Lesson Plan
Deliberating in a Democracy

Cyberbullying—Lesson Plan

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Learners examine cyberbullying. In this instructional activity on democracy, students discuss the different ways to deal with cyberbullying. They then take a position on the question of whether a democracy should allow schools to take...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What Experiences Shaped the Founders' Thinking about Government?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students study the ideas and experiences that shaped the founding fathers' perspective about government. For this the government lesson plan, students examine the Articles of Confederation as they relate to the power of government....
Lesson Plan
Deliberating in a Democracy

Juvenile Justice

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
Pupils compare and contrast the legal system as it pertains to juvenile and adult crime and punishment. Incorporating primary documents, legal decisions, and video evidence, individuals form an argument debating the treatment of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Using Political Cartoons to Understand Historical Events

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Examine historical perspectives through the use of political cartoons. Learners complete analysis activities related to the president's title, the establishment of the national bank, and the Jay Treaty.
Lesson Plan
Deliberating in a Democracy

Domestic Violence

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine domestic violence issues. In this global studies lesson, students read a case study on domestic violence. Students take notes on the case and respond to discussion questions.
Lesson Plan
Deliberating in a Democracy

Educating Non-Citizens

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students distinguish between the privileges of being a U.S. Citizen and privileges that are forfeited if not a U.S. Citizen.  For this history activity, students analyze the rights of people in a democratic society through research,...
Lesson Plan
Deliberating in a Democracy

Euthanasia

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students analyze euthanasia as a possible way to die.  In this controversial instructional activity, students reflect and discuss euthanasia as a possible way to enter death.  Classroom discussion allows students to voice their...
Lesson Plan
Deliberating in a Democracy

Free and Independent Press

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students determine how free press principles can be compromised. For this global studies lesson plan, students read an article titled "Free and Independent Press." Students respond to discussion questions regarding the article.
Lesson Plan
Deliberating in a Democracy

Freedom of Movement

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Class members examine human migration. For this population lesson plan, they read an article entitled, "Freedom of Movement" and respond to discussion questions about the article related to guest worker programs.
Lesson Plan
Deliberating in a Democracy

Minorities in a Democracy

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students consider diversity in democracies. In this democratic values lesson, students read an article titled, "Minorities in a Democracy." Students respond to discussion questions about the article.
Lesson Plan
Deliberating in a Democracy

Voting

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Young scholars read about voting rights and compulsory voting in democracies. For this voting rights lesson plan, young scholars analyze the reasons for supporting and opposing compulsory voting and discuss whether compulsory voting is...
Lesson Plan
Deliberating in a Democracy

Crime and Punishment

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
Should the United States ban the death penalty? Scholars use real-life examples of criminal activity to come to their own conclusions on the death penalty. Primary source documents, as well as video clips, open the issue of capital...
Lesson Plan
Deliberating in a Democracy

Marriage and the State

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
What defines marriage in society? Scholars investigate the moral and legal arguments of what defines marriage. They analyze different marriage traditions and social customs around the world along with Supreme Court decisions. Individuals...
Lesson Plan
Deliberating in a Democracy

Parental Liability

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
How many teenagers have wanted their parents to let them make their own decisions?  The answer is ... all of them! Scholars investigate where parental liability begins and ends in the eyes of the law. Using case studies and legal...
Lesson Plan
Deliberating in a Democracy

Youth Curfews

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
Don't stay out too late! Scholars analyze the need for youth curfews in a democratic society. They examine primary documents, case studies, and short video clips to form their opinions and take a position on the issue. Holding a class...
Lesson Plan
Deliberating in a Democracy

Globalization and Fair Trade

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
Have you ever traded something? How do you know you got a good deal? Scholars use case studies and research to determine the role of globalization in fair trade. Class members examine consumer demand and competition bring to light the...
Lesson Plan
Music Publishers Association of the United States

I Made It. I Own It. Please Don't Steal It.

For Teachers 3rd - 4th Standards
Explore the world of copyright law with a variety of activities to instill the importance of respecting creative property. Scholars watch an animated tale then take part in a grand conversation detailing the video's main idea, details,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Understanding the Debt Ceiling Debate and the Budget Control Act of 2011

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Upper graders listen to a podcast on the EconTalk website featuring economist Keith Hennessey. The podcast focuses on the Budget Control Act of 2011, the national debt, and government spending. They read specifics about the BCA, then...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Embodied Presidency

For Teachers 10th
Tenth graders compare and contrast the immigration reform policies of Presidents Reagan and Bush. For this immigration lesson, 10th graders examine primary documents related to each president's policy for immigration reform. Students...
Lesson Plan
Ohio Center For Law-Related Education

Four Activities: Thurgood Marshall and the Nomination and Confirmation of Federal Judges

For Students 7th - 12th Standards
The process of nominating and confirming federal judges can sound like a lot of bureaucratic hoops, but a resource breaks down the steps of the Supreme Court nominations in a simpler manner. Learners participate in four activities that...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Statehouse Time Capsule

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders create a time capsule that is representative of their community. They explain why the chosen objects are representative of themselves or their community.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Witch Hunt or Red Menace? Anticommunism in Postwar America, 1945-1954

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners investigate the goals and methods of the House Un-American Activities Committee and offer an opinion regarding whether their investigation of Hollywood was justifiable.
Lesson Plan
Advocates for Human Rights

The Right to a Clean Environment in the United States

For Students 8th - 12th
Even if a school has gone digital, chances are there's still plenty of paper being used. The three activities help scholars learn about the environmental impact of paper and another consumer products of their choosing, the issue of...
Lesson Plan
PBS

Lessons in Leadership, Roosevelt Style

For Teachers 7th - 12th Standards
It's easy to criticize those in power until you're sitting at their desk, faced with the same decisions. A history lesson prompts secondary learners to research the Roosevelt presidencies through the lens of leadership and...