Curated OER
Science as a Source of Social Controversy
High schoolers research the two opposing views and biographical information about Ptolemy and Copernicus in order to be familiar with the societal viewpoints that influenced the thinking of these two scientists. Students role-play...
Curated OER
Seeing Both Sides of an Issue
Young scholars practice the skill of seeing an issue from different points of view.
Curated OER
Argument
In this debating worksheet, learners study the titles of the five debates. They write two opposing points of view for each debate. Pupils try to persuade for both sides of the view point.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Campaign Photo Analysis
It's the art of the image! As part of a study of the 2020 Presidential race, groups analyze an image of a candidate, first from an objective point of view and then subjectively. They then prepare a presentation detailing what they...
Curated OER
Goals, Interactions and Outcomes
Learners recognize both sides of a dilemma through use of a Human Interaction Outline. For this Goals, Interactions and Outcome lesson, students create a diagram to show opposing views of fishermen and oil companies. Learners evaluate...
Curated OER
Lead Critical Reading
Students read opposing views on the lead contamination issue, identify the facts and opinions in each article, and infer the opinion of the author. They create an essay expressing their opinion on the issue complete with citations.
Curated OER
Face the Nation! A Panel Discussion
Sixth graders simulate an election-year debate between opposing political parties. In this persuasive-speech lesson plan, 6th graders will work in teams to prepare for and participate in a debate between opposing parties. The lesson plan...
Curated OER
Upstream And Downstream
Students gain an understanding of how elevation affects the flow of water. They discuss issues that can arise when residents and industries upstream pollute or irrigate a river, in opposition to those downstream. They role play opposing...
Curated OER
Salmon Vs. Dams: the Dam Removal Debate on the Elwha River
Students role-play a meeting of the Elwha River council in which they present opposing views to council members on hydroelectric power and salmon fisheries resources. They brainstorm possible conflicts between various people in land-use...
Curated OER
A Yuccy Situation
Students examine the concept of nuclear waste storage. In this interdisciplinary lesson, students research Yucca Mountain in order to compare and contrast opposing views regarding the nuclear waste site there. Students compose a letter...
Curated OER
Centers of the Storm: The Lyceum and the Circle at the University of Mississippi
Greek Revival architecture and the Civil Rights Movement? Sure! Examine how the Lyceum and Circle, two historic buildings located on the campus of the University of Mississippi, relate to integration and the 1962 riot on the university...
Curated OER
Patriots and Loyalists
Young scholars examine portraits by John Singleton Copley and discuss how the subject's appearance communicates important information about his or her life. They write a diary entry from the point of view of a portrait subject.
Curated OER
In God We Trust; All Others Pay Cash
Learners review their knowledge on the First Amendment. After reading an article, they identify specific church and state issues. Using the Internet, they research President Bush's proposal from a specific point of view. They summarize...
Los Angeles Unified School District
Capitalism and Socialism
Capitalism, socialism, communism ... these may seem like a whole bunch of isms to your scholars. High schoolers won't confuse them after completing an informative resource. Your class masters how to use primary sources to critically...
Curated OER
Artist Trading Cards: Sharing Unique Perspectives
Students examine inkblot images. In this visual arts instructional activity, students consider perception as an element of art as they partipate in activity that requires them create and analyze inkblot art. Students analyze several...
Curated OER
Ad Busting
Debunk advertising myths by creating an opposing image. First, find an ad with a persuasive and emotional pull. Once you have identified the message, create a counter-advertisement that shows the opposite message. For example, if an ad...
Curated OER
Is Violence the Answer?
Students examine opposing views of a public incident and then write monologues, comic strips, or rap songs to present opposing views of events at Ipperwash.
Curated OER
Seeing Both Sides of an Issue
Learners develop arguments on both sides of an issue to see how it feels to understand opposing views. They try to think of all the reasons they might take the opposite position on the same statement: My way of doing things is the best...
Curated OER
The Reunion
Learners dramatize a postwar reunion between people who held opposing views during the U.S. Civil War.
Curated OER
Cartoons for the Classroom: Mosque debate Intolerance vs. Insensitivity
Kids analyze a cartoon that deals with the hot-topic debate of whether a mosque should be erected two blocks from the place where the twin towers stood. They'll look critically at the techniques and symbolism used by the artist to convey...
National Woman's History Museum
Humor and Activism
As part of their study of the women's suffrage movement, groups analyze political cartoons and drawings. They create a caption for an image from the time, add an exhibit label that provides a context for their drawing, and post as part...
Curated OER
Debating in the House of Commons
Students order the stages of a debate in the House of Commons. They review the rules of debates using a printable worksheet. They form groups of proposers and opposers to host a debate.
Curated OER
Arti-Factual Evidence
Practice responding to controversial information with the New York Times lesson provided here. Middle schoolers watch a video interview with the director of The Lost Tomb of Jesus. After reading a companion article, they identify the...
Deliberating in a Democracy
Voting
Young scholars read about voting rights and compulsory voting in democracies. For this voting rights lesson plan, young scholars analyze the reasons for supporting and opposing compulsory voting and discuss whether compulsory voting is...