Albert Shanker Institute
Dream Under Development
As part of their study of the 1963 March on Washington, class members do a side-by-side comparison of the original text of Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream Speech" with a transcript of the speech he delivered. The take away from the...
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Citizenship and the Constitution
Students identify government officials and resources on a local, state and national level. They determine the structure of local, state, and national governments.
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The Adarand Case: Affirmative Action and Equal Protection
Eleventh graders examine the Adarand case. In this American Government lesson, 11th graders create a list of reasons for each affirmative action program. Students develop a defense on certain issues and present it to the...
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Schools look for funding solutions
Students investigate the problem of funding for the school district. They conduct interviews with various school officials to gather both opinions and important information about the issue.
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Oral Arguments Online
Middle schoolers participate in their own mock oral arguments. They create their own opinions and discuss any opposing opinions. They write their own opinion for a case to end the lesson.
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Can I Have a Jury Trial?
Students examine the difference between a jury trial and a bench trial. They discuss any protections that the Indiana and United States Constitution offers its citizens. They use the internet to research any current press of jury trials.
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Follow the Leader
Students examine the roles of national leaders and the three branches of government and their duties. They view and discuss the images on the South Dakota Quarter Reverse transparency, complete a worksheet, and create a mobile of the...
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A Delicate Balance
Students reflect on racial balance in their own schools, debate merits of policies that seek to create and maintain school racial diversity, and write essays on whether their school should promote racial balance.
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Twelve Angry Men: Trial by Jury as a Right and as a Political Institution
Students explore the constitutional guarantee of the right to trial by jury. In this U. S. Constitution lesson, students read or view Twelve Angry Men and respond to discussion questions regarding the jury. Students examine the...
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Cartoons for the Classroom: Symbolism, Octopus
In this current events worksheet, students analyze political cartoons regarding the symbolism of the octopus and respond to 3 talking point questions.
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The 1955 Flood and Its Changes
Seventh graders explore Connecticut history. In this 1955 flood lesson plan, 7th graders compare maps of Putnam, CT before and after the flood. Students also read eyewitness accounts in order to prepare for a debate about the Thompson Dam.
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Re-Examining Brown
Students explore and describe the impact of segregation on African Americans and other non-white minorities. In this segregation lesson students identify, research and report on the legal cases that led to the Brown vs. Board of...
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Interpreting Primary Sources: Letters
In this primary source analysis worksheet, students examine letters and respond to 8 short answer questions regarding their content.
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Latinos and the Fourteenth Amendment: A Primary Source Document Activity
Eighth graders explore the effect of the Fourteenth Amendment. In this US History lesson, 8th graders read and analyze primary source documents. Students write a three minute paper demonstrating their understanding of the...
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Ban on Same-Sex Marriage: Does it Violate 'Due Process' and 'Equal Protection'?
Learners examine due process and equal protection. In this current events lesson, students read the provided article, "Due Process and Equal Protection for Gays and Lesbians." Learners respond to the provided discussion questions and...
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Separate is Not Equal
Students use political cartoons and editorials to study Brown v. Board of Education. In this Brown v. Board of Education lesson, students read the background information on eight cartoons and editorials for a study on Brown v....
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Democratic Village Elections in China: Comparing Governments of China and the United States
Students explore democratic practices in China. In this global studies lesson, students compare and contrast democratic values of the Chinese government with the American government. Students read provided articles and conduct their...
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Chapter 28 – The 1980s
In this U.S. history worksheet, students read assigned textbook pages describing 1980's America and respond to 49 short answer questions.
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Limits of Power
Students examine the importance of limiting power in governments. In this government instructional activity, students investigate the importance of placing limits on government by looking at the US Constitution. They look at ways that...
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Issues in Public Education During the Kentucky Civil Rights Era
Students conduct oral history interviews and research historical and contemporary media articles about multiculturalism and diversity.
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The Living Constitution
Tenth graders explore the Constitution as a "living document." After reading three specific cases, learners consider characteristics that make up a living document. In groups, they conduct guided research on each case. Pupils write a...
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3 Branches of Governement
Sixth graders use the "Making the Grade" books, citizenship packets, and the "Ben's Guide" website to create a poster and a report on their assigned government branch. They then present their poster and report to their classmates.
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Re-Examining Brown
Students identify, research, and report on the people, legal cases and conditions that led to the landmark case, Brown v. Board of Education. They role-play various people from the era preceding 1954.
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Before and After the Summit
Students review their role in the Youth Summit. As a class, they practice completing an application for the student-delegate portion. They take a survey before and after going to the summit and report their experiences at the class.