The battle over same-sex marriage is a prevalent issue in the United States, and a valuable topic to be discussed in your social studies classroom. Here is a basic outline of introductory questions, focus questions, vocabulary, and media...

What defines marriage in society? Scholars investigate the moral and legal arguments of what defines marriage. They analyze different marriage traditions and social customs around the world along with Supreme Court decisions. Individuals...

Same-sex marriage is the hot topic discussed in this New York Times article. Upper graders read the article and then answer eight comprehension questions. Note: This article is more about the Senate and legislation than about same-sex...

Young scholars explore current events by researching the topic of gay marriage. In this equal rights lesson, students define the term "marriage" and read pro and anti-gay marriage opinions and articles. Young scholars participate in an...

Young scholars examine the many rights involved in family law. In groups, they identify the laws in marriage and divorce in Washington. They discuss the reasons an annulment might be granted and how property is divided. They discover...

In this World Marriage Day learning exercise, students read or listen to a passage, then match phrases, fill in the blanks, choose the correct word, unscramble words and sentences, put sentences in order, write discussion questions and...

This activity looks at marriage and has its emphasis on personality types. Learners discuss questions relating to marriage and other relationships. they read the story "Wedding is for Love Says Britney," and "Couple Marry in World's...

Students compare and contrast forced marriages with arranged marriages. In this current events lesson, students examine legislation regarding forced marriages and then debate the forced marriage law in Britain.

In this Gay Rights activity, students read an article about gay marriage rights and answer 9 true or false questions, 9 vocabulary matching questions, and a cloze activity based on the article.

Students investigate the concepts related to increasing comprehension of types of marriages in different cultures. They conduct research using a variety of resources and create a list of important topics. Students use the information in...

Students examine the institution of marriage. In this social mores instructional activity, students discuss the impact of marriage, the single lifestyle, and divorce.

Students discuss and determine appropriate dating behaviors while planning a fun, but inexpensive date. After examining mate selection and singlehood, they define vocabulary terms. Other discussion topics include an examination of...

Students examine the practice of mail continence in Oneida. They explore the reasons behind the community's practice of limiting births. They discuss the relationship between reproductive freedom and woman's rights.

Students use video, the Internet and CD-ROM's to investigate the cultural and linguistic traditions of Quebec, Canada. They identify the reasons behind the secession from Canada movement.

Eleventh graders explain Davis's views on Southern Secession.  In this American History lesson, 11th graders read and analyze primary sources. 

Learners examine primary documents related to the burning of Chambersburg during the Civil Way. For this Civil War era history lesson, students study numerous primary documents relating to the burning of the town of Chambersburg....

Covering a unit of surnames, linguistics or the history of the English language? Then this might be a great pre-test or sponge activity for you. Test learners' knowledge of how and where certain surnames originated. As with all Fun...

Students explore common law. In this sociology lesson, students discover what constitutes common law unions in Canada and then discuss how common law relationships compare to marriages.

Students study family life. In this divorce lesson plan, students compare 2 levels of divorce and produce a set of theoretical explanations for the increase in the level of divorce in our society this century.

Students explore the suffragist, Susan B. Anthony, documents her life and era with photographs, illustrations, and interviews. It demonstates how this feminist leader simultaneously influenced events and was shaped by external forces.

Students study current news articles for the continuing practice of female infanticide in India. They discuss the devaluation of females in this country. Students brainstorm and evaluate solutions to this problem. Students design a...

Students discuss the qualities needed for a strong family and marriage and identify and compare the strengths of various ethnic families. After viewing a Powerpoint presentation on family and marriage strengths and needs, they take a...

In this Recent Trends in Family Life worksheet, students respond to eight questions with short answers. Suggested point values are provided for responses.

Students investigate the influence of political and societal forces on judicial decisions. Among the topics they examine are the selection of judges and the cause and effect relationship between politics, society, and the law. to...