Curated OER
Creating Civic Awareness Through Artistic and Literary Forms
Interpret current events using editorial cartoons and other print media. Middle schoolers explore the meanings of literary and artistic terms such as satire, irony, and caricature. They visit internet sites to develop an understanding of...
Curated OER
Fighting Fire With Satire
Students consider satire in the news by exploring various sources of "fake news," and then creating their own political satire in the form of a skit, news article, or cartoon.
iCivics
Mini-Lesson: Presidential Succession
Who is in line for the presidency? Learners research the line of succession in the executive branch. They analyze the role the cabinet plays in a situation where the president and vice president are not able to serve. Along the way,...
Curated OER
SATIRE AND POLITICS
Students, after analyzing a satiric song written during the Prohibition era, illustrate how humor can be utilized as a political tool by writing satiric lyrics on a current political issue at the front of the news world today. They...
Curated OER
Exploring Heroism
Students examine the concept of heroism in this instructional activity, through personal reflection, group activities and a thoughtful analysis of the documentary, HEROES OF GROUND ZERO. They explore their own understanding of what it...
Curated OER
Historical Witness: Social Messaging
Learners research the effects of the Industrial Revolution through art and satire. For this Industrial Revolution lesson, students complete a Venn diagram, a symbolism study, a satire study, and complete an art activity to define the...
What So Proudly We Hail
A Lesson on Benjamin Franklin’s “Project for Moral Perfection”
Benjamin Franklin identified 13 virtues that he felt would strengthen his character if he could focus on each one. A thorough lesson explores high schoolers' personal values in the context of their lives, and compels them to strive for...
Curated OER
Manifest Destiny and Westward Expansion
Students explore the economic, political, racial, and religious roots of Manifest Destiny. They read articles and analyze how the concept influenced the nation's westward expansion. Students discover the motivations and expectations of...
Global Oneness Project
Clowning Around
Being a clown is hard work — no joke! Emmanuel Vaughan-Lee's Laugh Clown Laugh, a short film about German clown Reinhard "Filou" Harstkotte, asks viewers to consider the various roles played by clowns and to consider the implications of...
Curated OER
Carnival Celebrations: Masks and Vejigantes
Students explore Carnival. In this Puerto Rico Carnival lesson, students discover the history of the cultural celebration as well as the significance of the elaborate masks worn for the festivities. Students create their own Carnival masks.
Curated OER
Literature: Porgy and Bess
Students examine the various portrayals of African-Americans in literature, focusing on the opera, Porgy and Bess. They conduct Internet research on African-American culture between the two World Wars. Students write fictional or...
Curated OER
Animal Farm - The Rest of the Story
Young scholars participate in a reader's theater using farm animals in the novella Animal Farm. In this Animal Farm lesson plan, students evaluate interpretations using the text, personal experience, and historical events.
Curated OER
Out of the Mud
Eleventh graders explore the impact the automobile had on Iowans and their ways of life. In this technology lesson plan, 11th graders research how Iowans promoted "Good roads" and the reasons for paving roads.
Curated OER
The New Statesman (1987-1992)
Students study the work of the House of Commons and consider the importance of debate in the legislative process. They consider why politics is a popular subject for television sitcom and other formats. They explore the four main...
Curated OER
Mark Twain: Straddling the Civil War
Mark Twain's life, politics, writing, and role as a mirror of pre- and post-Civil War American culture are the focus 11th and 12th graders in this section from an expansive author study. A critical writing assignment comparing Twain to...
Curated OER
Cartoons for the Classroom: Timely vs. Timeless
In this historical events instructional activity, students analyze a political cartoon about bank failure and respond to 2 talking point questions.
Curated OER
Cartoons for the Classroom: Bushwhacked
In this historical events worksheet, students analyze political cartoons that feature caricatures of President George W. Bush. Students respond to 3 short answer questions.
Curated OER
Cartoons for the Classroom: Keep Current Through a Cartoonist's Commentary
In this current events worksheet, students analyze political cartoons about the Middle East and American domestic issues. Students respond to 4 talking point questions.