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Preserving Democracy

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Young scholars read excerpts of the Declaration of Independence and United States Constitution. Using the documents, they identify the ideas of how the government should be run. In groups, they develop a skit that encourages people to be...
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Debate Topics and Ideas

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students examine both sides of arguments surrounding given debates. They use the internet and other research to collect information to support their stand on the controversial issue. Students debate their chosen topic. This lesson plans...
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Tango Stories

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Students listen to tango music and research the country it came from. In this music lesson plan, students find that tango music comes from Argentina. They listen and dance to the music and then write stories. 
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All About Groups & Community

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders discuss and write in their journals about the roles of leaders in different kinds of groups.
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Protecting your home from carbon monoxide

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students create and distribute flyers, mailings, posters in public areas to help make people aware of how to protect yourself from carbon monoxide. Students research what carbon monoxide is and what can be done to protect those in the...
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One Million Care Packages

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students read an article about sending care packages to soldiers in the United States military. Using the internet, they research the role of the USO and discuss their findings with the class. They find a local organization...
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Brazilian Animals

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd
Young scholars research the animals of Brazil. In this animal science lesson, students locate Brazil on a map and discuss the types of animals that can live in its tropical climate. They research a Brazilian Carnaval and see the roll the...
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Mariachi Mania

For Teachers 2nd - 4th
Students play the beats of mariachi music. In this mariachi lesson plan, students listen to mariachi music and discuss why music is important.
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Puerto Rico: The 51st State?

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Learners research the history of Puerto Rico, its culture, and geography. In this Puerto Rico instructional activity, students find Puerto Rico on a map and find specific regions or cities. Learners discuss Puerto Rico's statehood and...
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Whose God?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students investigate religious freedom in the U.S. They watch and discuss a Bill Moyers NOW video, take a Freedom of Religion quiz, write an essay, and participate in a mock trial and debate.
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Coming to America: Immigration Today

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars research their own family histories and current U.S. immigration issues, rules, and regulations. They participate in a class discussion, watch a video about a Mexican immigrant's experience, and complete a WebQuest and a...
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Lobbying

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students examine the role of lobbyists in Washington, D.C.  In this Legislative Branch lesson, students watch video segments and read excerpts about lobbying. Students write essays that explore the pros and cons of lobbying.
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Every Day Is Presidents' Day at the White House

For Teachers K - 3rd
Students explore the history of the White House and the role of the president. They explore the White House Historical Association website, answer questions, create a drawing of the Oval Office, and take an online quiz.
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Mayflower Compact

For Teachers 1st - 4th
Students explore the Pilgrims and the Mayflower Compact. They practice these concepts by examining the school rules.
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Gun Control and Terrorism: Laws or Loopholes?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine the Second Amendment of the Constitution. They research and organize key arguments and other fundementals of gun control. They participate in a debate defending the wording of the Second Amendment.
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Citizen Journalism

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students examine the role of citizen journalism, freedom of the press, and the First Amendment. They analyze the results of an Internet survey, discuss the ethics of downloading copyrighted material on the Internet, and write a news story.
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Voting

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers investigate voter participation in the U.S. They watch and discuss a Bill Moyers video, complete a handout, and develop a plan to help a community overcome obstacles to voter participation.
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Bill of Rights

For Teachers 12th
Twelfth graders list, describe, and illustrate the specific rights guaranteed to individuals and how they are secured. Then they examine landmark Supreme Court cases, such as, Airport Commissioner vs. Jews for Jesus, New Jersey vs. TLO,...
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ON BECOMING A NONVIOLENT WARRIOR

For Teachers 7th - 10th
Students examine the concept of non-violent social change. In this instructional activity on social change, students research and role play to demonstrate ways in which this might be accomplished while making connections to various...
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Adult Criminal Justice System

For Teachers 12th
Twelfth graders examine the procedures and protections involved in processing an accused person through the criminal justice system. They view a Powerpoint presentation, conduct research, and write a paper describing a crime they have...
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Decolonization and Self-Determination

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars define and discuss colonialism and self-determination. After reading the European's view on the topic, they analyze a map of imperialism in 1914. They watch excerpts of a video and take notes on various United Nations...
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Civil Rights Lesson Plans

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Civil rights lesson plans can help students delve into history, music, law, and literature. There are a multitude of options.
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Trials and Tribulations

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Young scholars explore their beliefs about objectivity and the United States justice system. They examine the facets of a criminal case by researching various aspects of the judicial system and apply what they have learned to the Michael...
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Follow the Marx

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Young scholars explore communism from historical and theoretical perspectives to present to fellow classmates at a teach-in. Each team of students be responsible for researching and presenting on one of the suggested topics in the activity.