Students participate in a simulation in which they determine the town budget to help programs in their community for the young and old. In groups, they brainstorm a list of the needs of the young and old and share their thoughts on why...

Introduce your class to the characters from My Antonia by Willa Cather in a unique way. Given a hypothetical situation about an atomic bomb shelter and a list of character descriptions, pupils must decide which characters get to...

Can history be rewritten? Or, more precisely, is history documented accurately? High school juniors and seniors compare primary source material with secondary sources. For example, they compare President Roosevelt's December 29, 1940...

Is your city's history a mystery to your class? Ever wonder if your county contains a bounty of folklore? Young computer scientists incorporate technology with time-honored tales during a project with both individual and group...

Let the journey begin! Fifth graders take their first steps down the road of self-discovery during the first of five career and college readiness lesson plans. After taking an interests inventory, groups create a graphic representation...

Through an engaging, interactive experience analyzing primary sources, invite your young historians to take a closer look at the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt.

Where does tradition fit in a divided community with violence on both sides? Scholars learn about the marches in Northern Ireland and the many issues surrounding them. They take on roles in the community and try to convince others of...

Students organize and stage a town meeting. They write a set of discussion guidelines and participate in a political discussion.

Students examine goals of two major theories of punishment, Utilitarian Theory and Retributive Theory, develop opinions about ethics and effectiveness of both theories, define legal duties of prosecutors and public defenders, and discuss...

Students explore international trade agreements. In this trade lesson plan, students investigate trade liberalization, examine trade agreements, and participate in a NAFTA negotiation simulation. Several articles and documents are linked...

Students investigate the ongoing peace process in Kosovo through thorough discussion of the underlying issues of the Kosovo conflict and the evolving resolution.

Students recognize that the Russian government has ordered the British Council to close their operations in Russia, probably due to worsening relations between the two countries. They act as negotiators for either the British Council or...

Students identify the needs of prisoners through the study of the Civil War. In this Civil War lesson, students are divided into two groups to represent the two armies. Students simulate a situation where students are captured prisoners...

Learners act as senators to negotiate a compromise on judicial filibusters. For homework, they write letters to their senators analyzing the filibuster debate and making recommendations for the future.

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

Students research and map the migratory patterns of the golden-winged warbler. They develop a strategy to protect this species and, in teams representing different countries, negotiate treaties with each other to protect the bird.

Students explore the ways in which various American cities negotiate the protection of their "green infrastructure," gaining a broader understanding of proposed and enacted legislation as it relates to preserving and planting trees in...

Ninth graders study the unique and economic and political model of modern day People's Republic of China. They make an effort to determine if the unique brand of socialism with a market-type economy as currently practiced is ...

Fifth graders explore all the myths of the battle of Yorktown. A variety of primary documents are viewed and analyzed for discussion. They become aware that what one sees and hears is not always as it seems in reality. Each group...

First graders recognize the difference between needs and wants.  In this treaty instructional activity, 1st graders chart their needs and wants to be used in making a treaty.  Students negotiate what should be in the treaty...

Students study economics and timelines of events to understand changes in America.  In this Twenties and Thirties lesson, students navigate Internet sites to research famous reformers.  Students recognize the economic changes...

FDR's December 7, 1941 address to the nation is the focus of a reading comprehension exercise that asks middle schoolers to read an excerpt from the Pearl Harbor speech and determine the president's purpose.

How do you handle conflict? Individuals look inward to determine their own conflict style through group discussion and a short quiz. The sixth installment in a series of 15 conflict management lessons examines how our feelings and...

After the Revolutionary War, the success of the United States was far from guaranteed. Foreign powers coveted the new land, and Great Britain challenged American sovereignty. Learners consider the challenges facing the new nation using...