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The Spread of Enlightenment Ideas
Looking for a simple and straightforward reference on the Enlightenment for your young historians? Check out this list of key terms and important figures from the period, followed by a traditional assessment where your learners will be...
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How Would You Feel?
Sixth graders put themselves in the shoes of aborigines who were displaced from their homes in the 1800s by Europeans who came in and took their land from them. They discuss the social injustices suffered by these people, and write a...
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Sharing is Caring
By engaging in an arts-based activity, 2nd graders explore peace in the classroom. They listen to the story The Rainbow Fish, then create their own fish to hang in the classroom. They write three things that make them happy on their...
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How About a Hand?: The Drive
Students explore the concept of social justice. In this service learning worksheet, students read Wanda's Roses in order to understand homelessness, hunger, and poverty.
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Justice for All? Debating the Fairness of the Juvenile Justice System
Pupils discuss treatment of young people by the criminal justice system and debate whether or not that treatment is fair.
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The Long Walk
Students explore the concept of philanthropy. In this service learning lesson, students read an article that challenges them to consider African-American contributions to social justice.
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Miscast and Seldom Seen
Consider how well students' favorite TV shows, movies and video games reflect the diversity of society. The lesson introduces your class to several media literacy concepts, such as how media conveys values and messages, as well as the...
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Pay it Forward
Students explore the basic concept of micro-financing. In this economics/literacy lesson, students listen to One Hen by Katie Smith, in which a small loan changes the life of the main character. Students employ comprehension strategies...
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Social Studies: Human Rights Then and Now
Students examine past and present human rights issues in U.S. history. In reflection journals, they document both justices and injustices perpetrated on groups and individuals. Finally, students implement an action plan designed to...
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Trying Teens
Students explore the court cases and legal organizations that were instrumental in creating a system of juvenile justice in the United States, then present their findings in a composite timeline.
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Japanese Inspired Activities for the Classroom
Pupils become more aware of cultural differences by reading a variety of multicultural books about social issues. They assess various Haiku's by Lee Bennett Hopkins, Kamishibai stories by Dianne Clouet and snapshots from Japan by Peter...
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Realism In Chinese Art
Learners examine the artistic terms realism and idealism through the study of Chinese art and artifacts in this lesson for the Social Studies classroom. Evaluation is accomplished through an in-class essay.
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Is Modern Civilization Civilized?
Students examine the concept of civility. In this modern civilization lesson, students study Gandhi's teaching about the attributes of civilized societies and discuss how they can contribute to fostering civilization in their own community.
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Stitching Truth Lesson Two: The Arpilleristas in Pinochet's Chile
High schoolers analyze arpilleras. In this Chilean history instructional activity, students examine social justice issues as they read and interpret arpilleras. High schoolers study the tapestries to learn about Augusto Pinochet and his...
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Upon the Clouds of Equality: King Day
Young scholars learn about equality, justice and fairness. For this equality lesson, students experience what it feels like to be treated unequally. Young scholars examine Martin Luther King, Jr.'s dream of equality and his actions to...
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Culminating Writing Assessment: History
Students reflect on power, privilege, and standing in American society. In this writing skills instructional activity, students respond to the question, "If you are denied power, privilege, and equal standings with other Americans, how...
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The Story of Latino Civil Rights: Fighting for Justice
Middle schoolers identify the civil rights abuses suffered by African Americans, Japanesse Americans during WWII, and Hispanic Americans. They explain what the common element is among the discrimination against these three groups. ...
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Language Arts: Twinning At-Risk Students
Students at-risk in high school and primary grades pair up to read and write together. They create books modeled after authors and illustrators. They hold a parents' day to display their completed books.
Facing History and Ourselves
Emmett Till: Confronting the Murder
The 1955 murder of Emmett Till is often regarded as the catalyst for the Civil Rights Movement of the 20th century. Learn more about the brutal crime—and, as many believe, the miscarriage of justice—that began a national conversation...
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Idea-Noun Definition: Source Searching
A great idea for showing language arts pupils the universality of themes, even in the real world! Have class members choose an idea-noun (peace, justice, war, love, etc.) at the beginning of the year or semester. They complete weekly...
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Egyptian Fairy Tale
Students explore ancient Egyptian culture and government. In this social studies lesson plan, students compare the legal system from ancient Egypt to our current American legal system. Links are included for web searching Egypt and the...
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Zen and the Art of Murder
Students describe the importance of citizen involvement in the judicial system. They play the role of a witness to a crime scene by watching the video clip. Students discuss how differing eyewitness accounts can affect a police...
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America's Civil Rights Movement, Activity Ten
Students identify a wrong in their own community and act to correct it. They reflect on the intersection fo the Civil Rights Movemnet with a social justice project.
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The Media and Social Justice in Your Community
Students study symbolism in media. They listen to two Hip Hop songs and watch the videos for them. They identify symbols and their meanings based on the context of the images seen in the videos and the lyrics heard.