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Truth, Trash and Treasure
Students investigate how democracy in the United States makes civic virtue possible. They examine the rights and responsibilities associated with democracy. In small groups, they create public service posters that highlight these ideas.
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Thinking About Our Troops
Students examine various ways to support America's military troops. They conduct Internet research, and compose and send online letters to troops overseas through the "Operation Dear Abby" program.
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Public Policy & The Federal Budget
Learners, in groups, represent a single deparment in the executive branch and research the work of their department and their current budget via a provided Internet site and then must decide how to cut their budget for an emergency.
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Trial Simulation Project on First Amendment Cases
Students engage in research and role play to discover the history and importance of certain First Amendment court cases. They act out the cases in different roles in order to understand different perspectives from the prosecution to the...
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Jane Addams -- Philanthropist in Action
Students examine the philanthropic actions of Jane Addams and discuss why she is seemed as a role model of being a responsible citizen. They organize different types of volunteer opportunities and create ways to serve the common good in...
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Constitution
Ninth graders simulate a U.S. Supreme Court hearing concerning a First Amendment case about school prayer by participating in a hearing.
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Constitution Repatriation Simulation
Students work cooperatively in groups to present the specific needs of an assigned territory to a mock meeting of government officials in an attempt to amend an existing law.
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Separation of Powers: Checks and Balances
Students discuss the reasons for separation of powers between the branches of government. They list the branches and identify the powers and functions of each.
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What Responsibilities Accompany Our Rights?
Students explain the importance of citizens in protecting everyone's rights by fulfilling their responsibilities. They describe specific responsibilities associated with the five essential rights of citizens.
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Town Meeting with Class
Students discover civic responsibility and the purpose of town meetings. In this U.S. Government lesson, students investigate how the government is involved with almost every decision made in a city, no matter how big or small....
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Helping Ourselves: Why Philanthropy Works
Students discover the concept of philanthropy. In this civics lesson, students investigate the role of philanthropy in our society, and how it makes life better for all.
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Pinwheels for Peace
Students create their own pinwheels to celebrate World Peace Day. They follow directions carefully and discuss what peace means to them. They share their pinwheel with the class.
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Celebrate Character Counts Week
Students participate in activities to celebrate character counts week. They identify the six pillars of character. They display good character when it comes to everyday tasks.
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Comparing the Ancient and Modern Olympics: A Venn Diagram
Students compare and contrast today's Olympic Games to those held in ancient Greece. They read newspapers, conduct Internet research, watch TV coverage of current Olympic Games and organize their findings on a Venn diagram.
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Primary Process in Elections
Learners read "How Does the Primary Process Work" and complete the accompanying worksheet. They explore how the primary and caucus process works in small groups or in pairs. They answer questions based on the primary process to...
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Respecting Others
Students discuss the meaning of the words respect and disrespect and record examples of respectful things that others do. They work cooperatively in groups to achieve a goal of a popcorn party.
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What is Meant by Returning to Fundamental Principles?
Students explain in what ways the American experience in self-government can be called an adventure in ideas. They evaluate positions on a number of issues related to the fundamental principles and values of government and individual...
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POWERS OF THE PRESIDENT: THE CASE OF LATVIA
Students compare the powers of a U.S. president to those of leaders of other countries. They pretend they are presidential advisors and make decisions as a group as to what the president has the right do in different situations.
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Funding the Arts: Art from the Heart
Students explore means by which community arts might be supported. In this "community" social studies lesson, students research various local non-profit organizations. Students role-play as members of the board of a philanthropic...
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A Land of Milk and Honey
Ninth graders examine the term multiculturalism. In this Cross Curricular History and Social Studies lesson, 9th graders analyze a video clip. Students investigate the requirements for becoming a citizen in Australia.
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Vote on Election Day
Students explore the rights and the responsibilities of voting. Knowing about the candidates, the election process, and the monitoring of the running of the system is the focus of this lesson.
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Teacher's Guide to 2008 Presidential Election Issues: The Economy
Students discuss the 2008 Presidential election. They examine the significant issues of the election and focus on the economy. Students study the major issues with the economy. Students decide how they feel about each canidates' views...
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Evolution of the Right to Vote in Canada and Around the World
Students explore civics and develop their research skills while learning about democracy.