Learners explore and evaluate the economic impact of legalized gambling on Native American Indian communities. They draft short, persuasive speeches that take the perspective of a tribal elder appearing at a town council meeting.

Young scholars consider the giving and receiving of aid from political rivals in the aftermath of natural disasters by learning about an earthquake in India and the international relief response it has induced. They read and discuss an...

Learners review basic information about the Three Gorges Dam. They discuss some of the benefits and drawbacks of the dam and write an editorial either for or against the it.

Students explore public opinion of presidential decisions.  In this history lesson, students examine various graphs that depict overall American approval of U.S. Presidents and government decisions then answer questions about the...

Third graders relate the everyday duties in the classroom and in the community. In this character education lesson, 3rd graders compare duties in the classroom to duties in the community and chart them on a Venn diagram. Students discuss...

Eighth graders write to a political leader. In this citizenship instructional activity, 8th graders discuss leaders of our government and how to voice opinions. Students draft a letter in preparation for revisions. The instructional...

Learners research the contributions of Civil Rights leaders. In this human justice lesson, students research selected websites about the accomplishments of leaders of the American Civil Rights Movement. Learners use their...

Young scholars work as curators. In this George Washington lesson, students research primary and secondary sources in order to create their own exhibitions of the first president. Young scholars may visit selected Web sites in order to...

Students research past, present and proposed climate change policies. They develop timelines based on different predictions of climate change effects and assess the likelihood of each timeline playing out in reality.

Students explore proposed plans for land redistribution in Zimbabwe. They research the history of European colonization in Zimbabwe, focusing on the roles and views of various groups within the country. Based on these perspectives, s

Students explore the use of satellite surveillance systems to track criminals. They consider how the use of this technology in law enforcement might affect them and write opinions on whether or not such a system should be adopted by...

Students examine the evolution of the AIDS epidemic in various world regions during the last 22 years. They research advancements, programs, and attitudes about AIDS in various world regions They compile a "global timeline" of the AIDS...

Learners conduct background research about a Pacific Rim country to develop a premise for a documentary film about the fate of traditional fishing industries in the area.

Third graders discuss the ways in which human interaction with the environment and production of waste products contribute to pollution. Through a pollution demonstration, they explain how various groups of plants and animals can be...

Students simulate a debate about continued U.S. aid to the Federated States of Micronesia. In two large groups, they research the history of Micronesia and how it was affected by colonization and trusteeship. After the debate, students...

Students study the environmental issues that pertain to the marine environment. In this research ocean landfills lesson students come up with alternative means of disposal. 

Students learn the criteria for and create the framework of an impromptu speech about an environmental health issue that is especially important to them. Students write a speech about an environmental health problem based on the material...

Young scholars take community action. In this philanthropy lesson, students consider issues in their community and collaborate in small groups to rank the issues identified. Young scholars read Brandy Cake and reflect on the story's...

Students construct a four sentence creative story by using KidPix software. In this computer technology lesson, students use KidPix software to develop slides about themselves, their family, and their house. Students illustrate each...

Students complete an Excel project on tessellations. In this technology and math lesson, students discuss tessellations and their occurrences in nature. Students use the Excel computer program to create tessellations.

Students are introduced to the concept of self-esteem and discuss how it is important in friendships. In groups, they counsel one another to determine how one's personal behavior affects the others in their group. They discover the...

Young scholars look for news stories on the Web that highlight some of the prominent issues in modern American history they outlined in Lesson One. They see the connection between historical issues and current events.

Students examine the local and national election process. In groups, they brainstorm a list of the issues important to them and compare them to an overall list of issues present in the election. They analyze graphs and complete...

Students monitor current events using on-line and traditional resources. They explore issues such as what trends they see developing in specific news issues over time and how different news stories might be interrelated.