Students comprehend the definition and uniqueness of life and its complexities. They examine what characteristics constitute a living organism. Students recognize the extent of the role nanobacteria play in the movement and molding of...

Eleventh graders discover the thematic connections between classical literary and popular song lyrics.  In this English lesson, 11th graders research a specific topic to be presented to the class.  Students analyze song lyrics...

Students confront stage fright and recognize their speaker strenghs and weaknesses. They develop ways to control and direct their fear of speaking.

Students develop critical thinking skills as they construct arguments for one of the three debates described in the lesson on "The Other Drug War."

Students compare and contrast the Japanese educational system with that of the United States and debate the merits of both.

Students read articles on a hot topic (controverial topic) and prepare for a discussion on the article. They engage in forming an opinion on an important public concern and defending their opinion/position with supporting data. They...

Students consider personal opinions about capital punishment and have an intelligent debate after reading Dead Man Walking by Sister Helen Prejean.

Students discuss how a musician's message can influence society and government. They debate if political viewpoints should be publicized in music.

Ninth graders are given a wide variety of earth science topics to choose from to write a report on. This lesson also has a scoring rubric imbedded in the plan. They utilize the internet and other sources to complete their research.

Students interpret and analyze primary source documents and compare and contrast childhood today with that of the past.

Students practice critical thinking skills by defending their beliefs orally in a "hot seat". In addition, they communicate their feelings about an inssue in writing.

Students complete a unit of lessons examining the cultural context of the novel, 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.' They write a critique of the novel, compare/contrast two published critiques, and explore various websites.

Young scholars research the pros and cons of traffic light cameras that generate tickets and interview local city officials to see if they have considered this for the community. Students then prepare a panel to present the advantages...

Students learn about ethical issues and its connection to journalism. Students examine examples of ethical issues some journalists have faced. in small groups, students collaborate to write a code of ethics for their school newspaper....

Students analyze treaties made between the US government and Native American tribes. In this government lesson, students evaluate bias emotionally connect with what was gained and lost during the late 1700's. This is a 3 part lesson...

Students read three case studies to focus on how the United States dealt with foreign policy issues. In groups, they read about the decision to drop the atomic bomb, the commitment of troops to Vietnam and wwhether to send troops to...

Eleventh graders study the different areas of nuclear chemistry.  In this energy and critical thinking lesson students study radiation, nuclear energy and weapons then divide into groups and create a poster.

High schoolers examine consequences of using atomic bomb in light of resulting peace, distinguish between fact and opinion and analyze sources to recognize bias and points of view, and assume role of reporter, critic, cabinet member, or...

Students examine life in Cambodia and Vietnam from 1975-1979, Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge. They discuss how an otherwise peaceful society could allow such events to take place and write a short paper and complete a culminating project.

Students conduct research dealing with some aspect of human rights in Latin America. They create a sculpture as a response to an instance of repression that touched them from their research. They give a brief oral report on their country.

Students discuss democratic ideals and constitutional principles. They decide which side of the issue they are on dealing with the placement of Japanese-Americans in camps during World War II. They examine primary source documents for...

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.

Students recognize that "heroes" and "role models" are not synonymous terms. By analyzing heroes of other cultures and periods, they determine that many heroic figures, mythic or historical, rather than providing a model of a societal...

Students examine and research the idea of heroism. They watch and discuss a Powerpoint presentation, conduct research, and write a research paper about the qualities and characteristics of a hero.