They discuss Chavez Ravine in terms of property rights versus eminent domain.
Curated OER
Cornplanter and the Fate of His Land
Learners explore Chief Cornplanter and his importance as the leader of the Seneca tribe. In this Chief Cornplanter lesson, students examine how the Seneca land was taken over by the right of eminent domain. Learners answer questions...
Curated OER
When Property Rights and the Public Good Clash
Middle schoolers analyze a case involving a government's use of eminent
domain powers to construct a comprehension of property rights and how they might be viewed as essential protections for citizens in a constitutional democracy. They...
Channel Islands Film
The Legendary King of San Miguel: Lesson Plan 3 - Grades 9-12
The documentary, The Legendary King of San Miguel Island, introduces the fascinating tale of Herb Lester, his family, and their life on San Miguel Island. Viewers have an opportunity to expand their study of the island and of Lester's...
Curated OER
The State vs. The Individual
Students explain the roles of the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments in regards to due process and eminent domain. They apply their knowledge of the takings issue by creating a political cartoon depicting a takings event.
Curated OER
What is Public Use?
Explore the Fifth Amendment by examining the meaning of "public use" as learners read a scenario and role play their assigned parts to determine "public use." They also read Supreme Court Cases regarding the amendment and present their...
Curated OER
The 1955 Flood and Its Changes
Seventh graders explore Connecticut history. In this 1955 flood lesson, 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 Thompson Dam.
Curated OER
Researching American Democracy
Students compare Watergate and the Clinton/Lewinsky scandal. In this U.S. Constitution lesson, students define vocabulary terms and read articles regarding the impeachment process. Students respond to questions that require them to...
Curated OER
The Fourth and Fifth Amendments: How Do They Protect Our Rights?
Students view a PowerPoint presentation on the fourth and fifth amendments. In this history lesson, students explore the details of the fourth and fifth amendments and then answer questions that summarize the presentation.
Curated OER
The Bill of Rights
Seventh graders determine why the Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution. In this U.S. government lesson, 7th graders discuss the first 10 amendments and any vocabulary they may be unfamiliar with. Students then read different...
Curated OER
Urban Renewal
Eleventh graders write down their best guess at the meaning of "urban renewal." students stage a Mayor's press conference announcing a new urban development plan for the Fillmore.