Just how true is the information contained in political ads? Determining the veracity of campaign ads from the 2008 presidential race is the focus of a lesson that introduces class members to several fact-checking resources.

Students identify political parties, then read a news article about the 2008 election. In this current events lesson (written prior to the 2008 election), the teacher introduces the article with a discussion and vocabulary activity, then...

Learners consider the historic implications of Barack Obama's election. In this election of 2008 lesson, students research Obama's accomplishments and determine how his election signifies the success of the American Civil Rights...

Students examine the presidential election process and discover that presidential elections are decided by the electoral college and not popular votes. They see that each state has a number of electors, and understand how this number is...

Young scholars research the presidential candidates of 2008. In this election activity, students research both candidates and identify where they stand on major issues. Young scholars choose a presidential candidate.

Young scholars think critically about political candidates. In this election lesson, students research candidates and use information sources to explore their stands on issues.

Students discuss the 2006 midterm elections. They read an article about exit polls. They create a scavenger hunt using articles of the New York Times. They write a paper about the importance of midterm elections.

Campaign propaganda has evolved from 1952 through the presidential election of 2008. A social studies activity prompts class members to analyze the devices used in ads and political cartoons, noting strategies they believe would work to...

Students listen to a statement about the role the Internet plays in the political process and respond by placing a card under the appropriate agree/disagree sign at the front of the room. Students brainstorm reasons to select their...

Students discuss the 2008 Presidential election. They examine the significant issues of the election and focus on the economy. Students study the major issues with the economy. Students decide how they feel about each canidates' views...

Students analyze the 2008 presidential primaries by reading and discussing the New York Times Upfront article "Primary Matters." They complete a KWL chart, complete a handout, read the article and answer comprehension questions, and...

Students read and discuss article, "We Agreed to Agree, and Forgot to Notice," participate in anonymous mock presidential primary ballot, and share reactions to Iowa caucus results. Students then collect statements made by candidates on...

Students examine the function of presidential debates. In this civics lesson, students view segments of presidential and vice presidential debates. Students analyze the answers given in the debates and identify the platforms of the...

Students compare and contrast democratic election processes. In this 200 presidential election lesson plan, students visit websites that allow them to compare federal American elections to British elections. Students hold their own...

Students examine the London assembly election of 2008. For this political parties lesson, students research the platform of the British National Party. Students visit suggested websites to determine the party's core beliefs.

In this voting worksheet, students identify and discuss changes in voting rights throughout American history. Then, they identify why voting is an important right for Americans. Finally, students create voting bookmarks instead of or in...

Students explore U.S. politics by researching the Presidential requirements. For this electoral process lesson, students identify the main requirements to become a Presidential candidate and the two main political parties. Students...

High schoolers explore economic security at the local and national level during the time period preceding the 2008 presidential election. They fill out surveys on their thoughts and concerns regarding the US economy, and watch...

Young scholars take a closer look the 2008 London mayoral race. In this current events lesson plan, students research the listed Web sites that include information about the candidates for mayor and their attributes. Young scholars also...

Eighth graders explore where they personally stand on a post-election continuum, spanning from euphoria to despair.  In this American History lesson, 8th graders read and discuss an article immediately following the election and a...

Students create K/W/L (Know/Want to Know/Learned) charts to study the political violence following Kenya's 2008 presidential elections. They draw connections between this and other events currently taking place around the world.

Learners explore the hardships being faced by the people in Zimbabwe.  In this World History lesson, students research the challenges of Zimbabwe, such as hunger, poverty, low life expectancy and political controversy.  Upon...

Students consider how recent historical events have impacted Kenya. In this global studies instructional activity, students visit selected websites to discover information about President Mwai Kibaki, Kenya's statistics, and Swahili....

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...