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The President's Role and Succession
Fourth graders examine the role the President of the United States plays in American government and the order of succession of cabinet members. They explain about presidential qualifications and the path to becoming President.
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The Mayflower Compact
Learners explore the concept of social contracts. In this Mayflower Compact lesson, students read handouts regarding the compact and participate in a classroom activity that requires them to author a social contract.
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The First Amendment
Students examine the freedoms and rights guaranteed by the First Amendment. In this Bill of Rights lesson, students review court cases and create a collage that require them to consider the right they are guaranteed by the First Amendment.
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Cold War Conflicts
Students participate in extensive discussion about the Cold War and then analyze and express their opinions (at least one for each of the 3 questions) posting them to a discussion board.
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Analyzing a Science Fiction Movie
Fourth graders watch the movie "Contact" and write a review. They discuss in their review how scientists deal with technological problems, the movie's connections to the nature of science and how technology affects science. They share...
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Writing a Social Studies Essay
In this social studies essay worksheet, students follow the provided steps listed in the graphic organizer to write their own social studies essays. Students also read a sample essay about the U.S. government.
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The U.S. Role in the World
Students examine the presence of the United States in the world. In this global issues lesson plan, students read "The U.S. Role in a Changing World," and debate the role of the U.S. at the current juncture in history.
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The Impact of Disease on Our Lives
Students write a report about infectious diseases where they demonstrate their understanding of new terminology. In this writing lesson, students analyze the effect of disease in their lives and and make scientific inquiry about the...
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A Nation's Voice
Young scholars research the Constitution and the War Powers Act in order to determine what the powers of the government are in times of conflict. They answer a series of questions then write a legal brief either supporting or condemning...
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Opposing Views on the Vietnam War
Students analyze the feelings of Americans regarding the Vietnam War. For this Vietnam War lesson, students collaborate to research Internet and print sources regarding the perspectives on U.S. involvement in the war. Students...
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Citizen Participation
High schoolers compare and contrast political parties and interest groups. They examine the role citizens play in how to improve the community. They develop a survey to determine the needs and services opportunities in their community.
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Thomas Jefferson on the Sedition Act
Students research and cite arguments Jefferson used in objecting to the Sedition Act. They discuss Jefferson's opinion on how constitutional questions about the Sedition Act could be resolved.
National Endowment for the Humanities
Lesson 2: The Debate in Congress on the Sedition Act
Pupils research and discuss the provisions in the Constitution that supported the arguments for and against the Sedition Act. They articulate objections to and arguments in favor of the Sedition Act.
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The Duties of Governments: Dix vs. Pierce
Students examine the role of Dorothea Dix on behalf of people with disabilities. They discuss President Pierce's veto of legislation she helped create. They address the rights and responsibilities of citizen's and the role of government.
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Friday Forum
Learners research controversial issues and formulate their own opinion. They defend their position with supporting data and evaluate arguments from opposing viewpoints. They present their stand both verbally and in the written form.
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A Woman's Crusade: Dorothea Dix
Pupils examine the life and reform efforts of Dorothea Dix on behalf of people with disabilities. They also examine the role of women in the 1840s and 1850s. They discover different sources of examples of citizen's rights.
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"The Nation's Playground": A Matter of Perspective - A Hearing
Learners watch a video and role play the development of a luxury hotel and how it effects the various groups in Maine. They write an editorial for a local newspaper expressing their individual opinions about the project.
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Dorothea Dix: Reform in Massachusetts
Pupils examine the life and reform efforts of Dorothea Dix on behalf of people with disabilities. They discover how her efforts resulted in the passage of legislation. They also examine the care people with disabilities receive.
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Out of Sight, Out of Mind
Students examine conditions at state mental hospitals after World War II. They examine the treatment of patients and how to evaluate the credibility of sources. They write a short essay to complete the lesson.
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Exploring Air Issues
Students collects survey data from their community on air pollution. In this environmental science lesson, students consider the opinion of the community on air pollution and create a plan to reduce it. Students plan on creating a...
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Store Wars: When Wal-Mart Comes to Town
High schoolers watch video clips about the effects of Wal-Mart coming to towns. They develop a cost-benefit analysis related to the proposed store. They write their mayor listing their recommendation for the new store.
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Store Wars: When Wal-Mart Comes to Town
Students research the impact of Big-Box Stores on local merchants and government. They view the program, "STORE WARS," and discuss the role big-box stores play in their lives. They complete an information form.
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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...
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Freedom from Oppression
Students investigate instances of genocide and role play as reporters writing news stories and editorials.