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Ancestors in the Americas: Lesson One
Students are introduced to the characteristics of documentaries and making films. Individually, they write their own proposal for an idea of a documentary making sure to identify the point of view of which it is going to be filmed. ...
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Foreign Policy: Containment
Students examine opinions regarding the American policy of containment. In this Cold War lesson, students read articles by George F. Kennan and Walter Lippmann. Students compare the perspectives of the 2 men on U.S. foreign policy.
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A Class Divided
Students view a documentary about racism and discrimination against people of color. They discuss the film, identify ways in which they can combat racism, complete worksheets and consider how racial tensions are reflected in society.
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Expressions of Anti-Racism through Painting: The Puerto Rican Community from West Side Story to Connecticut
Students create a graffiti wall using their own name or personal symbol. They examine their own understanding of the film as a source of inspiration and listen to the music from the soundtrack as an effective motivation. They make...
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The Illustrated Bill of Rights
Pupils shoot Bill of Rights videos. In this Bill of Rights lesson, students film digital segment that illustrate the meaning of the first 10 amendments. Pupils integrate the video clips into PowerPoint presentations.
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Symbols of Freedom
Learners display knowledge of historical facts regarding the American Flag as they use creative writing skills.
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Duke Ellington and the Rise of Jazz in New York
Young scholars consider how Duke Ellington impacted the rise of jazz music. In this jazz music lesson, students listen to a lecture regarding the life and work of Ellington. Young scholars also watch a video regarding Ellington and...
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20th Century Civil Disobedience
Young scholars write from varying perspectives in the American South about the civil rights movements in the 1950s. In this civics lesson, students view video clips and take notes. Young scholars discuss the film and listen to a lecture...
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In Search of the Amber Room
Students watch the film, "In Search of the Amber Room." In teams, they examine World War II and research to find the Amber Room. They present their case in written form, or as a Web site, or using video "clips" from the film
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Dangerous Straits
Students view a film and read articles that explore controversial Chinese and American relations. They conduct interviews, participate in class role-plays and develop policy recommendations for government agencies.
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New Movements For Social Justice: The Latino Struggle for Equal Rights
Students examine myths and stereotypes about Hispanic immigrant groups. They appreciate and share the strengths of their diversity and view films that challenge ideas about education and cultural values. They explore the Latino Rights...
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Massachusetts 54th Raid at Darien, Georgia Shaw Letter
Students examine the expectations of Civil War soldiers. In this American Civil War lesson plan, students analyze a letter written by Colonel Shaw to his wife in order to gain an understanding of the expectations of the 54th Regiment....
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Civil Rights Methodology Martin Luther King, Jr. – Stokely Carmichael
Students compare and contrast the visions of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Stokely Carmichael. In this African-American history lesson, students read speeches by each of the men and summarize the arguments made by each of them about...
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The Millennium Promise in Africa
Students compete activities related to the viewing of a documentary film. After viewing the documentary, The Dairy of Angelina Jolie and Dr. Jeffrey Sachs in Africa, students participate in a discussion of the leading factors leading to...
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What Makes a Family?
Students examine the diversity of American families. In this family life lesson, students research the life of Michael Oher, whose life is the subject of the "The Blind Side". Students discuss their research findings and design a mural...
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Thomas Edison, electricity and America
Students will examine Edison's application of electricity and the concept of the American Consumer Culture and what thay means. Students will evaluate how these ideas and concepts led to change.
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Downloading Music
Students study the effect that downloading has had on the music industry. As a class, students discuss what they know and do not know about the laws of music downloading. Small groups create a marketing plan to help reduce the amount...
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The Codex Comes Home: Leonardo Lives in Seattle
Learners complete a unit on the life of Leonardo da Vinci and the content of the Codex Leicester. They write an encyclopedia entry, watch a film, complete a data sheet, conduct Internet research, and write a letter to Bill Gates about...
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Committing to Nonviolence: A Lesson from Viva La Causa
Students examine the social change movements of the American 20th century. In this nonviolence lesson, students research the work of Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Caesar Chavez. Students compare and contrast the social...
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Grapes of Wrath as a Primary Source
Eighth graders consider the plight of migrant farmers during the Great Depression. In this historical perspectives lesson, 8th graders watch the film based on Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath and then discuss the conditions the characters...
Facing History and Ourselves
Emmett Till: Choosing to Remember
Mamie Till, the mother of Emmett Till and civil rights activist, believed that her son's murder was the last straw before public outrage over racial injustice spilled over into the Civil Rights Movement of the 20th century. A history...
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Civic Engagement for Us?
Students identify the different forms of civic engagement. They identify their responsibilities at the different levels of government. They also analyze young leaders running for office.
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East Asia & The World
Young scholars discuss the relationships between East Asia and the United States. They examine the importance of trade and politics. They examine graphs and charts of certain aspects of the region and discuss.
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Social Studies: Treaty Comparisons of Indigenous People
Learners assess the Treaty of Waitangi and compare it to various Native American treaties. After discussing the legal issues of the treaties, they role-play as groups representing a nation-state and indigenous people who negotiate a...