US Institute of Peace
Perspectives on Peace
Much like a garden, once the seeds of peace are planted, they need to be tended! How can humankind make and keep peace? The second installment in a series of 15 peacebuilding activities focuses on different perceptions of peace. The...
DiscoverE
Critical Load
Help your class master the important concept of critical load. Pupils work together to build a structure using 12 playing cards. They test the critical load of the structure using pennies or paper clips.
US Institute of Peace
Mediating Conflict
Two's a negotiation, but three's a mediation! Demonstrate the differences between the two processes through a role-playing instructional activity. The activity familiarizes pupils with the role of a mediator and examines the types of...
US Institute of Peace
Organizations Working for Peace
From helping refugees to negotiating peace treaties, the peacekeepers of the world keep busy! Introduce young activists to the many individuals and organizations throughout the world that work daily toward peace. 14th in a series of 15...
US Institute of Peace
Simulation on Conflict Prevention in the Greater Horn of Africa
Is containing a conflict possible in the Horn of Africa? Young peacekeepers engage in a simulation that examines the multi-faceted conflict that exists between the countries of Ethiopia and Eritrea. Representatives from ten countries in...
Kenan Fellows
Least Squares Linear Regression in R
The task? Determine the how effective hospitals are at reducing the rate of hospital-acquired infections. The method? Data analysis! Using an open source software program, individuals use provided data and create scatterplots to look for...
National History Day
Why Did the United States Enter World War I in 1917?
World War I was the first major conflict on a global scale. Using primary documents, learners determine why the United States chose to enter World War I when it did. After analytical writing and group research, the causes of America's...
National History Day
How Did the Food Administration Convince Americans to Make Sacrifices during World War I?
During American's involvemnt in World War I, citizens on the home front became directly involved in the war effort. Scholars uncover just how Americans helped the war an ocean away with primary documents, investigative skills, and...
iCivics
Step 1: Change the World?
Want to change the world? Where do you begin? Scholars analyze the steps that must take place to make change in society. The first installment of a 10-part County Solutions - High School series brings the real world to the forefront as...
iCivics
Step 2: Find What You Need
Have you ever searched for something on the web only to get 50,000 results? Scholars analyze ways to break down an inquiry to get specific results. The second installment of a 10-part County Solutions - High School series researches...
iCivics
Step 4: Consider the Context
Have you ever noticed how deep the roots of a tree or plant stretch? Scholars analyze the context of an issue and the root causes that go to the base of the problem. The fourth step of a 10-part County Solutions - High School unit shares...
iCivics
Step 5: Identify Your Stakeholders
Have you ever had a goal, but needed help achieving it? Scholars analyze the purpose of stakeholders in the fifth installment of a 10-part County Solutions - High School series. They investigate finances, personal concerns, geography,...
iCivics
Step 6: Plan Your Attack
Lights, camera, ACTION! Pupils learn what it takes to set up an action plan to achieve a goal in the sixth installment of a 10-part County Solutions - High School series. They research, analyze, and work together to create a plan of...
iCivics
Step 7: Fill the Holes
It's time to communicate without using emojis or hashtags! In the seventh step of a 10-part County Solutions - High School unit scholars analyze professional communication when accomplishing a goal. They use examples, research, and data...
iCivics
Step 8: Talk It Up
You have 30 seconds to sell your idea ... go! Scholars master the art of the elevator pitch in the eighth step of a 10-part series. They use research, practice, and step-by-step planning to gain a better understanding of the method....
iCivics
Step 3: Become an Expert
Have you ever been called an expert before? Pupils analyze how to break down sources of information using group work and individual skills. They begin to understand the tools of becoming an expert on a topic by using subtopics and...
Southern Poverty Law Center
Teaching Hard History: A Framework for Teaching American Slavery
Pupils investigate American slavery from colonial times through the Civil War. They incorporate primary sources, video clips, and firsthand accounts to understand how the slavery issue gripped the nation. Essays, presentations, and...
Ohio State University Extension
Teen Leadership
Are the young leaders of tomorrow sitting in your classroom right now? Polish their skills to perfection using a series of teen leadership activities. Each lesson promotes both personal growth and team building, while helping scholars...
Federal Judicial Center
Amistad and Dred Scott—a Comparative Activity
What do slaves fighting for their freedom on board a ship and a slave fighting for his freedom in a courtroom have in common? Budding historians investigate the two different cases of the Amistad slave revolt and the Dred Scott argument....
Newseum
Decoding an Editorial Cartoon
What advantages do political cartoons have over written editorials? Scholars discuss the topic by exploring editorial cartoons. Working in small groups, pupils analyze an Uncle Sam cartoon and complete a worksheet. As a fun extension,...
iCivics
Mini-Lesson: The Incumbent Advantage
Does the person running for re-election have an advantage over the challenger? Scholars explore the concept of incumbent advantage during elections using an informative mini-instructional activity explaining the legislative branch. In...
iCivics
Mini-Lesson: Presidential Succession
Who is in line for the presidency? Learners research the line of succession in the executive branch. They analyze the role the cabinet plays in a situation where the president and vice president are not able to serve. Along the way,...
iCivics
Mini Lesson: Supreme Court Opinions
The court of last resort. Historians research, using current cases and issues, the impact the Supreme Court of the United States has on how our nation operates. They analyze recent decisions made by the nine judges and determine how the...
iCivics
Mini-Lesson: Executive Orders
Can the President of the United States pass a law all by himself? Scholars investigate the concept of the executive order in regards to the powers of the presidency. They use current issues and events to monitor media bias while also...