Social Studies School Service
“Duck and Cover” (Civil Defense)
Bert the Turtle models for viewers the 1950s Civil Defense Duck and Cover strategy that was supposed to protect citizens from a nuclear blast. After viewing the video, watchers are asked to consider the motivations of the producers of...
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Spiders Have Too Many Legs, Study Finds
Learners explore current events by answering study questions about an article. In this arachnids instructional activity, students read a recently published article which discusses the importance of spiders and their 8 legs. Learners...
PBS
Crack the Case: History's Toughest Mysteries
Young sleuths don their trench coats, tip their fedoras, and grab their notepads to investigate one of four famous unsolved mysteries. After examining multiple primary and secondary sources related to their cold case, they propose a...
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Taking to the Airwaves
Learners consider the purpose of talk radio and examine its importance in the new democratic Iraq. They enact mock talk shows based on current events and reflect on the value of free speech and the role audience members play in radio...
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The Way to Venezuela
Students investigate various facets of Venezuelan culture, politics, history and current events to develop an introductory chapter of a guidebook to the country.
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Lesson Ideas to Enrich Student Inquiry into the Holocaust
Students inquire about the Holocaust. In this Holocaust lesson, students read books and discuss their thoughts. Students also collect current event articles from newspapers. Students investigate ghettos, Pearl Harbor and Navajo Code...
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Winning Tickets
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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A Right to Bear Arms - One Patriot's View
Learners research Samuel Adams' role in the crafting of the Second Amendment. They consider how Adams' views evolved with time and write a one-page response linking their research to current events.
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Thank You Notes
Students investigate the history of presidential proclamations and develop their own Thanksgiving Proclamations, highlighting current issues and sentiments.
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Vietnam Today
Students discover the Vietnam of today. In this research skills lesson, students identify what the country is like today. Students select projects from the provided list to complete and share with their classmates.
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What's on Your Plate? Lesson 2
Students research countries of the world. In this global studies instructional activity, students discover details of cultures in the world as they become experts on selected countries. Students create posters and brochures that feature...
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Multiple Perspectives on the Korean War
Students interpret historical evidence presented in primary and secondary resources. In this Korean War lesson, students examine and analyze primary sources regarding U.S. involvement in the Korean War.
Carolina K-12
NATO: After the Cold War
Why was the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) formed, and what is its mission? Learners discuss NATO's participation in various events throughout the Cold War and work in groups to analyze whether those responses were appropriate.
National History Day
Challenging the Status Quo: Women in the World War I Military
Why are some so resistant to change? The status quo is often to blame for a lack of forward movement in society. Following the events of World War I, women in America suddenly had a voice—and were going to use it. Scholars use the...
Alabama Department of Archives and History
Beyond Birmingham, Summer 1963
The assassination of Medgar Evers. The integration of the University of Alabama. The March on Washington. The "I Have a Dream" speech. Created by the Alabama History Education Initiative, this resource examines how the events...
National Woman's History Museum
Rosie the Riveter: The Embodiment of the American Woman’s Economic and Social Awakening
Critical events force change. World War II forced a change in perceptions of and attitudes toward women. When thousands of men joined the military American factories were left shorthanded. Young historians investigate how media was used...
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Should Voting in the United States be Mandatory? Research Activity
Eighth graders research how many voters actually vote in the U.S. and nine other nations. They create a spreadsheet using this information and write a persuasive essay.
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Sudan -- Efforts to Avert Genocide in the Making
Students examine current events in Sudan and their efforts to prevent another genocide. They identify the roles of different humanitarian organizations in the area. They research the efforts to bring those accused of genocide to justice.
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The Decision to Americanize the War in Vietnam
Students research the major events of the Vietnam War and construct a timeline. They do the same with the presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson or the 1960's. They act as an advisor to President Johnson to recommend a course of action...
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Exploring the Soul of India
Students use websites to obtain information on the relationship between religion and current issues in India. They compare the information with pre-20th century India.
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Breaking News English - ESL/EFL Lesson Plan - Disability
Students complete ESL/EFL reading comprehension and vocabulary building activities. In this ESL/EFL current events lesson, students read or listen to the article "Paralysed Man Takes Hopeful First Steps," (22nd May, 2011). They work on...
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Politics in Your Own Back Yard
Students take a closer look at local government in Britain today. In this current events lesson, students visit selected websites to discover a history of county councils and neighborhood authorities. Students also research the...
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War, and Peace?
Students consider how the war in Iraq has changed life for Iraqis. In this current events lesson plan, students visit selected websites to investigate how the war has affected the citizens of Iraq and participate in a map skills game.
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Treading Lightly on Flag-Waving
Students explore the impact of world events on past Olympics as a springboard for understanding the cultural, political, and social climate surrounding the 2002 Winter Olympics after the events of September 11, 2001.