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Satisfying Wants
Students describe the difference between a want and a need. In groups, they brainstorm a list of all of their wants and the method of exchange that is going to allow them to be satisfied. They discover how having money makes exchanges...
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The Right to Bear Arms
Students explore the right to bear arms. They identify the arguments regarding the controversy over gun ownership and discuss the various positions individuals and groups have taken. They prepare a visual representation of the results...
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Taxes
Students use the internet to examine the various types of taxes. Using this information, they develop a chart comparing and contrasting the types and determinations of how much tax needs to be paid. They share their charts with the...
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Electronic Media
Students compare forms of electronic media. They watch a news broadcast and take notes on the content being conveyed. After viewing the broadcast, they read newspaper articles or news magazines to locate articles with similar content to...
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Types of Societies
Students compare and contrast the societies of India and the United States by creating a chart. In groups, they give examples of each type of classification. They present their material to the class while identifying the role of the...
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Transportation and Communication Timeline
Students discuss the growth of transportation and communication technology since 1500 C.E. Individually or in groups, they research lists of developments in the two areas. Finally, students create timelines indicating the development...
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Denying Civil Rights
Young scholars continue their examination of the United States Constitution. Individually, they identify events in which the government has limited our civil rights and write an essay. In groups, they debate the issue and answer...
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Social Studies: Candidate Issue Positions
Students examine the positions of candidates on various issues. Using visual displays, they describe the platforms and positions of candidates on specific issues. Students include opposing views in their displays from other candidates.
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Evaluation of Election Process
High schoolers examine the procedures to elect the President of the United States. In groups, they create their own political cartoon presenting a consensus of their point of views on the process. They identify the strengths and...
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Backyard Bird Watch
Students use the Internet, digital cameras, video cameras and other computer technology to observe and record information on local birds that visit their bird feeders. They consider factors such as weather and seed consumption.
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Parks Canada - True to Our Nature
Learners discuss visits to national parks, the differences between national parks and other parks, and plan an ecologically friendly trip to several parks that emphasizes conservation and national heritage.
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Social Studies: Families Today and Yesterday
Students examine past and contemporary family life. Using Venn diagrams, they compare and contrast the two and write short statements about them. Among the areas for consideration are clothing, food, transportation, and traditions.
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Mapping the Local Community
Young scholars review the symbols and legends of a map. In groups, they follow a set of directions to create a map showing the route to a specific place. They present their map to the class and review the basic components of a community.
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People and the Physical Environment of Illinois
Learners read about the settlement of Illinois from statehood to the present. They categorize different areas of need such as survival, economic and social. Students make a list of ways people used the physical environment in Illinois...
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Bill of Rights: Shapers of Meaning
High schoolers review the Bill of Rights as a class. In groups, they use the internet to research the contributions made by historical figures in forming these rights. They create a poster showing the information they collected and...
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Family Life
Learners investigate the lives of families in two different centuries. They compare the 1600's to the 1800's. Students write an essay about the differences and how they developed in history. Special attention is paid to the external...
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Economics: World Trade Patterns
Students examine world trade patterns and discover the role of commodities in trade. While explaining the benefits of trade, they create maps and flowcharts depicting the patterns of goods and people movement. Also, students write...
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Social Studies: Elections and Public Policy
Students explore the methods employed by political parties to influence voters. By creating presentations, they illustrate how voters can critically interpret that information. Students compare and contrast the influence of various...
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Motor Voter Registration Trends
Students read an article about new voter registration trends throughout the country. In groups, they identify new patterns when it comes to registering to vote and develop their own solutions to get more people registered. They present...
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Nationalism and Immigration
Students use the internet to research how immigration patterns changed after 1880. Using this information, they create a pie chart to organize it effectively and discuss how immigration changed Europe and the United States. They also...
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Interpreting Photographs
Students examine photographs and complete research on river transportation. They describe the beginnings and innovations of the steamboats. Students research the development of trade from the 1700s through the 1800s. They write a...
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Public Policy Analysis
Students read an article about a pressing public policy issue. Using the text, they identify the themes, facts and ideas presented and develop an argument supporting or disagreeing with the position of the author. In groups, they...
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Political Party Development
Young scholars complete a Venn Diagram comparing the Democratic Republicans and the Democratic Party today. In groups, they research the key concepts of the Democratic Party today and write a short summary. They share their ideas and...
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Social Studies: Neighborhoods of the Future
Students explore the present physical and human characteristics of their communities and predict their future appearance. In a two-paneled drawing, they depict their community as it is today and then imagine how it might change in the...