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A Test Case for Individual Rights

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Young scholars examine the different points of view regarding testing students for drug use. They then work in pairs to create and perform dialogues that flesh out two sides of the argument around this controversial issue.
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May the Force Be With(in) You

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore the characterization of heroes and their representation of the values and beliefs of the society in which they are created. They first examine the creation of the 'Star Wars' heroes and plots, and then develop their own...
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Clearing the Smoke About Cigarettes

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore the many causes and effects of cigarette smoking in order to create anti-smoking campaigns geared towards other students.
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Forever in Our Memories

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students consider reactions to various plans for building on the grounds of the World Trade Center. They explore ideas and opinions that went into creating other memorials of events in American history and propose ideas for improving...
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Love, American Style

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students examine the cultural diffusion of American popular culture around the world and create collages of visual representations of this phenomenon. Causes and effects of the cultural diffusion of American popular culture around the...
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Reign of Terror?

For Teachers 6th - 10th
Students research acts of terrorism around the world over the past thirty years to create a visual timeline of these events for the classroom.
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Carnival of Carnivores

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students research different species of meat-eating animals in their natural environments to create a Carnival of Carnivores exhibit for their classroom.
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State of Affairs

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students examine the various roles and duties of state government officials and offices to create an Informative Guide to Our State's Government. They explore the changing relationship between governor and lieutenant governor in New York.
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Treasure in the Trash

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Learners decode archaeological artifacts in order to recreate an event, using discarded objects as a model for real-life artifacts. They apply this model to reconstructing historical or literary events from artifacts they create.
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Saving Face

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students research the allegations of unfair or illegal business practices of various corporations, then create media campaigns that seek to improve the companies' images.
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Consuming History

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students research various foods as well as indigenous plants and animals from different historical eras around the world. They use their research to create a design for theme restaurants.
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Outreach in the Aftermath

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students investigate types of aid needed to help Turkey recover and rebuild in the wake of a devastating earthquake on August 17, 1999. They create a plan for a fundraiser or project that they can do to offer assistance to victims of...
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Empire State-Building

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore how empires around the globe have impacted the world in which they have existed. They analyze whether or not the United States is an imperialist nation and create their own empires based on their understanding of empires...
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Nature, Red in Tooth and Claw

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Learners explore the science and art of taxidermy, and research various biomes that could be depicted in museum displays. They synthesize their knowledge by creating dioramas that depict the diverse life forms typical of these biomes.
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Surrounded by Radiation

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore ways in which people are constantly exposed to naturally occurring and man-made sources of radiation. They create and play a board game featuring different hypothetical scenarios of radiation exposure.
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Isn't It Ionic?

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students research the properties and health risks of organic chemical solvents. They create a Safety with Solvents newsletter to share with others in their school and community.
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Phishing Tales

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students research different types of identity-theft fraud and ways to avoid falling victim to various scams. They create focused public service announcements in different media, targeted to individuals most susceptible to consumer fraud.
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Sparking History

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students create exhibits about patriotic symbols for a living museum. They write reflective essays exploring the themes and symbols of independence and their influences on social responsibility.
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My Home is Not Your Home

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students examine tension in Slovakia over issue of the rights of Romas (Gypsies). They compare and contrast situation in Slovakia to other historical examples researched in class.
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Healthy Relations

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Young scholars draw on their own experiences with health care to create educational skits to better doctor-patient relationships. For homework, they create guidelines and write recommendations for an appropriate government role.
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State of the "States"

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students consider indicators that mark a country's progress, examine how last year's State of the Union address has affected U.S. foreign policy, research issues deemed important in that speech, and create report cards assessing the...
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Winning Tickets

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Learners research background, personal interests, family history, and positions on current issues of the leading presidential and vice presidential candidates. They create unbiased presentations aimed at informing voters about...
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From the Moon to the Sun and Back Again

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students consider the aims of the space program, create posters comparing the voyages of Apollo 17 and Genesis and write response papers evaluating NASA's current mission statement.
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Turkey Soup for the Soul

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Young scholars read an article that tells how a young man turned his life around through the help of a local charity. They create inspirational scrapbooks and posters to help motivate their peers when they are facing adversity.