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Judicial Void
Students explore the impact of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor on the Supreme Court. They research potential nominees to replace her, in light of her resignation, and write letters to President George W. Bush to share opinions of the...
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Perks and Perils
Students research the life of the first family. In this U.S. Government lesson, students take a White House quiz, read an article about the first family and write in their journals about a typical day in their lives versus what a day...
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Splitting the Motherland?
Students explore issues such as Tibet's struggle for independence and China's invasion in 1950. They create a KWL chart, explore maps of Tibet, and read articles concerning China, the Dalai Lama, and President Bush's relationship to...
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Moonwalking to Mars?
Young scholars examine a quote from George W. Bush's recent speech on space exploration. They evaluate one writer's stance on Bush's space exploration goals by reading and discussing "Plea to Policy Makers: Let's Take Another Giant...
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The Inaugural Speech: Setting The Tone For The Administration Of A President
Students investigate the Inaugural Speech of the President of The United States while comparing two speeches. They conduct research to find the two speeches on the internet and look at them side by side. The lesson includes background...
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Paths to the Presidency
Seventh graders investigate a timeline of the career paths that US presidents took before they became the president. They how these career choices prepared these men for the presidency.
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Using Primary Sources: Letters from the Presidents
Students research the life of a president by reading personal letters on the American Presidents web site, and explore the ways that the character and personality of the president affected the ways they handled historical events.
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Poetry and the American Presidents
Fifth graders choose a poetry activity in order to focus their research about American presidents.
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A President's Home and the President's House
Students examine the differences between the White House and Monticello. In small groups, they complete a virtual tour, complete a graphic organizer, take notes during the tour, and identify activities taking place at the White House.
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World History/Current Events Activity
Students define the term terrorist, and examine how terrorist methods are used to promote fear and endanger the lives of innocent individuals. They analyze why President Bush has declared war on terrorism, and write essays on terrorism.
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Choosing the Next President
Students use comparative Internet research to formulate a prediction regarding the next president of the United States. They give presentations each week on how his or her candidate is faring in the political race.
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Bombs Away!
Examine the different perspectives on the future of United States Navy bombing exercises taking place on Vieques, Puerto Rico with this lesson from The New York Times. Here, young learners read "Islanders to Vote on Vieques Bomb Drills,"...
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What's In Store for Four More
Students examine issues that they consider to be priorities and how President Bush might address them in his next term. They create public service announcement scripts motivating citizens to stay involved in these issues beyond the...
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Full Court Press
Young scholars investigate the Supreme Court's role and function in the federal government and examine how Chief Justice Rehnquist's illness might affect the future of the Court. They write letters to President Bush on the Supreme Court...
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On the Leading Edge
Students write an op-ed piece concerning presidential leadership. After reading an archived article from The New York Times, students compare and contrast the leadership styles of former Vice President Al Gore and President George W....
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Discussion-Activity: An Election Primer
Students research and discuss the 2000 presidential election. They role-play Al Gore's and George W. Bush's legal teams, and members of the Florida Supreme Court. They of each legal team present their arguments to the Supreme Court.
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Know Your Presidents
Students research and are able to identify the presidents placing them in chronological order.
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President Notebook
Students make presidential notebooks which they add to throughout the year. They arrange information about each president into an informational chapter.
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Suspect Sources at the Republican Debate
Students explore and analyze statements made during a televised presidential debate. In groups, they research and test the validity of the statements made by the presidential contenders. Students examine sources and draw conclusions on...
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Andrew Jackson and the Use of Martial Law and the Suspension of Habeas Corpus
Students explore the use of martial law at the Battle of New Orleans. In this Andrew Jackson lesson, students analyze primary documents pertaining to the move by Jackson to use martial law in the battle. Students then consider situations...
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Exploring Alternative Energies
Students research various forms of alternative energy sources and examine the pros and cons of each type. They discuss American oil dependence and the Bush administration's policies regarding this issue.
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Secretary of State Powell
Students study the life of Colin Powell who was Secretary of State during President Bush's first term. They investigate the workings of the US State Department by researching a number of websites.
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The View
Students explore the structure and purpose of Op-Ed pieces in the newspaper. They then write Op-Eds from the perspectives of United States presidents on important issues of their day.