Students participate in a debate between internationalists and the rights of sovereign nations. They read interviews and role play one of the sides in a mock interview.

Tenth graders investigate the balance between national security and individual rights using the Japanese American internment camps during World War II as the setting. The instructional activity incorporates photographs from the Manzanar...

Young scholars examine how art is used to make statements about social conditions. They analyze photos by the photojournalist Russell Lee, and complete a worksheet.

Tenth graders compare accounts provided by the two newspaper articles with the visual account provided by Sue Coe. They articulate how those accounts are alike and different. Students consider the economic choices that made the Hamlet...

Students discuss impact of various historical figures from different periods in time, read about and take notes on one assigned historical figure, and create photo journals of their experiences.

Students review the history and language of the Alien Enemies Act, the meaning of writs of habeas corpus, and the various amendments to the Constitution covering issues of due process. They know how national security measures collide...

Students use the National Archives to research the memorandum regarding the enlistment of Navajo Indians during World War II.

Students examine the development and history of Islamic Law (Sharia). They also begin to make comparisons to Western and Judaic Law traditions.

Pupils examine and discuss the 14th and 15th amentments, and evaluate the agendas of Americans from underrepresented groups in the quest for civil rights. They conduct Internet research and create essays or posters regarding Civil Rights.

Eleventh graders explore arguments surrounding Abraham Lincoln's opposition to the Mexican War. They compare the arguments surrounding Lincoln's opposition to war with those surrounding war protestors during the Persian Gulf War in 1991.

High schoolers read excerpts from speeches made at the California Constitutional Convention. They predict what the state constitution say about slavery and other issues concerning race.

Fourth graders experience difficult situations where they need to choose values. This lesson provides students with a role-playing opportunity to discover alternative ways of approaching these situations.

Students examine the Fugitive Slave Law as a motivating factor for slaves to emigrate outside the United States. After discussing the relationships between fugitive slaves and North American and Caribbean countries, they write essays...

Young scholars analyze the judicial decision making process, and identify three places presenting First Amendment problems. They analyze how the 1st Amendment applies to school newspapers, and argue for and against limiting 1st Amendment...

Students explore longevity in the United States and the impact of one living longer. Statistics are used to identify life expectancy of an individual from his or her birth. Gender differences are investigated.

Students examine the effect of war on teenagers through an interactive program. They also examine how the war effects Americans. They listen to families testimonies and political opinion.

Students examine how the EPA encourages communities near Superfund sites to become involved in the Superfund process. They read informational text, and participate in a role-play activity.

Eleventh graders examine the biography of Henry B. Gonzalez. They examine primary source documents from Congressman Gonzalez's personal papers related to his contributions to the Civil Rights Movement.

Students investigate the concept of the Federal Legislative Process. This is done through the use of research on approved class websites. The lesson plan gives the option of developing other resources for students to use for the teacher...

Pupils examine how countries relate to te Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Working in pairs, they create definitions of human rights and explain why the Declarqation is important. Groups of students uncover examples of human...

Third graders divide into teams and select a country to research. They read and review "Notetaking Skills" and begin their research. Next, they work together and share the information they have located. Each team fills in a template with...

High schoolers use the Internet to research one historical figure. Using the information they collect, they create a display and present it to the class. They complete flowchart notes and discuss how one figure can alter the course of...

Students discuss the purpose of the Bill of Rights and the United States Constitution. In groups, they write about the ten amendments and their purpose. They re-word the Amendments in their own way and answer discussion questions to end...

Middle schoolers research and examine about voting turnouts in the United States and around the world. They assess about various aspects of the so-called "youth vote," and have an opportunity to consider the meaning of the vote in a...