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World War I
Eleventh graders investigate propaganda used during World War I. In this World War I instructional activity, 11th graders examine propaganda from the war and analyze war posters. Students then create their own propaganda posters on...
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Popular Sovereignty Under the Kansas-Nebraska Act
Seventh graders examine the implications of the Kansas-Nebraska Act. In this slavery lesson, 7th graders examine a map of 1820 America and discuss the balance of power implied by the map. Students then read Stephen Douglas's speech on...
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Messages in Art Work
Observe images and discuss what messages they convey. In this critical thinking lesson plan, students determine whether works of art are trying to persuade their audience. They also consider the media and how they communicate messages to...
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Getting our Paws into the Cause
Twelfth graders examine  local, state, and/or national animal welfare organization. In this Social Studies instructional activity, 12th graders research their identified organization. Students develop a planned intervention strategy to...
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A Clone of Your Own: The Legal Issues and the Future of Genetic Engineering on Humans
Twelfth graders define cloning in their own words and examine the different types of cloning. After reading an article, they summarize it in their own words and use the internet to research the history of cloning. In groups, they...
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Publication Project
Ninth graders publish a magazine during a ten week marking period. They make individual contributions to the group project that is based on career choices. They write and publish articles, poems, entertainment pieces, and a play that...
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A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words: Public Views of Lincoln
Students write a letter in the voice of Abraham Lincoln. In this history lesson plan, students interpret the way the public viewed Lincoln during various times by examining political cartoons and images. Students write a letter in the...
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We Need Cash
Students describe charitable, religious, and civic services in their community, and argue for the value of these services. They write a one-page explanation as to why this service is important to the community and why it deserves $5,000.
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What Are Legal Briefs?
Twelfth graders read examples of legal briefs and identify their components. Using the text, they develop a list of the components necessary for a brief and which ones they are going to use in the mock court activities. They also...
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Debate On Ratification
Students simulate a delegate that was responsible for the Constitution. They research their arguments, and stage a debate in front of the state's legislature (the class). The class then vote whether or not to ratify the new Constitution.
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It's Debatable!
Students examine the basic elements and vocabulary of debating. They research an issue and write a letter to the editor of the local newspaper, and role-play a Parliamentary debate on a particular bill.
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Exploration Across Eras
Students discover the chronology of events related to the Corps of Discovery and the United States space program of the 1960s. They compare the Corps of Discovery's journey with the space exploration program.
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What Difference Does A Name Make?
Students view the film The Persuaders that discuss the perspective and spin of language use for a variety of issues. They discuss the career of Frank Luntz, a man that runs focus groups to determine how to advantageously phrase issues in...
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Functional Classroom Design
Students work in groups to design an effective and functional classroom. In this classroom design lesson, students discuss community and make a mental map and sketch of their classroom. Students complete a handout about the design...
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"Anything We Love Can Be Saved" -- A Contemporary
Students compare authors Rachel Carson and Mary Eliza Church Terrell. They read an introduction by Alice Walker and summarize the main points. They also identify the language she uses to persuade readers. They write their own activist...
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Mary Eliza Church Terrell -- Civil Rights Leader
Students examine writings of Mary Eliza Church Terrell. They role play themselves as an African American woman in the 19th century. They describe her actions and how they benefited minorities.
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Presentations
Middle schoolers present their groups reports and use a visual to help with this.
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Lyddie
Seventh graders read the novel, Lyddie, while studying the reform movement. They complete assignments for each chapter and write essays about Lyddie's development through the novel.