Curated OER
Andrew Jackson and the Use of Martial Law and the Suspension of Habeas Corpus
Learners explore the use of martial law at the Battle of New Orleans. In this Andrew Jackson lesson, students analyze primary documents pertaining to the move by Jackson to use martial law in the battle. Learners then consider situations...
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Secretary of State Powell
Students study the life of Colin Powell who was Secretary of State during President Bush's first term. They investigate the workings of the US State Department by researching a number of websites.
Curated OER
Leaders in a Media Age
Students identify ways in which the president can use various media to communicate his messages and intent. They demonstrate ways in which the news media can create public opinion.
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Behind the Scenes: The Executive Response to 9/11
Students examine the actions of the executive branch following the September 11th terrorist attacks. In this U.S. government lesson, students watch segments of a video titled "Behind the Scenes: The Executive Response to 9/11." Students...
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Discussion-Activity: An Election Primer
Students research and discuss the 2000 presidential election. They role-play Al Gore's and George W. Bush's legal teams, and members of the Florida Supreme Court. They of each legal team present their arguments to the Supreme Court.
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The View
Students explore the structure and purpose of Op-Ed pieces in the newspaper. They then write Op-Eds from the perspectives of United States presidents on important issues of their day.
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Case Study of a Campaign
Learners read a case study of one campaign to discover how political campaigns addresses the needs of the voters. In groups, they answer questions related to the case and discuss how the commercials affect society as a whole. They use...
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Superhero Science
Young scientist explore the various positions in the debate on stem cell research and then discuss these perspectives before formulating their own positions. They must research the topic and beliefs that others have. They will also look...
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You've Got Spam
What is spam mail? Discuss examples of spam mail and read about the "Can Spam Act." After reading the New York Times article attached, brainstorm why the act hasn't had much impact yet. Several discussion questions are listed.
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How are People Portrayed by Different Media?
Your 9th - 12th graders can hone their analysis and critical thinking skills by studying the way a subject is portrayed across media types. They examine how various print, visual, and online sources have portrayed key players in the 9/11...
Student Handouts
Foreign Affairs
Inform your class about foreign policy during the Reagan administration. The resource includes a reading passage that gives an overview of foreign policy decisions made during the Reagan administration and nine questions for pupils to...
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Debating Our Destiny
Learners participate in debates related to the history of the United States. In groups, they research their opinion on the purpose of debates and how a debater's posture affect the outcome of the debates. They identify the political...
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Sunken Millions for People in our Past
This multiple choice review covers famous historical figures from all walks of life. each slide has a scoring set up in the corner which assumes two teams and allows for hints and lifelines etc. but it is not clear how to use this...
PBS
The Big Picture-Economic Security in the Country and your Community
High schoolers explore economic security at the local and national level during the time period preceding the 2008 presidential election. They fill out surveys on their thoughts and concerns regarding the US economy, and watch...
American Press Institute
In the Newsroom: The Fairness Formula
Reporting the news is easy, right? Think again! Show young scholars the difficult choices journalists make every day through a lesson that includes reading, writing, and discussion elements. Individuals compare the language and sources...
Smithsonian Institution
New American Roles
America has dealt with its fair share of hardships in contemporary history. The resource discusses the events of the Gulf War, September 11th, the Afghanistan War, and The Iraq War. Scholars click on artifacts to learn more information,...
Constitutional Rights Foundation
Federal Policy and Immigration
How is federal policy established? To gain insight into this complex and often messy process, class members read an article that uses information on attempts to establish public policy in immigration to illustrate the role proposed...
Curated OER
Using High Stakes Testing to Make Students and Schools Accountable for Learning
Students conduct an informal survey about their views on high stakes testing and use basic computation skills to evaluate results as a group. They participate in activities related to high stakes testing and "No Child Left Behind"...
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All Aboard The Campaign Train!
Young scholars explore campaign politics. For this political campaign lesson, students investigate multimedia sources in order to examine the structure of political parties and platforms from previous presidential elections. Young...
National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science
To Boldly Go, or Not
Here is a different way to combine social studies and science. Have your high schoolers read a passage about the 2004 vision for space exploration and then discuss the practicality, costs, and reasons for returning to the moon. Then, the...
Curated OER
On the Home Front
Students list specific actions taken on the home front by non-combatants during World War II, discuss ways students have been and can be involved in a home front war effort, and analyze war posters.
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United Nations: What It Does for Us
Fifth graders will understand what the United Nations Organization does and will be able to identify the aims and purposes of the United Nations. They recognize the seven key areas of the Millennium Declaration.
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What is Terrorism?
Spark what's sure to be an interesting discussion in your classroom by introducing the topic of terrorism. Consider the meaning of the word terrorism and examine the associated connotations with a brief introductory reading. With your...
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Weapons of War
Students discuss how American and Great Britian attacked Afghanistan after September 11. They analyze different types of aircraft, missiles, and munitiions used in the attacks in Afghanistan.