Curated OER
US Patriot Act: Security vs. Privacy
High schoolers use readings, worksheets and discussion to explore the ramifications of the US Patriot Act which was passed by Congress shortly after September 11th. They review Constitutional Amendments and consider how they relate to...
Curated OER
Create Your Own Constitution
Eighth graders explore the processes, purpose and components of a good and just constitution. They focus on the Constitution of the United States of America. Students discuss the purpose of a constitution and reasons why the Constitution...
BBC
Crime: Justice
Are the juvenile courts fair? Learners read a bit from the classic Oliver Twist to consider how young people are treated and represented when they've been accused of a crime. They read a case study from their books, discuss children's...
Curated OER
Caught in a Net
Learners read and discuss the bycatch of the sea and the economic impact of taking bycatch away. For this bycatch lesson plan, students discuss the rights of fisherman and observe pictures of sea animals.
Curated OER
Recreating Marriage: The Same-Sex Union Debate
A debate continues regarding same-sex marriage as a constitutional right. This instructional activity requires learners to define marriage then formulate an argument that reconstructs the national debate perspectives. Many standards are...
James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation
A Deliberate, Palpable and Dangerous Exercise of Other Powers: James Madison & Homeland Security
This resource uses primary source documents to explore the First Amendment. After reviewing key events of the 1790s, government or US history classes explore Madison's letter to Jefferson regarding the Alien and Sedition Acts. They then...
Curated OER
Exploring the 1981 United Nations Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief
Students are introduced to the United Nations Declaraion on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerence and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief. Using the document, they discuss issues raised about the source of rights linked...
Curated OER
Landmines on Trial
Students engage in a discussion of both sides of the arms trade and landmine ban argument. They gain a broader understanding of the impact of landmines on human rights and development. They introduce solutions to the landmine issue.
Curated OER
Debating the Control of Scarce Resources
Students examine the issue of government versus private sector control of natural resources. They read an article, evaluate the need for international law governing resource allocation, and participate in a class debate.
Curated OER
Act of Sabotage?
Students examine animal cruelty laws in Great Britain. In this health lesson, students visit selected websites to research animal cruelty laws as they consider animal rights and hunting rights.
Curated OER
Social Responsibility Need - Versus - Greed
Students look at situations where people's rights have been infringed. They stimulate thought and action regarding use of our resources and respecting diversity. They respect those who have different beliefs/customs and appreciate...
Curated OER
The Ultimate Punishment
High schoolers discover information about the death penalty debate. They explore the history of the death penalty and how it has changed over time. They examine supporting and opposing viewpoints of the issue.
Curated OER
Simulating a Middle East Peace Summit
Tenth graders explore the issues in the Middle East. In this World History lesson plan, 10th graders research the problems between Palestine and Israel. Students write a speech on their point of view of the peace process.
Curated OER
McMUN Model United Nations
If you have been searching for a plan to run a model U.N. simulation, this plan provides some bare bones for your lesson. Scholars break into blocs to research and discuss global issues and come up with collaborative solutions. In their...
Curated OER
Mock Standing Committee
Students participate in standing committees to explore controversial issues. They research the issue in order to develop a perspective on the topic.
Curated OER
World War II Alien Enemy Control Program
Students review the history and language of the Alien Enemies Act, the meaning of writs of habeas corpus, and the various amendments to the Constitution covering issues of due process. They know how national security measures collide...
Curated OER
Discussion Guide: Grades 9-12
High schoolers discover that wars and human rights abuses are going on around the world every day. They discuss how the media decide what should be covered and what should not?
Curated OER
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.
Curated OER
The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle: KWHL
After completing the 11th chapter of The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi, take part in a KWHL chart driven by the question,When is it appropriate and admirable to defy authority? Focusing on codes of conduct,...
Curated OER
ZIP: A One-Act Play
Students review amendments of the Constitution relating to due process. They discuss the Constitution in the case of Eberhard "Zip" Fuhr. They research the provisions of the WWII Alien Enemy Control Program. They determine how national...
Curated OER
Earth Ethics: Moral Puralism
Students analyze an environmental policy decision. Students describe the difference between consequence-based and duty-based ethics. Students argue the case for giving standing or consideration to values other than those of human...
Curated OER
Censorship in the Classroom: Understanding Controversial Issues
Students examine propaganda and media bias and explore a variety of banned and challenged books. Following this, students choose a side of the censorship issue and support their position by developing an ad campaign about the banned book...
Curated OER
The World in Our Food
Students explore the history of ingredients in one of the recipes they prepare in class. They examine where each ingredient is produced and under what conditions. In addition, they brainstorm alternatives that are environmentally...
Curated OER
Freedom of the Press Around the World
Students research press freedoms in various countries such as Iran and North Korea. They create a freedom of the press report card for the countries examined.