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Lives, Fortunes, Sacred Honor
Students discover details regarding the signers of the Declaration of Independence. In this civics lesson, students read mini-biographies of some of the signers of the document. Students then create a model of one of the 10 signers.
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The Gettysburg Address
Students explore the implications of the Gettysburg Address. In this Civil War lesson, students read a handout regarding Gettysburg Address, analyze an excerpt of the speech, and complete the provided worksheet activities.
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From Arbor Day to Earth Day
Learners discuss their answers to a given set of questions regarding Earth Day and Arbor Day. They research using the internet then write a bigraphical sketch of their character.
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Child Labor in America
Learners interpret historical evidence presented in primary and secondary sources. In this child labor instructional activity, students examine the issue of child labor and determine how citizen...
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American Democracy
Twelfth graders represent a specific interest in the business community and must present a plan that benefit the community and present the least amount of danger to the community. They must convince the city fathers that their venture is...
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"I've Been Working on the Railroad" - Federal Land Grants and the Construction of the Illinois Central Railroad in Mid-nineteenth Century Illinois
Eleventh graders, in groups, design a self-sufficient community. Groups present the communities they've designed. They compare and contrast the communities presented. They research the theories of Johann Heinrich von Thunen online and...
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Equality: Are Some More Equal than Others?
Learners research a person who has been active in supporting human rights around the world. They simulate an international conference and write a newsletter focused on human rights in a specific country.
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What do we know about Iraq?
Learners develop viewpoints on world issues and concerns. Students review facts on historical time periods. Learners compare past happenings to present situations in history. Students differentiate between various forms of ethnic...
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Bill of Rights: Rights and Responsibilities
Students explore the Bill of Rights. For this U.S. Constitution lesson, students consider the individual liberties outlined in the Bill of Rights as they read the provided handouts and complete the provided worksheet activities.
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Prioritizing National Economic Goals
Eighth graders define the generally accepted list of national economic goals. They discuss the compatability/incompatibility of goals. They participate in a consensus-building exercise to rank economic goals in order of importance.
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News Coverage WWII
Students explore how Americans were affected by news coverage of World War II.
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Homemade Political Parties
Use this 5-day lesson to clarify the platforms of the two major parties, comparing and contrasting against students' beliefs. Begin by looking at unlabeled summaries of both party platforms, having learners identify most with one. Groups...
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Lessons from the Holocaust; Hitler's Germany
Students explore Nazi Germany by completing several worksheets. In this Adolf Hitler lesson, students identify Hitler's role in the holocaust, his role in the German community and his mindset. Students read the poem "The Hangman" by...
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Linking Population, Health, And Environment
Students evaluate the impact of our lifestyles on the environment and identify indicators of human impact on the environment. They explore the variation in quality of life in selected countries.
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Louisiana Purchase
Students explore U.S. territorial expansion. In this Louisiana Purchase lesson, students investigate how the purchase was funded and determine how diplomatic actions were part of the land transfer. Students analyze several primary...
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My Brother Sam is Dead: A study of the Revolutionary War
Fifth graders complete an analysis of the Revolutionary War through literature. After "My Brother Sam Is Dead," students create a time capsule containing items that would be relevant during the Revolutionary War. They identify key...
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Paul Conrad's Perspective on Civil Rights
Students review a political cartoon and discuss desegregation. In this cartoon analysis activity, 11th graders discuss the impact of a political cartoon and its relation to a Supreme Court case. Students read additional information...
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Reviewing the Election Process by NOW Classroom for PBS
Students take a closer look at presidential elections. In this election process activity, students discuss the roles of the primary, caucus, polls, Electoral College, delegates, and lobbyists in the process. Students then access the...
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Labor Pains
Fourth graders research the Chicago Haymarket Riot of 1886. They read an account of this incident and brainstorm further details they want to know. Groups of students research and present the answers to their questions.
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The Use of a Piece of Land
Students study positive and negative aspects of land use laws and zoning ordinances. They participate in a land use planning exercise using a role play activity.
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Tracing the Impact of Historical Figures
Students use the Internet to research one historical figure. Using the information they collect, they create a display and present it to the class. They complete flowchart notes and discuss how one figure can alter the course of history.
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Great Depression's Impact on Organized Labor
Students investigate that labor unions recruited more workers to join their ranks during the Depression, and speculate as to why this growth occurred when it did. They research the impact of federal legislation of the New Deal (esp. the...
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The Life of Dona Felisa Rincon De Gautier
Students identify Puerto Rico and discuss its relationship and proximity to the United States. Next, students identify significant events that occurred during Dona Felisa's term in office and how if may have affected her popularity. ...
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Creation and Interpretation of Voter Participation Graph
Ninth graders research information about voter participation in the United States based on age. They develop generalizations about voting patterns in the U.S and use Microsoft Excel to analyze the information.