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Decisions, Decisions...
Students explore some of the top Supreme Court cases of the 1998-1999 term, assessing the issues behind these cases and the potential impact of the decisions made by the Court. Small groups closely examine one of this term's Supreme...
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On the Edge and Under the Gun
Students examine issues of gun control, the right to bear arms, and the overwhelming seriousness of gun related violence. They examine what can, and has been done to redress the situation using the Million Mom March as a reference point.
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The Final Countdown
Students examine the United States electoral college system as it applies to the 2004 presidential election. They investigate the impact of the twelve battleground states in the 2004 election and develop informative pamphlets on the...
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Darwinist Dogma?
Students debate whether teachers should be mandated to present theories challenging evolution in their classrooms. For homework, they write letters to their local school board expressing their own opinions.
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Immigration 2004: Issues for the Presidential Election And a Sample Department of Justice Naturalization Test (can You Pass?)
Students read several handouts regarding immigration and naturalization. They complete the citizenship practice test and determine whether they would pass the naturalization test given to immigrants. They discuss how the issue of...
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US Policy In Somalia
High schoolers investigate the US policy for the country of Somalia. They conduct research using a variety of resources. They locate the country and then discuss major geographical features of the areas. Students discuss the present US...
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Liberty and Democracy for All?
Students consider what they already know about democracy and examine how viable democracy is for Middle Eastern nations such as Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
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Why a Mock Trial?
Students participate in a mock trial. They discover how U.S. courts resolve conflicts.
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The Bill of Rights
Ninth graders research the Bill of Rights and consider which freedoms are the most important for them. They consider the Bill in detail and then write to their Congressperson about something they would like to see done or changed.
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All About Groups, Community
Second graders explore different kind of communities and groups and discuss how to effectively participate in them. They share recent changes in their lives. This lesson opens up with the book, Alexander Who's Not Going to Move!
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Local Governments Don't Do Much ... Or Do They?
Students study and explore their local government. They role play members of their City Council and various constituents as they discuss a variety of subjects typical of a city council meeting.
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History Lesson 10: Plyler v. Doe: Can States Deny Public Benefits to Illegal Immigrants?
Learners consider the rights of illegal immigrants. In this illegal immigration instructional activity, students analyze the Supreme Court case Plyler v. Doe and determine whether illegal immigrants should have access to public benefits....
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Jury Duty: Honor or Burden
Students come up with a synopsis of whether they feel jury duty is necessary or not and how people rate their experience. They research state jury duty websites and express their ideas. They can propose changes that they feel may...
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How Does Preserving Wilderness Enhance Forestry
Students identify events of the environmental movement in the United States. For this environment activity students study Theodore Roosevelt and John Muir, who had a great impact on the environmental movement.
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Can I Be Swayed?
Students identify loaded words and examples of bias in print media. They describe how media can be used to manipulate public opinion. Students identify examples of interest groups that use media to sway public opinion in order to impact...
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Government: The Power of Persuasion
Students are able to define and identify a type of interest group. They are able to describe some strategies used by interest group. Students are able to identify the postive and negative aspects of interest groups.
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What is an Iron Triangle?
Students discuss how interest groups, congress and the executive branch play a role in policy making to make up the Iron Triangle. They list the three points of the Iron Triangle and explain the role they have on public policy. Students...
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History of Miss America
High schoolers make a time-lines of of decades using images from Miss America. In this history lesson, students looks at the country's beauty pageant and how it changes the lives of women in America. High schoolers...
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Is Congress for Sale?
High schoolers research web sites to measure the level of influence campaign donations and Political Action Committees have on their representatives and senators. They discover opportunities for private citizens to lobby elected...
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Publishing History
Young scholars create an issue of a magazine. They work collaboratively to write articles for the magazine, design a cover and develop advertisements. Students complete their page layout, and create the magazine using information form...
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Strengthening Democracy in Latin America
Sixth graders examine the many challenges facing the nations of Latin America today. In this World Geography instructional activity, 6th graders analyze various documents that will help strengthen democracy. Students create a...
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Creating a Classroom Belief Statement
Fourth graders cooperatively develop a classroom belief statement that serves as their classroom constitution. Each student is involved in the creation of the statement. Each group presents their belief statement to the class.
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Axis and Allies World War II Simulation
Young scholars investigate World War II through the computer game Axis and Allies. They discuss the basics of World War II before playing the game, spend eight weeks playing the game that is a simulation of World War II, and write a...
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Women and the Negro Baseball Leagues
This lesson is designed to raise awareness of women's importance and contributions to society and to the preservation of history. Women played, coached watched, and supported the game of baseball. Learners research players, coaches, and...