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Discourse
Explore the different types of discourse and language with your lecture students in this presentation, which explores "sweet language," "stuffy language," and "poetic language," among others. Helpful for English, Sociology, Semantics, or...
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Lesson: Dongducheon: A Walk to Remember, A Walk to Envision: Interpreting History, Memory, and Identity
Cultural discourse can start through a variety of venues. Learners begin to think about how our minds, memories, and identities shape our attitudes toward culture and history. They analyze seven pieces from the Dongducheon art exhibit...
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Topical Discussions
Engaging in topical discussions can be a great way to teach kids how to build strong arguments and support their opinions with concrete evidence. High schoolers choose a controversial topic, build an argument for or against that topic,...
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Friday Forum (Day 4)
Have your young speakers participate in a discussion/debate with their whole class on their prepared argument. They listen and analyze other student's arguments and refute arguments using logic and not emotion.
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Debating the Depression
Twelfth graders discover how to debate important social issues in a civil manner. They explain the importance of knowledge in public discourse.
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Friday Forum
Middle schoolers research a variety of controversial articles to gain knowledge. They form an opinion and defend their position with supporting data. They evaluate opposing arguments and present their viewpoint both verbally and in the...
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Michigan Supreme Court
Learners 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...
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Friday Forum (Day 5)
Students evaluate their performance in different debates about the laws of Michigan. They write a letter to an editor of a newspaper sharing their opinions. They write journal entries as well.
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Humor and Aging
Exploring the ranges and applications of humor in the aging process, this presentation provides numerous examples and statistics about how aging is seen in modern society. The slides explore how the elderly regard themselves versus how...
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Freedom by the Fireside: The Legacy of FDR's "Four Freedoms" Speech
Middle schoolers read and analyze Franklin Delano Roosevelt's 1941 State of the Union Address. They listen to recordings of speeches by F.D.R., answer discussion questions, and participate in a debate.
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Bill of Rights
US history classes explore constitutional rights as they relate to court cases involving teens. Your class must already be familiar with the Bill of Rights before beginning this series of exercises. In preparation for a debate-style...
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Memorial Day Challenge
In this Memorial Day activity worksheet, students use the 36 clues to identify the words missing in order to complete the crossword puzzle.
Deliberating in a Democracy
Free and Independent Press
Students determine how free press principles can be compromised. For this global studies lesson, students read an article titled "Free and Independent Press." Students respond to discussion questions regarding the article.
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Civil Rights and the Michigan Supreme Court II
Students view a PowerPoint presentation on the Michigan Supreme Court Historical Society's Civil Rights and/or the Native American Rights. They write a reaction paper and prepare for a class discussion. They work in groups and discuss...
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COMMUNITY JUSTICE
Students investigate the place of citizens in a society. They also research the way a court system works in conjunction with law enforcement. Students apply his/her understanding and knowledge of the law enforcement and court system when...
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Mary, Queen of Scots: Heroine or Harlot?
Young scholars explain how international politics, religion, and cultural beliefs influenced the life of Mary Queen of Scots. They watch a film about Mary, Queen of Scots and participate in a discussion and variety of extension activities.
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Using Multimedia to Teach Core Democratic Values
Students produce multimedia presentation to fellow class members on one of the Core Democratic Values, such as patriotism or civilian control of military, that is part of State of Michigan Social Studies Framework.
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Speech in the Virginia Convention
“. . .different men often see the same subject in different lights. . .” but the great orator Patrick Henry used all the skills at his command to craft a speech to convince listeners to see things as he did--that liberty was worth dying...
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Black Skin, White Justice: Race Matters in the Criminal Justice System
Young scholars examine the effects of race in the criminal justice system. As a class, they brainstorm a list of instances when the offender has been an African American and he is not treated fairly in court based on his race. They...
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Understanding Ethnic Labels and Puerto Rican Identity
Students brainstorm a list of stereotypes associated with the Hispanic or Latin culture. In groups, they use the internet to research issues of importance to the Puerto Rican community. They focus on the cultures that speak Spanish and...
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The Chinese Expulsion Act of 1880
Young scholars examine the Chinese Expulsion Act of 1880. In this History lesson, students explore the issues of immigration and exclusion surrounding the Chinese Expulsion Act. Young scholars will use a variety of primary sources to...
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Non-Violence Means "Doing Nothing"
Students reflect on violence and non-violence. For this World History lesson, students read an article by Gandhi then write an essay as to whether they agree or disagree with his thoughts. Students then share all their ideas...
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Friday Forum
Students research controversial issues and formulate their own opinion. They defend their position with supporting data and evaluate arguments from opposing viewpoints. They present their stand both verbally and in the written form.
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Understanding the Importance of the Declaration of Independence
Eighth graders examine the importance of the Declaration of Independence
by using a variety of research sources and computer technology to obtain information. They internalize the thoughts, actions, and motives of the signers of the...