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Michigan Supreme Court
Students read articles on a hot topic (controverial topic) and prepare for a discussion on the article. They engage in forming an opinion on an important public concern and defending their opinion/position with supporting data. They...
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Harvesting the River Lesson: Commercial vs. Sport Hunting of Waterfowl: How Did One Lead to the Other?
Students investigate the environmental impact of market hunting leading to new laws and sport hunting. They conduct Internet research, and summarize their opinions on the need for and formation of public policy on waterfowl hunting.
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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Learners use an outdated budget to examine what the county spends its money on for its citizens.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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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 Using an out of date budget, they identify individual line items and the conflicts involved in making a budget work.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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E-mailing the Chamber of Commerce
Encourage effective internet research and e-mail correspondence as scholars investigate a US capital city they've never visited to find pertinent and relevant information. They begin by picking a city, then visit that city's chamber of...
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Friday Forum
Middle schoolers research a variety of controversial articles to gain knowledge. They form an opinion and defend their position with supporting data. They evaluate opposing arguments and present their viewpoint both verbally and in the...
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Protecting Our Space
Learners share opinions and information about safety issues and concerns on social networking Web sites, and develop public service announcements designed to inform their peers and parents/guardians.
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Opposing Views on the Vietnam War
Students consider opinions regarding the Vietnam War. In this Vietnam lesson plan, students compare Nixon and Johnson's policies about the war. Students also research the anti-war movements as well as the sentiments of the those how...
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Economics Concepts
Students relate economics and government policies. In this lesson, students explore the relationship between economics and government policies. They understand how the economy works and can make better decisions as it relates to the future.
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The Panic of 1837 And the Presidency of Martin Van Buren
Students analyze period political cartoons as they study the causes of the Panic of 1837. They use primary sources to evaluate President VanBuren's response to the panic and public opinion of the results of his policies. Then they...
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The Freedmen's Bureau: Success or Failure?
Students analyze causation concerning Reconstruction policy. They evaluate the success of the Freed men's Bureau concerning land distribution. They examine several documents relating to the Freedmen's Bureau's goal of providing land for...
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Education Reform
Students identify problems and potential improvements for U.S. public school education. They research and debate the pros and cons of the "No Child Left Behind Act".
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Affirmative Action
Students explore policies concerning affirmative action. After reading affirmative action handouts, students use the internet and other resources to research information about affirmative action laws, court cases, and arguments. They...
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What are the Economic Functions of Government?
Twelfth graders identify the six economic functions of government and the classify examples of government actions and policies within various economic functions. They identify and evaluate two different positions on the role of...
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Political Movements: Political parties
Students list current federal parliamentary parties, consider the role of political parties, practice party based representation, state the relationship between parties, elections and Australian policy, and define specific parliamentary...
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What do we know about Iraq?
Learners develop viewpoints on world issues and concerns. Students review facts on historical time periods. Learners compare past happenings to present situations in history. Students differentiate between various forms of ethnic...
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Growing Voters and Election 2004: Classroom Debate
Students research the issues and platforms of candidates and separate propaganda from process in order to choose a candidate to support. Students examine political parties and their contributions to shaping the foundation of the...
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Lobby Groups And Their Role In The Democratic Process
Students explain the role of the different players in the process of lobbying the government for changes in policy and or law. They select an issue of current concern and determine who their contacts would be both inside and outside of...
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Friday Forum (Day 5)
Young scholars evaluate their performance in different debates about the laws of Michigan. They write a letter to an editor of a newspaper sharing their opinions. They write journal entries as well.
Deliberating in a Democracy
Cloning
Learners explore the issues and challenges of cloning. In this cloning lesson plan, students read about how cloning affects people and the types of cloning, then they prepare a debate either for or against cloning.
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Cutting Athletics = Cutting Scholarship Chances
Young scholars identify athletic programs to be cut from school district budget, find out how many students have received college athletic scholarships in past, and interview young scholars and coaches to find out how scholarship search...
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Rural Communities Make a Difference
Students research what analysts say influenced Ohio voters in a Presidential election and discuss what that meant in the election, especially in Ohio. Students use provide Internet sources for research.
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Off to Work We Go!
Students create a book about The Great Depression in West Virginia. In this West Virginia history activity, students visit the West Virginia State Museum, answer questions about West Virginia history, and create a book entitled...
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Economic Recovery? a Comparison of Indicators for Utah And the United States Since March 2001
Students discuss key business and consumer indicators that are used to measure the health of the economy. They compare the economic recovery (from the 2001 recession) of Utah and the United States. They discuss the benefits and...