Curated OER
Lincoln-Douglas Debates of 1858
Students examine the transcripts of the 1858 Lincoln-Douglas debates and create a platform for each candidate in the 1858 Senate race. They utilize the candidates' arguments to explore the historical and political impact.
Constitutional Rights Foundation
Refugees from the Caribbean: Cuban and Haitian “Boat People”
Should refugees fleeing poverty be allowed the same entrance into the United States as those fleeing persecution? High schoolers read about US foreign policy in the late 20th century regarding refugees from Cuba and Haiti, and engage in...
Curated OER
Celebrate Mathematics Awareness Month in Your Class
Learn the history and purpose behind this month dedicated to the exploration of numbers.
Curated OER
Cartoons for the Classroom: Politics of Change
Empty rhetoric in Washington timelessly inspires political cartoons. Examine this concept through an analysis handout, which features a cartoon by Pat Oliphant (archived work is linked for possible extension activities). Although this...
K12 Reader
The Metric System
How did the metric system come to be, and why does the US not use it very much? Your class can learn the answers to these questions with the reading passage included here and then respond to the five related questions.
Curated OER
Presidential Election Year: Major Issues
Whether or not it's a presidential election year, this debate activity will spark research on current political issues. Split your government scholars into 4 groups and assign each a political party. One person will be the "candidate"...
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Analogy: Reasoning by Comparison
"Life is like a box of chocolates. . ." "Barack is a Mac, Hillary is a PC." Literal and figurative analogies are featured in a presentation that models how to use analogies to bolster arguments.
ProCon
Minimum Wage
The first ever minimum wage in America was set at 25 cents per hour in 1938 and has been steadily, if slowly, increasing ever since. Using the provided website, pupils decide if the United States should further increase the federal...
Curated OER
Introducing: National Transportation Week
Focus your attention in the classroom to recognize the importance of our nation's transportation systems.
Curated OER
Children at War
High schoolers conduct Internet research to investigate the use of children in combat throughout the world. Students read personal testimonies and analyze media coverage of children in combat.
Curated OER
Do We Still Need the Electoral College?
One of the most confusing aspects of any presidential election year is the role of the Electoral College. Learners read a bit about how the Electoral College works and then they hold a mock election in their classroom. They'll redraw a...
Curated OER
Coups and Revolutions Quiz 1
In this coups and revolutions learning exercise, students complete short answer questions about world history and their coups and revolutions. Students answer 10 short answer questions.
Curated OER
Healthcare Reform Lessons
Lesson plans about healthcare reform can help students get a better sense of the issues, and people involved.
Curated OER
Understanding Alzheimer's Disease
Students examine what experts have discovered so far about Alzheimer's. They explore how the brain works, and how it changes as we age. They discover things they should do - or not do - to keep their brains healthy.
Curated OER
Immigration and Migration: Today and During the Great Depression
Students conduct interviews, analyze primary sources including docuements and images to gain an inderstanding of the causes and effects of he Great Depression and immigration.
Curated OER
Cartoons for the Classroom: Fine Tooning a Candidate's Message
In this current events activity, students analyze political cartoons featuring John Kerry. Students respond to 4 talking point questions.
Curated OER
Cartoons for the Classroom: Government Snooping, Different Views
For this current events worksheet, learners analyze political cartoons about the collection of government intelligence and respond to 3 talking point questions.
Curated OER
Cartoons for the Classroom: The Bush-Clinton Years
In this current events worksheet, students analyze a political cartoon about political dynasties and respond to 3 talking point questions.
Curated OER
Should US Officials & Health Professionals be Investigated for War Crimes?
Students explore ethical issues. In this human rights lesson, students read articles and documents related to torture used in government investigations and if medical ethical guidelines were adhered to. Students respond to discussion...
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Cartoons for the Classroom: Epic Battle Rages On
In this current events worksheet, students analyze political cartoons about the election of 2008 and respond to 3 talking point questions.
Curated OER
Cartoons for the Classroom: A Study in Early Caricatures
In this current events activity, students analyze caricatures of Barak Obama through the years and respond to 3 talking point questions.
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Cartoons for the Classroom: Unhealthy Outlook
In this current events worksheet, learners analyze a political cartoon about healthcare issues during the Clinton administration and respond to 3 talking point questions.
Curated OER
Cartoons for the Classroom: Explaining Social Security with a Metaphor
For this current events worksheet, learners analyze a political cartoon about Social Security. Students then respond to 4 short answer questions.
Curated OER
What are the Conditions for Victory in Iraq?
Students view a video clip about the war in Iraq. They discuss how the coalition forces know when they have won. They read an article about the situation as well.