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Bench-Pressing Issues
Students examine some of the issues that may be facing the changing United States Supreme Court. With further exploration, they formulate their own opinions and deepen their awareness of these critical topics.
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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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The Violence of Ancient Rome
Students compare the violence in ancient Rome and the violence in American society today. They research and write an essay that requires comparison and contrast techniques as well as supporting personal opinions about violence in our...
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Treasures of the Silk Roads
Students examine and discuss art objects from the Silk Roads. They analyze images of artifacts, create a word map, and develop and write a short story or poem based on the slides viewed.
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Comparing Similar Themes in Art And Literature
Students view examples of Rembrandt's artistic works that include beggars and the unfortunate. They also read The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleischmann. They use a Venn diagram to compare and contrast the themes shared by each.
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Celebrating the Individuals in Our Community
Learners research, write and publish a biography on a community member. They interview the community member, collect and scan photos, produce and edit text and use software to puslish an online book.
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Documenting Where We Are
Students contribute to discussions and identify how an artist elicits a viewer's response. They use William Henry Jackson's Pawnee Indian Village, photograph and painting. After analyzing this information, students use information gained...
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Political Cartoons
Students analyze cartoons by identifying the symbols, characters and information and its significance in history. They examine the economic and political changes in contemporary America. They determine that political cartoons play an...
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The Bill of Rights Today
Students discuss the Bill of Rights and how the Bill of Rights relates to everyday life. In this Bill of Rights lesson plan, students identify and explain each amendment.
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Drawing Lesson Improves Communication Skills
Students work in pairs to improve their communication skills through a drawing activity. They draw a figure on their papers and describe to each other what was drawn.
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Becoming familiar with National Public Radio
Students listen to a National Public Radio program. They summarize the program, and write a script from a controversial newspaper article that could be a part of the NPR program they listened to.
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Sailin' Through Time...Rhode Island, The Ocean State
Fourth graders explore the history of Rhode Island. They research famous people who brought change to the state. They explore the state song, natural resources, and colonies of the state. In groups, 4th graders create a travel brochure...
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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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Governance
Learners participate in talking circles. In this self-governance lesson plan, students examine human rights from the perspective of Native Americans. Learners must set up a self-government model for the reserve described.
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Trading in the Silk Roads Cities
Students explore elements of trade along the Silk Roads by examining products of various locations along the route, production, influences of resources and environment, challenges of transportation, and economic exchange; students then...
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Pollution Solution
Students, after discussing oil pollution, generate solutions to an oil spill.
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It's Debatable!
Students examine the basic elements and vocabulary of debating. They research an issue and write a letter to the editor of the local newspaper, and role-play a Parliamentary debate on a particular bill.
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Constitution
Ninth graders simulate a U.S. Supreme Court hearing concerning a First Amendment case about school prayer by participating in a hearing.
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Introduction to the Constitution: The First Three Articles of the Constitution, Separation of Powers
High schoolers review the first three articles of the United States Constitution. In groups, they examine the three branches of government and their function. They follow the path of a bill until it becomes law and discuss Congress' role.
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Ocean Planet: Pollution Solution
Learners explore the concept of environmental stewardship. In this science activity, students investigate the impact of oil spills as they discuss historical spills. Learners use problem solving skills to brainstorm clean-up methods.
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The Debate over Guest Workers Programs
Eleventh graders examine various immigrant stories. In this American History activity, 11th graders discuss the different proposals for the guest-worker programs. Students debate this system as a whole class.
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Cartoon-Truth or Tale
Students analyze efficacy of visual representations when accompanied by narratives, explore power of suggestion from symbolism, examine how artists use color to convey messages, and research locations on Internet to comparison and contrast.
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Lesson 28: Introduction to Illinois Government
Fourth graders research and compare the United States and Illinois Governments. They play the game Who Wans To Be A Millionaire.