The Lincoln-Douglas Debates of 1858

Learners interpret historical evidence presented in primary and secondary resources. For this Civil War lesson, students examine sources regarding the views of Lincoln and Douglas about Reconstruction....

Unfamiliar with the Lincoln-Douglas Debate format? Check out this resource that details the procedures of the debate, the roles and responsibilities of each participant, and the timing of each round.  

Students determine how President Lincoln promoted emancipation. In this slavery lesson plan, students examine primary documents, including the U.S. Constitution, to reconstruct Lincoln's attempts to end slavery and deliver the...

Students examine and discuss the letters and speeches of Abraham Lincoln to determine his position on slavery. They participate in a panel discussion, and plan one of Lincoln's major political campaigns, creating ads and writing a...

Suggested topics for a role play debate include school uniforms and culpability for drunk driving, but any issue of interest to your class will work. What are the hot issues in your community or on the news right now? Class members...

Students research the Lincoln-Douglas debate and prepare to debate themselves.  In this speech and forensics activity students analyze the Lincold-douglas debate, research a controversial topic and prepare an argument for debate.

For a comprehensive overview of debate styles and formats, look at this resource. It details the Lincoln-Douglas debate format (one-to-one debate with specific, timed rounds of points, cross-examination, and rebuttals). You can also find...

This New York Times article-based resource dates from Al Gore's bid for the US presidency in 2000, but the article details important ways that candidates work to sway public opinion. You can enhance relevance with up-to-date content...

Study opposing viewpoints with this lesson, which examines President Bush's September 2004 address at the United Nations. Middle schoolers study the text of the address, and then stage formal debates arguing for or against the reasons to...

Blogs can be a good way for learners to engage in writing, critical thinking, and social media in a formal way. The New York Times has provided learners age 13-18 with an article, background information, and several prompts to get them...