The battle over same-sex marriage is a prevalent issue in the United States, and a valuable topic to be discussed in your social studies classroom. Here is a basic outline of introductory questions, focus questions, vocabulary, and media...

Students explore current events by completing a list of worksheet activities. In this Libyan history lesson, students read a news article discussing the problems with Gaddafi in Libya and the effect it is having in the Middle East....

High schoolers examine how to balance the federal budget. In this American economics lesson, students read the provided article "Congress Debates Cutting the Budget." High schoolers then collaborate in small groups to determine how to...

Learners discover the system of Checks and Balances related to recent events prompting action by one or more of the three branches of government. They study the process for selecting and confirming a Supreme Court justice. They examine...

Young scholars investigate hate crime legislation. For this hate crime lesson, students examine the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act Young scholars explore the fine between hate crime legislation and First...

Ninth graders examine the dress of diplomats. In this American Government lesson, 9th graders read an article and answer guided questions. Students participate in a quiz on the reading.

Eleventh graders explore their own beliefs about the qualities that make someone qualified to sit on the Supreme Court.  In this American Government lesson, 11th graders write about and debate the ethnic, religious, and gender...

Ninth graders examine the problems that exist in Haiti after the earthquake. In this disaster recovery lesson, 9th graders read an article and answer guided questions. Students create a presentation about the international rescue in...

Students view the film "Brother Outsider" and read an article by Bayard Rustin as springboards to discuss the concept of civil rights in the United States. They follow a discussion guide.

In this lesson plan, for grades 7-12, students will examine President Obama's proposed policy on offshore drilling, the various positions on offshore oil exploration and participate in a mock-policy committee to develop policies for...