Curated OER
Exposes in Different Eras: The Work of Dorothea Dix and Burton Blatt
Students discover that Dorothea Dix was the first to make the pubic aware of the terrible living conditions of people with mental illness in the 1800's. They evaluate the influence of citizen action on public policy.
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The High Cost of Chemical Dependency
Sixth graders explore, analyze and study the effect and impact that humans have on the environment based on their choices as individuals, businesses and governments. They assess the balance between human activities and aquatic pollution.
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Participatory Citizenship
Students explore U.S. politics by completing a class project. In this National policy lesson, students review and compare the National Service Act of 1990 and the Kennedy Service Act and the importance of service in the U.S.A. Students...
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Noncombatancy and the Seventh day Adventist Church
Upper graders investigate how the Seventh Day Adventists are objectors to the practice of war. The lesson covers the Civil War and examines the church's position about the practice of war. The research extends to modern wars and learners...
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German Energy Conversations
Learners identify and interpret the current German energy mix and trends, as well as to make comparisons and contrasts to that of their own country. They write a two paragraph description of including its likely position in the future...
Global Oneness Project
Rethinking the Fabrics We Wear
What are fibersheds and what what do they have to do with environmental protections? A photo essay and audio recordings about Mimi Luebbermann, and her sheep, cause consumers to reflect on how their clothing choices can support local...
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Turning the Tide on Trash: Marine Debris Curriculum
Six different lessons comprise this unit on marine debris. Science, language arts, social studies, and art projects make this an ideal interdisciplinary unit. The result will be well-informed future citizens who can help make a...
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Mexican American Labor in the U.S.
Students research the history of immigration, particularly from the perspective of Mexicans and Mexican Americans. In this Mexican American labor lesson, students research questions from the perspective of an assigned group. Students...
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School discipline includes paddling
High schoolers analyze corporal punishment, debating the pros and cons. Students investigate, collecting background information and interviewing school community members. If high schoolers disagree with the district's policy, students...
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Protecting your home from carbon monoxide
Young scholars create and distribute flyers, mailings, posters in public areas to help make people aware of how to protect yourself from carbon monoxide. Students research what carbon monoxide is and what can be done to protect those in...
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No More Traffic Jams: Lesson 3
Traffic is a very real concern for any Urban dweller. After watching a video showing various traffic issues and solutions, learners group up to discuss and develop innovative traffic solutions of their own. They explore vocabulary and...
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Stage a Debate: A Primer for Teachers (Lincoln-Douglas Debate Format)
For a comprehensive overview of debate styles and formats, look at this resource. It details the Lincoln-Douglas debate format (one-to-one debate with specific, timed rounds of points, cross-examination, and rebuttals). You can also find...
Global Oneness Project
Citizen Photojournalism
Matt Black's photo essay, "The Geography of Poverty" provides a shocking reminder of the poverty that exists in the United States. The resource not only focuses attention on poverty but also conditions that have given rise to situation...
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Tools of the Trade: The Use of Geographic Tools
Students examine the tools of demographic analysis and apply them to real-world situations. They analyze maps, define terminology, and write an information paper for the appropriate government agency to recommend an action or policy change.
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Homemade Political Parties
Use this 5-day lesson plan to clarify the platforms of the two major parties, comparing and contrasting against high schoolers' beliefs. Begin by looking at unlabeled summaries of both party platforms, having learners identify most with...
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A Brief History of Fairfax County
Young scholars brainstorm a list of things they already know about the history of Fairfax County, Virginia. After reading a primary source document, they discuss the similarities and differences between their prior knowledge and what...
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A Look At Spending
Learners use an outdated budget to examine what the county spends its money on for its citizens. Using county information, they describe how the Board of Supervisors make budget decisions and how it can shape public policy. They also...
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Fairfax County Board of Supervisors' Meeting
Students examine the role of the Board of Supervisors in Fairfax County, Virginia. In groups, they research their responsibilities to the community and role play in their own Board meeting. To end the lesson, they discuss how it can...
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The Fairfax County Budget -- A Look At Spending
Students brainstorm a list of items that should be a priority for the government to help its citizens. Using an out of date budget, they identify individual line items and the conflicts involved in making a budget work. They discuss...
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Take a Stand-On Solid Ground
Fifth graders conduct research and communicate an opinion on a public policy issue. They are required to present the issue, evaluate possible postions, and gather and organize information to support their opinion.
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What's in the Water?
Students examine the Clean Water and Safe Drinking Water Acts. Using the text, they identify examples of how the federal and state governments implement public policy. They discuss how citizens can make sure that all levels of government...
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The Great Energy Debate
Students research controversial issues surrounding the energy debate in the U.S. They role-play as stakeholders in this debate and testify to a mock congressional committee responsible for making decisions about public lands and energy...
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Dangerous Roads in Your Community
Students interview police and city officials, find out what makes these places dangerous. Students develop a plan to get the city or county or state +++ whichever is in charge of these spots to make changes that would make them safer for...
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American Presidents and Race Relations
Students discuss the policies of race relations of five presidents. They analyze primary documents to comprehend the various views and actions of five Presidents in regards to race relations. Students evaluate the influence of...