Curated OER
"Now and Then" Comparing Present Day with Medieval Times
Eighth graders compare a present-day social issue with a medieval issue. They use technology tools to conduct their research and demonstrate their new knowledge. Students present their findings to the class in the form of a PowerPoint.
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Home, Home on the River
Students examine the complex issues that result from human use of ecologically sensitive areas. They investigate these issues from the point of view of their major/career path.
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Medical Research and Your Future
Young scholars are asked to investigate current and sometimes controversial medical research in order to address what medical breakthroughs potentially exist in their futures. They create small posters on sheets detailing their support...
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Race and Genetics: An Integrated Approach
High schoolers analyze racial issues related to the Human Genome Project. They participate in a mock symposium and write a reflection/position paper based on specific ethical principals.
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Clearcutting: Sustainable Forestry?
Students explore the conflicts between the economy and the environment by focusing on forest management in Maine. They read pamphlets on siliviculture and clear-cutting as well as those by environmental groups then conduct a debate on...
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The Man in the White Suit
Students view and discuss the movie from 1951 "The Man in the White Suit" and how scientific discoveries can sometimes have negative social and economic consequences. They define key vocabulary terms from the movie, watch the movie, and...
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Genetics
Comprehend that many human characteristics-all physical traits and possibly many personality traits-are determined by our genetic makeup. These activities demonstate that all physical traits are genetically determined, some evidence...
Serendip
Golden Rice – Evaluating the Pros and Cons
More than half the world's population eats rice as a daily staple ... imagine if that rice could prevent illness. Scientists genetically engineered rice to include vitamin A for just that purpose. However, room for debate still exists....
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Environmental Action
Middle schoolers debate one another. In this pollution instructional activity, 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...
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Forest Management
Students analyze physical and biological changes in the Sequoia forest ecosystem, especially logging and fire management practices. They evaluate the controversy of how logging and fire management should be conducted in the Giant Sequoia...
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Issues of Asylum in the U.S.
Students consider asylum and refugee status. In this U.S. asylum lesson, students investigate the cases of Walter Polovchak and Elian Gonzalez. Students then consider the case for asylum reform.
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Intelligent Design
learners research the "intelligent design" decision the Ohio State Board of Education reached in October 2002, following a lengthy debate. After analyzing what each side proposed, part of the class is assigned the roles of members of the...
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Genetic Engineering: Friend or Foe?
Students brainstorm and discuss ways genes can be altered, transferred and cloned. They will complete a subject sampler, opinion paper and prepare to debate their opinion on genetic engineering.
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The Great Scientific Debate
Fourth graders examine scientific issues that affect the public by debating their classmates. They also write brief essays that show they have learned how to express their reasons for their pros and cons of a particular topic.
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Hey, You Stole My Rain!
Students review various scenarios in regards to the water cycle to determine what the best solution is to the problem. Students write their opinions on the controversies.
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Unit on Globalization and the Environment
Twelfth graders analyze issues affecting ecosystems. They examine the relationships between members of the international comunity. They also examine the concept of sustainable development.
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The Pros and Cons of Dams
Learners investigate the use of dams on rivers in order to manage water uses in particular the Flathead River and Lake. They make presentations about dam management and write a persuasive paper on the issue. If possible they visit the...
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Case Study: Should the Results of the Human Genome Project be Sold for Profit?
Students investigate a case study and discuss whether scientists working on the Human Genome Project should be allowed to patent their work. They consider ethical and legal issues, and determine who owns genetic information.
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Fox hunting debate
Students read the internet article "Hundreds of Hunts Out Despite Ban". The teacher then holds a class discussion about it. Students then hold a formal debate representing all points of view on the issues. Students then write a...
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Mustang: Wild Spirit of the West
Pupils 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. Pupils research a horse's diet and explain why horses have flat,...
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Fungal History
Students identify different types of fungi. They discuss how mushrooms are used in American culture and research an issue about a type of fungi. They share their information with the class.
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Case Studies in Journalistic Ethics - Number 3
Young scholars investigate ethical decision making when using photos in journalism. In this ethics in journalism lesson plan, students read about the ethical use of images in media, discuss recent controversial photos, and look at online...
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Healthcare Reform Lessons
Lesson plans about healthcare reform can help students get a better sense of the issues, and people involved.
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Faith-Based Initiatives: Separation of Church and State
Students examine the role of religion in everyday life. In this religion and ethics lesson, students investigate the use of government funds to support faith-based initiatives. The lesson calls for students to conduct research, watch...