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Images of the American Revolution
High schoolers analyze several documents as they research the Revolutionary War. They evaluate documents and examine them for bias and perspective. They use their research to write monologues from the point of view of a famous...
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D-day Message from General Eisenhower to General Marshall
High schoolers analyze a "top secret" document written by Eisenhower. They identify and chart cliches for those about to go into battle and read related poetry. They invite a veteran to describe the D-Day invasion.
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Photograph and Pamphlet About Nuclear Fallout
Learners explore the term, 'nuclear fallout.' They analyze the "Facts about Fallout" pamphlet and list any questions that either were not answered by the pamphlet or arose as a result of materials provided.
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Constitutional Issues: Watergate and the Constitution
Learners take and defend positions on what conditions contribute to the establishment and maintenance of a constitutional government. They debate whether or not the government should have prosecuted Nixon over the Watergate scandal.
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Do You Have a Prayer?
Students review the 1st Amendment and the clauses which deal with prayer/religion in schools. They discuss, in groups, the Equal Access Act, which gives students the right to practice/express their religion at school and take a quiz on...
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Legal Rights, the Charter, and Canada's Constitution
Young scholars explore the issue of human rights in Canada and compare and contrast the Bill of Rights and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. They debate whether Canadians are giving up certain democratic rights in exchange for the...
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Cuban Missile Crisis: Teaching Activities
Students create a timeline of the important events of John F. Kennedy's presidency. They construct a timeline of the major events of the Cuban Missile Crisis. They compare the Missile Crisis events with their presentation in the movie...
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Power to the People
Learners explore the pros and cons of government structures, then decide whether or not African countries accept the new African Union based on a variety of categories.
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Why a Mock Trial?
Students participate in a mock trial. They discover how U.S. courts resolve conflicts.
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A Leader of Salem: Nathaniel Bowditch
Eleventh graders examine the qualities of a leader. In this American History lesson, 11th graders read the story of Nathaniel Bowditch and use it as a catalyst for discussions on leadership and the definition of a hero.
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How Current Events Affect Us
Elementary and middle schoolers research a current event using various resources. They participate in a class discussion to evaluate the information they gathered on a particular event. Additionally, they discuss the concepts of common...
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Voting Isn't Enough
Students compare and contrast their perceptions of politicians and leaders, analyze the consequences of negative public perceptions of politicians, and develop solutions to the problems caused by negative attitudes toward politics.
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Telling Our Own Stories
Explore online profiles and social media with your middle and high school classes. Use blogs to inspire your class to craft a well-written, thoughtful response to a prompt you give. A few example prompts are given.
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Communities in Crisis Lesson 1: Primary Source? What is That?
Distinguish between primary and secondary source documents using the theme of philanthropy. Middle schoolers discuss Anne Frank: The Diary of Young Girl as a way to study the past using a primary source. Then they investigate how to...
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Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Students examine the philanthropic acts of Jane Addams. They identify a current problem in their community and develop ways to help. They also examine the work done in the Hull House in Chicago.
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Martin Luther King, Jr.
Fifth graders discuss the importance of Martin Luther King, Jr. and reflect on civic responsibilities. They brainstorm ways in which they can help to fulfill Martin Luther King, Jr.'s dream of equality among all people. Students write...
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Save Our Past -- Act It Out
Fourth graders identify and examine the importance of civic responsibility and the result of losing many archeological sites in Texas. In groups, they are given scenerio cards and act out each scene for the class. They also write a...
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The Missouri Headwaters: A Confluence of Cultures
Fourth graders research and analyze how people create and change structures of power, authority and government diversity. They review their civic responsibilities. In addition, they identity the major responsibilities of local, state,...
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Mechanics Hall
Students complete a variety of activities that go along with the study of and possible fieldtrip to Mechanics Hall (Black River Valley) in Worcester, MA. They examine the role industrial development had in society at the turn of the...
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Campaign 2004: Classroom Electorate
High schoolers role play as political analysts first forecasting the electoral college vote in a presidential election and then, following the results of the actual count. They study the role of swing states, and why political...
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Little Kinnakeet Lifesaving/Coast Guard Station
Students complete a variety of activities that go along with the study of and possible field trip to the Little Kinnakeet Lifesaving/Coast Guard Station on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, NC.
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There Was Always Sun
High schoolers investigate the chronicles of history about the Negro Leagues baseball by using rare historical footage and interviews with Black baseball greats. Students also examine how to work in groups to use online resources to...
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Advice And Consent - the Senate Considers the President's Supreme Court Nominations
Students study the process and questioning for selecting a Supreme Court Justice. They examine how the decisions of the Supreme Court effect the lives of citizens. They complete worksheets as they study the material.
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First Amendment or Treason?
Students investigate the meaning of the First Amendments right of freedom of speech. They examine the anti-war movement that occurred during the 1960's in response to the war in Vietnam. While studying primary sources, they determine how...