To introduce the idea of different theoretical views about the nature of society, class members engage in a sociology activity that asks them to create an analogy between society and another concept, and then to explain the parallels.

North is to factory as South is to plantation—the perfect analogy for the economy that set up the Civil War! The first lesson in a series of five helps teach beginners why the economy creates a driving force for conflict. Analysis of...

Imagine 28 instructional strategies, appropriate for all subject areas and all grade levels. Directed Reading-Thinking Activities (DRTA), Question-Answer Relationship (QAR) activities, KWL charts, comparison matrixes, classification...

Why is it important to use precise language? Participants explore this question in the fourth activity in a series of 15 on effective instruction. Perfect for all content areas, the activity promotes appropriate language choice through...

Students examine the effectiveness of 'trickle down' economics. In this "Reaganomics" instructional activity, students use readings, analogies, discussion and debate to understand basic economic concepts. Students will analyze the what...

Students read letters written by soldiers during World War II in order to analyze the soldier's feelings about the war. They explain how these primary sources teach appreciation for the World War II soldier's experiences.

Step into history and step out with a new understanding of events. These strategies bring a new level of understanding of key events by asking viewers to engage in and respond to projected images. Complete directions for the activity, a...

This exercise on the Constitution requires small groups to design a visual metaphor that expresses the concept behind one of seven principles: popular sovereignty, federalism, republicanism, separation of powers, checks and balances,...

Students develop an awareness of issues involved in Reconciliation. They use two different stimuli to approach this theme. Students write definitions/interpretations of Reconciliation.

Students perform a play to explore diversity.

Using political cartoons, scholars analyze the energy crisis of the 1970s and '80s, comparing and contrasting it to current tensions with oil. Display the 6 cartoons (linked) to the class, and demonstrate analysis using the worksheet...

Fourth graders write a narrative from a race car driver's point of view. For this narratives lesson students use the narrative writing format to write about a race car driver's experiences in the Indianapolis 500. The students use a...

Students explore cultural diversity. In this multiculturalism instructional activity, students participate in a simulation that requires them to consider the implications of belonging to cliques and stereotyping others.

Tenth graders compare the relationship of food production and population in India with the southern regions of the United States.

Students work together to examine how Americans acquired their fortunes. They compare and constrast the different levels of wealth. They discuss the power that wealth can bring as well.