How do discussions in the public sphere contribute to a public agenda, and how are these discussions distinct from those in the private sphere? This resource includes fantastic secondary source reading material on this topic, as well as...

Explore the influence social activism can have on important issues, and create a class full of young citizen activists. This plan calls for learners to participate in a whole class discussion and brainstorm about ways to effectively...

Have your class explore alcohol awareness public service announcements. Provided are a detailed plan and a complete set of materials for doing just this. Learners are exposed to a series of approaches and advertisements and decide which...

After reading about the formation of public opinion, the class can complete this quiz. They answer 5 true/false statements regarding public policy, political attitudes, and public opinion. Then they answer 5 multiple-choice questions...

Learners examine point of view as it relates to public issues.  In this point of view lesson, students become familiar with the point of view of John Muir and Theodore Roosevelt about the wilderness. Learners debate if the wilderness...

Students explore the role of public opinion polls in America. In this public opinion polls instructional activity, students discover the steps of analyzing poles before they create and conduct their own polls.

Students examine multiple perspectives on a social issue.  In this social issues lesson, students discuss New York's recent ban on smoking from the perspectives of different groups.  Students takes notes on a video about smoking, and...

Junior high and high school learners study infrastructure and its relationship to the current economy. They review handouts, watch a PBS clip, and review case studies in order to answer provided questions and role play over their views...

Students judge the actions of Nathan Barlow and the White Indians by putting them on trial in the classroom. They discuss how public opinion can change based on time. Students judge the White Indians based on the early 1800's not on today.

High schoolers discuss the issue of finance reform in political campaigns. Using the internet, they identify the positives and negatives of finance reform and research the problems associated with campaign fund-raising. They share...

Studnets explore the procedure that makes bills into laws, through research and class discussion. They conduct public opinion and media research surveys and discuss the impact they have on deliberations conducted during the passage of a...

Students examine classic propaganda techniques to analyze factors which influence learning and thinking processes influencing formation of public opinion through these lessons.

Students widen their understanding of the different points of view surrounding current news topics. They research a current controversy on which public opinion is divided and write a concise commentary on the topic expressing a strong...

Students research current events in relation to the United States military. In this current event lesson, students find out what is going on in the war and use what they find to explain and debate their stance on current events.

Students examine the impact of the media on various wars, especially the Iraq and Vietnam wars. By examining cartoons and popular music as primary sources, they suggest motivations for the conflicts and propose reasons for public...

Students participate in a lesson that focuses on a state survey for Utah. The survey is intended to find the public opinion of how the state is doing in the public eye. They analyze the survey and create their own to research the status...

Students review and discuss the role of media and how it influences public opinion in politics. They complete a test and graphs over the material.

Students trace similarities among three major religious groups in Western history.

Pupils identify ways in which the president can use various media to communicate his messages and intent. They demonstrate ways in which the news media can create public opinion.