James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation
Those "Other Rights:" The Constitution and Slavery
Did the United States Constitution uphold the institution of slavery, or did it help to destroy it? Young historians study Article 4, Section 2, Clause 3 of the Constitution and evaluate the rights of slaveowners as they compared to or...
Administrative Office of the US Courts
Nomination Process
"I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States..." Scholars investigate the nomination process of Supreme Court justices when assuming office. Through examination of primary and secondary...
ProCon
Illegal Immigration
Should immigrants who illegally reside in the United States be eligible for citizenship? With information about undocumented immigrant population estimates, sanctuary cities, and unaccompanied immigrant children, pupils consider the pros...
Curated OER
Using Aphorisms to Help Dealing with People
Here's a formal plan for what many effective teachers already do: Provide a week's worth of aphorisms and have learners choose one to write about in their journals each day. They reflect on the meaning of each aphorism and project how it...
Curated OER
The Minor Parties
Help to increase the knowledge of your future (or current) voters with this quiz about minor parties. By matching various minor parties, both historical and contemporary, students can become better-informed about the entirety of American...
Curated OER
Baseball Anyone
Students explore the change in values from the 1920's to the present. In groups, students use the internet to analyze Pete Rose and gambling in sports. The 1919 scandal of the World Series is explored and discussed by students. They...
Curated OER
FBI Counts Mosques
Students research the term "racial profiling to help decide if this directive fits in that category. Students explore the reaction of each side and the pros and cons each offers. Students Prepare a debate with one side supporting the FBI...
Shmoop
ELA.CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.1
If you need an introduction to skill W.9-10.1 for writing, then you’re off to a good start here. Included is a funny script that introduces what the students need to know to conquer the skill. It also provides an introduction activity...
Curated OER
Swift Response
Young scholars examine how matters of national security affect the press' ability to practice free speech. They read and discuss an article regarding the Swift program, discuss opinions about patriotism and the press, and write a letter...
Curated OER
Recommended Reading?
Students examine and defend various positions in the argument over a book ban in the Miami-Dade school system and then write a letter to the Miami-Dade school board expressing their opinion about the issues raised in the debate.
Curated OER
Power of Persuasion
Teaching students about persuasion can be a fun experience that involves writing, PowerPoint presentations, and vocabulary building.
Curated OER
Languages in a Globalized World
Students explore language changes that may occur in a globalized world. In this language instructional activity, students read the linked articles about globalization and the protection of languages. Students also examine statistics and...
Curated OER
Whitewashing History
Young scholars revisit issues of civil rights in the U.S. They use the recent national discussion of retiring Senator Strom Thurmond's 1948 Dixiecrat Presidential campaign as a starting point.
Curated OER
Reconsidering Malcolm X
Students analyze the strategies and speeches of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr.
Curated OER
Globalization: Darfur
Students examine the conflict in Darfur. In this global studies activity, students listen to their instructor present a lecture about how history, geopolitics, and international law have contributed to the conflict. Students read a case...
Curated OER
An Exploration of Impressonist Painting With Edouard Manet
Edouard Manet was an artist whose life and work provides a wealth of educational opportunities for students.
Curated OER
How To Save a Life
Pupils examine their own beliefs about the morality of capital punishment through a "where you stand" activity. They explore economic arguments about the costs, benefits and morality of capital punishments by reading and discussing the...
Curated OER
Constitutional Issues: The Separation of Powers
Students research and stage a debate on the question: RESOLVED that the Constitution should be amended to provide for a parliamentary system of government. They debate if a parliamentary system of government might be better.
Curated OER
Staying Safe on the Job
Students share their opinions about the rights and responsibilities of employees, businesses and the government in maintaining a safe work environment. They prepare arguments supporting their assigned positions concerning workplace...
Curated OER
Men in Space: From Goddard to Armstrong
Students view "Men in Space: From Goddard to Armstrong," taking a examine the the extraordinary lives of the men who conquered space.
Curated OER
What's A Pest?
High schoolers examine the common characteristics of household and lawn pests. They discover the life cycles of the pests. They also learn different ways to control the pests.
Curated OER
Wikiality
Students explore Wikipedia and explore the false information that appears on the site. They research and discuss the potential pitfalls of using Wikipedia and examine the ease with which false or misleading information appears on the...
Curated OER
Hoosier Soldiers and the Emancipation Proclamation
Eighth graders examine the impact of Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation through the eyes of Indiana soldiers. In this American Civil War lesson plan, 8th graders read the proclamation and then students write essays that included letters...
Curated OER
The Nuclear Option
Students explore the history behind judicial nominations as well as the filibuster process. They discuss and debate filibuster merits and detractions, its use and alleged misuse, and what some Congressional leaders are currently doing...