Curated OER
Soldier's Payback
Students examine their thoughts about enlisting in the Army, then consider the question of whether former soldiers should be called up for active duty. They debate the issue in a town hall meeting, and write proposals offering possible...
Curated OER
Security and Savings for All?
Students act as either Democrats or Republicans to debate plans to alter Social Security. For homework, they consider whether Social Security has become too politicized and propose their own solutions.
Curated OER
All Talk, No Action
Students act as senators to negotiate a compromise on judicial filibusters. For homework, they write letters to their senators analyzing the filibuster debate and making recommendations for the future.
Curated OER
Public Deception
Students debate the ethics of prominent figures who are accused of deception. The standards of expectation that they have for famous people are examined in this lesson plan.
Curated OER
Discord in Dixieland
Students brainstorm businesses located in their community, and whether or not their community has been affected by the introduction of chain stores. Students debate the effects that chain retailers have on local businesses and...
Curated OER
A Golden Opportunity for Science
Students participate in a varity of activities surrounding "gold." They explore the science, myths, and legends about gold and conduct a debate over the environmental problems created by gold mining in a small small mining town.
Curated OER
Reaching New Heights
Students consider the impact of genetics on a person's intelligence and appearance. After reading an article, they examine the controversy over using human growth hormones. They debate the approval of using the hormone to increase the...
Curated OER
Sobering Plans
Students explore the rights they give up while in school and then learn about plans to use breath analyzer tests during school hours. They then debate the issues surrounding this topic and write letters to the principal advocating or...
Curated OER
The Threat of Bioterrorism
Students assess germ warfare and debating related ethical issues in the social studies classroom
Curated OER
Do Ask? Do Tell?
Students explore debates regarding gay rights following the Supreme Court's Lawrence v. Texas decision. They participate in a fishbowl discussion, exploring questions on marriage, adoption, custody, employment, and military service.
Curated OER
The Sleeping Mountain
Learners conduct research on the activity of Mammoth Mountain, a volcano in California. They role-play as townspeople whose lives and livelihoods are endangered by an active volcano that may or may not erupt in the near future. They...
Curated OER
SeaWorld: Education, Entertainment, or Exploitation?
Students discuss SeaWorld, research marine animal biology, investigate one animal currently collected by SeaWorld, and decide whether they oppose or support SeaWorld's collection policy. Students then gather information relating to...
Curated OER
All Rights Reserved?
Learners explore, through discussion, research, dramatic skits, and writing, the debate over genetic ownership of biological products and evaluate the economic viewpoints of the countries and companies involved.
Curated OER
The Science of Aging
Students reflect on the lives of older people they know, then research and debate the key issues surrounding scientific experimentation in anti-aging. They write a short story that reflects their own philosophical beliefs on aging and...
Curated OER
Plight or Progress?
Students read an online article to study the positive and negative aspects of nuclear energy, biotechnology, and nanotechnology. They conduct a debate on technology of the future.
Curated OER
The Rules of the Game
Students debate whether college athletes should be held to a higher behavioral standard than non-athletes. Students determine whether behavior outside of school should be punishable by university administration, then write letters to the...
Curated OER
Built to Last
Students explore architectural elements of ancient buildings. In groups, they research famous structures. Students write an opinion paper examining the debate over whether or not ancient monuments should be maintained or rebuilt after a...
Curated OER
The Down Low Talk Show
Students examine popular fashion trends and their personal tastes in clothing styles. They explore the legislation and controversy over wearing pants too low by reading and discussing the article "Are Your Jeans Sagging? Go Directly to...
Curated OER
The Eyes Have It
Students explore the health risks associated with wearing decorative contact lenses. They research other cosmetic modes of expression that can pose health risks and debate whether these practices should remain legal.
Curated OER
The Lorax Explorations
Middle schoolers read and debate the purpose of Dr. Seuss' The Lorax, analyze its story elements, and write their own The Lorax II.
Curated OER
It's A Dog-Eat-Dog World
Students examine the dangers of owning and breeding aggressive dogs. They debate whether aggressive dogs should be kept as pets. They write an essay from their point of view about aggressive dogs as pets.
Curated OER
Walking on Thin Ice
Students examine scientific evidence of changes in the Arctic ice cover. They participate in a simulation of an international conference and debate the relationship between global warming and changes in the arctic ice cover.
Curated OER
In the Global Ballpark
Students examine reasons for and against American baseball teams playing in international exhibition games by debating pros and cons of the issue from the perspectives of designated personas.
Curated OER
A Snapshot Of Fame
Students debate the limits to celebrity privacy and to paparazzi rights after learning about some recent incidents. They imagine how their private lives might change if they became overnight celebrities.