Curated OER
Schools for Sale
Students differentiate between public and private goods. They analyze and evaluate various and positions on a public issue. They establish decision-making criteria. They develop a public policy based on a formal decision making model.
Curated OER
NCTA Lesson Plan on Japan
Students investigate a controversial issue of discrimination based upon a caste system in Japan. It is compared to India and they use research methods to make discoveries concerning the history and similarities to the two systems.
Curated OER
Mustang: Wild Spirit of the West
Students write a day in the life story from the point of view of another endangered animal. Students write to your local newspaper to express their opinions on the issue. Students research a horse's diet and explain why horses have...
Curated OER
Exploring Treaty Rights and Ethics
Students explore whether the Makah should be allowed to hunt whales. They select a side of the controversy, "Should the Makah be allowed to hunt whales again?" They research the Internet to find sources that support what they believe...
Curated OER
The Final Question
Students analyze their own feelings about the death penalty before considering court cases involving the death penalty. They determine what their definition is of cruel and unusual punishment, and analyze how different states handle the...
Novelinks
The House on Mango Street: Anticipation Guide
Prior to an in-class reading of "What Sally Said" and"Red Clowns," two vignettes from Sandra Cisneros' The House on Mango Street, class members complete an anticipation guide that asks them to agree or disagree with a series of...
Heritage Foundation
Crime and Punishment
You wouldn't give someone a 10-day timeout for eating a piece of candy. The US government, too, does not believe in unreasonable punishment. A variety of exercises exploring the clauses of the US Constitution prompts class members to...
Curated OER
When Art Conveys a Political Message
Twelfth graders learn art is an effective way to convey a political message. They learn how political messages are created to convey a message. They analyze a piece of artwork and then write a short paragraph from the point of view of...
Curated OER
Environmental Action
Middle schoolers debate one another. In this pollution lesson, pupils work in teams to debate which is more serious, air or water pollution. They research their topic to come up with valid points to justify their side of the debate.
Curated OER
School discipline includes paddling
High schoolers analyze corporal punishment, debating the pros and cons. Students investigate, collecting background information and interviewing school community members. If high schoolers disagree with the district's policy, students...
Curated OER
Organic Mechanic Part I
On day one of the "Organic Mechanic Part I" lesson, learners try to remove the waxy coating of an apple and consider pesticides that may be represented by this addition to our food. On day two, they research pesticides online and...
Curated OER
Treasures and Travels
Students 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.
Curated OER
Church and State Separation: The Challenge and the Debate
Students describe the basic elements of the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment as it relates to the separation of church and state and freedom of religion.
Curated OER
"Getting Away with Torture?"
Students discuss what they know about the abuse of Iraqi prisoners at Abu Ghraib. They research policy memos and assess their influence on military personnel. They identify the Geneva Conventions rule on the treatment of prisoners as well.
Curated OER
Native Americans
Students choose two photographs and explain how they illustrate traditional Native American culture. They discuss how traditional Native American culture has been affected by two specific actions of the United States Government, (they...
Curated OER
Participating in Democracy
Students analyze film clips in class. In this democracy lesson, students identify the differences between civil liberties, democracy and freedom. Students view a video regarding Japanese internment and answer study questions as well as...
Curated OER
The Role of the Lobbyist
Learners gain knowledge and understanding of the role of a lobbyist. They utilize critical thinking and decision-making skills through the development of a written proposal.
Curated OER
Enduring Legacies of the New Deal
Students investigate U.S. history by listening to an economics lecture. In this U.S. government instructional activity, students research the "New Deal" which happened after the Great Depression. Students identify movies, books and music...
Curated OER
Hafta Do NAFTA?
Students examine the benefits and problems of U.S. participation in the North American Free Trade Agreement. In two groups, students represent the campaign team for a presidential candidate, one for and one against NAFTA, and research...
Curated OER
I Didn't Do It! (Is Anyone guilty Anymore?)
Students explore the concept of "reasonable doubt" in our criminal court system and compare it to "preponderance of the evidence" in the civil court system. They discuss the trials of OJ Simpson and other historical criminal defendants.
Curated OER
The Death Penalty
Students examine how people are punished in the American justice system. In groups, they identify the four different theories of punishment and how it is used in the justice system. They use the internet to read arguments for and against...
Curated OER
Copyright, Sampling and Mashing
Students examine copyright laws in regard to sharing, sampling and mashing music. After listening to pieces of music, they create their own music sample by combining musical elements and expression. Students visit a specified website...
Curated OER
Schools for Sale
Students explore the concept of for-profit companies running schools. In this privatizing schools lesson, students simulate a meeting of school board members, community leaders, and other stakeholders to determine the privatization of a...
Curated OER
Nazi Germany Through An Examination of the Holocaust
Tenth graders read, analyze, evaluate, synthesize and present their ideas through multi-media about events of the Holocaust and Nazi Germany.