Fifth graders read the Sacred Blade at Heart of School Dispute, a religious freedom story. In groups students create a mediation session to demonstrate the conflict in the story.

Fifth graders identify and define in their own words the first ten amendments to the Constitution. They are assigned a CDV or amendment from the Bill of Rights and create and present a one-minute skit demonstrating it.

Fourth graders experience difficult situations where they need to choose values. This lesson plan provides students with a role-playing opportunity to discover alternative ways of approaching these situations.

Students examine historic examples of authority during wartime. They interpret the Fifth Amendment. They debate the merits of the Patriot Act.

Students examine how countries relate to te Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Working in pairs, they create definitions of human rights and explain why the Declarqation is important. Groups of students uncover examples of human...

Pupils read the handout, "A Visitor from Outer Space" and discuss the bill of rights. They complete the Bill of Right checklist individually or in small groups then complete a poll ranking each freedom. Students write reasoning behind...

Students discover how they can contribute in a positive manner in their community. In this service learning instructional activity, students experience literature through the lens of responsible citizenship.

Students explore responsible behavior. In this character education lesson, students work in groups to act out scenarios using or disregarding responsible behavior. Students discuss personal feelings and consequences of each situation.

Students consider American values. In this individual responsibility lesson, students discuss democratic ideals that the nation was founded on and participate in an activity that requires them to create "What is an American?" collages...

Students explore civil liberties as they relate to the events of September 11, 2001 and the months that followed, and discuss how these circumstances may or may not have altered the rights of American citizens and foreigners visiting the...

Eighth graders watch the video "Separate But Equal." They choose an incident or event from the video that is interesting or meaningful to them and write an objective news article and an editorial.

Students explore human anatomy by researching first aid care. In this heat related injury lesson, students discuss the problems extreme temperatures can cause on the human body if left untreated. Students define the different injuries,...

Young scholars identify and clarify a problem, issue or inquiry, locate and record information from a variety of sources and identify alternative interpretations from specific historical and contemporary sources. They asses at least two...

Students write definitions of swaraj and satyahraha as presented by Mahatma Gandhi, and how they pertain to them in the classroom. In this Gandhi lesson plan, students determine the rights and responsibilities they have and how to solve...

Eighth graders participate in talking circles. In this self-governance lesson, 8th graders examine human rights from the perspective of Native Americans. Students discuss the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms as well as "Interview:...

Students discuss the steps the American government has taken in order to protect every U.S. citizen from a bioterrorist attack and how a vaccine works. After discussion, students can create six vaccines in their own virtual laboratory.

Eighth graders research about different types of volcanoes. For this earth science lesson, 8th graders create PowerPoint presentation on the information gathered. They share findings with the class.

Young scholars read a handout on unauthorized immigrants and discuss questions. In this current events instructional activity, students engage in a simulation in which they are advisers to the state governor. Young scholars analyze...

Fourth graders visit Black Bayou Lake refuge to observe the effects of land and water pollution. They photograph examples of pollution. They list the effects of land and water pollution. They write a persuasive letter to convince others...

Students investigate reform in British Parliament. In this current events lesson, students visit selected websites to learn what the House of Lords is responsible for and determine how their jobs may be changing.

Students examine the practice of redistricting. In this American politics activity, students read the provided articles "The Gerrymander," and "Reforming the Gerrymander." Students respond to the provided discussion questions.

Fourth graders examine the origins, structures, and functions of the Colorado government. For this understanding by design lesson, 4th graders explore the three branches of government. Students identify the roles of state leaders...

Students investigate Benjamin Franklin's contributions to society. In this history lesson, students read about Franklin's philanthropic behavior and play a bucket brigade game to re-enact how fires were put out during colonial times.

Students explore the term philanthropy and recognize it in everyday situations. They list three philanthropic activities occurring in their own home, in their classroom, or in their school. Students identify at least one act they might...