Policy Studies Teacher Resources

How is federal policy established? To gain insight into this complex and often messy process, class members read an article that uses information on attempts to establish public policy in immigration to illustrate the role proposed...

High schoolers compare the situation of Latin American immigrants with the situation of immigrants from other areas of the world. They use media to obtain information on topics of academic interest, personal interest, and intellectual...

Students examine federal policies regarding Native Americans. In this Native American assimilation and removal policies instructional activity, students conduct research to compare the changes in federal policy regarding Native Americans...

To conclude their study of immigration and human rights, class members create a civic engagement project centered on an issue of immigration and designed to influence US immigration policy. They examine examples of attempts to influence...

How do policies aimed to help actually hurt? Native American boarding schools—an attempt at assimilating children of indigenous tribes into white culture—had a shattering effect on those who attended. With primary sources, including...

Young scholars examine American policies. In this Native American history lesson, students compare and contrast life in America prior to colonization and following it. Young scholars discuss policies that displaced Native Americans.

In the past, the United States demanded that Japan open its ports for trade. Your class can read the included passage to learn about Commodore Perry, Japanese treaties, and foreign trade policy. They read the passage, then answer 5...

High schoolers read fables about entrepreneurs who buy grain and turn it into clothing, or resell the grain and use the proceeds to import clothing. They use the fables to determine why people trade, and to analyze costs and benefits of...

Tenth graders identify and clarify a problem, an issue, or an inquiry. They identify the changing nature of families and women's roles in Canadian society. Pupils assess the interaction between Aboriginal people and Europeans. ...

Students share their opinions on the war in Iraq. After reading an article, they identify the thoughts of President Bush on the conflict. In groups, they share their opinions for and against current United States policy in Iraq and the...

Students study the social justice issues of the immigration debate. In this immigration lesson, students examine the role of undocumented Latino workers as they explore how trade policies and competition influence immigration and...

Students explore the concept of philanthropy. In this environmental stewardship lesson, students watch a video about state policies pertaining to greenhouse gas emissions. Students plan and carry out an Earth Day service project...

There was a time when the Comanche controlled an empire in North America, and the heart and soul of that empire was the horse. Scholars use the installment of the larger Native American Sacred Stories series to explore how the Spanish...

After considering the role that gasoline plays in our lives and our dependence on it as a society, learners participate in a reading activity discussing why the price of oil is increasing. They will then simulate being members of a...

Students explore U.S. politics by viewing cartoons. In this public policy lesson, students examine several political cartoons from the 1970's and discuss the U.S. policies that were under scrutiny. Students identify issues within our...

Students explore methods and the struggles of power between the federal policies and Native populations. They discuss the issue of controlling the Native Indian population, driving them from their land, and providing a mandatory...

Students write an editorial piece which takes a position supporting or opposing the free trade policy during the 1790s. After identifying barriers to trade in the 1790s they analyze how their position on the free trade would fit into...

Students describe economy of Hawaii as Captain Cook's expedition found it, assess Cook's trade policy in Hawaii, and present graphic information in text form.

Pupils research and explore the cause and effects of global warfare. They assess the concept of the United States policy of isolationism as it involves the United States and Japanese relations. Each group of students prepare a time line...

Difficult redistricting concepts are covered in a context that will make it understandable to your government scholars. They begin with a KWL on the term redistricting and then watch a video to answer some questions. They analyze...

Controversial issues, are by definition, topics about which rational people disagree. The challenge is to conduct a discussion of these often emotionally charged topics in a respectful way. Introduce your class to the concept of a...

When a resource like this comes along, I want everyone to see it. Actively engage your learners with a lesson on apartheid. They'll analyze 10 photos, complete two journal entries, and read six slides of text separated into dated chunks....

International trade from 600 AD to 1450 AD resulted in the flourishing of post-classical civilizations, the expansion of Islam across many regions, and the transmission of rare materials and innovative ideas — not to mention the spread...