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Molecular Biology and Primate Phylogenetics
Pairs of high school biologists compare amino acid differences in the beta hemoglobin of different primates. They use the information collected to construct a phylogenic tree. Follow-up discussion questions are provided. This is a...
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Argument
Young scholars write and discuss opposing points of view. In this argument lesson, students learn to understand what an argument is and they get to argue one side of a disagreement. An alternative written assignment is provided. A...
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What Came First, the Chicken or the Egg?
Students explore the concept of nutrition. In this nutrition lesson, students identify the benefit of eggs as a nutritional meal or snack. Students also discover how to prepare easy meals or snacks using eggs.
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Empowering Young People to Repair the World
Students analyze the role of study vs. good deeds in contributing to improving the world. They discuss how study and action are important and consider their obligation to make the world a better place. After discussing the concept of...
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Debating the Over-the-Counter Sale of the "Morning After" Pill
Students examine the controversy at the F.D.A over Plan B. They read an article, answer discussion questions, conduct research, role-play a panel of experts at a mock conference, and write a letter to the editor their own opinion about...
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Jurassic Park Debate
Young scholars research behavior, phsyiology, and ecology of dinoaurs. Students role-play as scientific specialists such as geneticists and ecologists. They present their research findings in a research paper.
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Evolution: The Great Debate
Students discover how research and questioning are things that must be done in order to form a valid opinion. In this critical thinking instructional activity students answer questions and provide evidence to support their...
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Environment Debate Game
Students participate in a role-play activity to discuss environmental problems on which they have previously conducted research.
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Coastal Quandary
Pupils explore the debate among development and environment experts on evacuation coastal areas and take part in their own debate on "evacuation versus redevelopment".
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Words In the News US Execution Delayed Again
Young scholars complete worksheets and an online quiz to increase their vocabulary before reading an online article about the death penalty in the US. They participate in a mini-debate on the issue.
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Stem Cells: 5 Year Progress Report
Young scholars explore different aspects of stem cells. In this human biology instructional activity, students complete numerous activities including reading an article and discussing it, watching a video on stem cells reproducing...
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Still Suspicious?
Students read and analyze The New York Times news article "An Assessment Jars a Foreign Policy Debate About Iran." They answer comprehension questions, evaluate both sides of the debate, and write a one page report on the article.
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Whose "Truth" Is Out There?
Young scholars read article It's a Fact: Faith and Theory Collide Over Evolution, and examine different ways people arrive at what 'the truth' is, focusing on the evolution vs creationism debate that has been a hot topic throughout the...
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Losing Face or Saving Face?
Students examine the recent partial face transplant in Ameiens, France and the ensuing public debate on extreme plastic surgery. They participate in a fishbowl discussion on the ethics and implications of future face transplants.
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GLOBAL WARMING
Students form definitions of the greenhouse effect based on prior knowledge, class discussion, viewing diagrams, and participate in group brainstorming sessions and class discussions related to the impact of the greenhouse effect and...
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Asking About Armenia
Students explore the modern history, culture, economy, conflicts, social conditions, and geographical boundaries of Armenia and present their findings to fellow classmates at a teach-in.
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Bootleg Bytes
Students conduct background research to explore the positions of different groups involved in the digital piracy debate, then participate in a fishbowl discussion that seeks to find a consensus on the issue.
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Literary Criticism
Students evaluate and debate whether movies, television shows, and other mass media cause violent behavior in students and whether books are the same as or different from these other media in their potential for causing violent behavior...
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Defense Mechanisms
Students examine the Cold War roots of the recent debate over the construction of United States and Russian missile defense shields. They begin by reading and discussing the article, Putin Says Russia Would Counter U.S. Shield.
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Is It Right to Bear Arms?
Students explore the debate on how to curb gun violence in America. They prepare an argument for or against a strict interpretation of the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution and participate in a debate.
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Is Gulf War Syndrome a Significant Health Issue the U.S. Government has Tried to Cover Up?
High schoolers examine the issues surrounding Gulf War Syndrome. In groups, they analyze evidence from the war and medical information. They participate in a debate in which they support their feelings on whether the government of the...
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Executive Decisions
Students examine the reasons behind key presidential decisions throughout American history and, by debating the pros and cons of these decisions in retrospect, students consider how these decisions affect us still today.
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Life, Camera, Action
Students investigate the history, politics and culture of Somalia. They analyze media coverage and portrayal of the country. They focus on the role of media in reporting on Somalia and the current debate over the film Black Hawk Down.
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Activism of Terrorism
Students research animal rights issues and controversies and determine whether they believe extreme tactics are justified. They practice debate and rhetoric skills by successfully arguing both sides of the issue.