Curated OER
Gaining Perspective
Discuss race in the United States. Start by having each learner read a copy of Martin Luther King Jr's famous speech, "I Have a Dream." Then, have them read the article "Shared Prayers, Mixed Blessings" about a church in Atlanta,...
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Civil Rights Video Essay
Students investigate a decade of American history when the civil rights movement was a focus of national attention. They create a video essay about a person or event that played an important role in shaping the civil rights movement.
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Medicare Reform
High schoolers calculate how much of each paycheck is deducted into the Medicare system, explain the need for health insurance and Medicare, and work in small groups to develop their own plan to reform Medicare.
Curated OER
The Presidents Song
Remember learning to spell “encyclopedia” by singing along with Jiminy Cricket? How about using a singing exercise to learn the names of the presidents? “The Presidents Song,” includes the names, in order, from Washington to Coolidge....
Pulitzer Center
The Paradise Papers: A Lesson in Investigative Journalism
The Paradise Papers, a year-long research project from the International Consortium of Investigative Journalism (ICIJ) exposed how political leaders, business people, and wealthy individuals used offshore entities to avoid taxes and hide...
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Congressional Committees and the Legislative Process
Students consider the importance and influence of congressional committees. They research congressional committee assignments, jurisdictions and responsibilities as illustrations of the basic principles of American federalism.
Facing History and Ourselves
The Importance of a Free Press
"Congress shall make no law . . . abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press;. . ." Why is this guarantee of free speech and a free press the First Amendment to the US Constitution? Why are these rights so essential to a...
Facing History and Ourselves
How Journalists Minimize Bias
Class members are challenged to write a neutral news story about the events they observe in a short video. After sharing their stories in groups and discussing the different perceptions, the class concludes with a video of...
PBS
Making Change: Revolutionary Tactics of the Civil Rights Movement
The film American Revolutionary: The Evolution of Grace Lee Boggs introduces viewers to the differing philosophies of and strategies employed by 1960s civil rights leaders such as Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr. and the debate over...
Media Education Lab
Propaganda in Context
"Board Game Helps Fight Real World Ebola," a video produced by Voice of America, provides the text for a guided instructional activity that asks viewers to analyze the propaganda techniques used in the video. Groups then select a example...
Global Oneness Project
Far From Home
A timely and provocative lesson plan inspires high schoolers to tackle the Syrian refugee crisis. They analyze a compelling photo essay before discussing and writing about it.
Curated OER
The Elements of a Community--Who Belongs, Who Decides?
Pupils identify the elements of a community. They watch a video excerpt, complete a class web diagram, answer discussion questions, and describe the controversy from the video.
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ABC Community Walk
Students listen to several stories about cities and different types of communities. They take a walk in their city to identify unique characteristics. They create an alphabet book using people or features of their own community to go...
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Community Facts Book
Students engage in a lesson plan that is concerned with the study of a utility bill. They take part in a variety of activities in order to comprehend the parts of the bill and how charges are made. Students also take part in an online...
Curated OER
Cell Phones Create Dangers
Young scholars research what laws, if any, relate to cell phones in your state and community. Students interview local law enforcement personnel to find out if cell phones have caused accidents in your town or city. Try to get statistics...
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All Around the Neighborhood - Part 3
Second graders illustrate the roles, responsibilities, and skills of community members and write a paragraph that summarizes the importance of those roles, responsibilities, and skills. They are asked: "What is a role?" Students are...
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Philanthropy - What Is It?
Students explore the meaning of the word philanthropy and identify examples of philanthropy in their home, school and community. They design a poster to communicate the meaning and impact of philanthropy.
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I Am Who We Are
Students explore the concept of philanthropy and identify specific acts of philanthropy that have affected them personally. They plan and carry out acts of philanthropy focusing on giving back to their community.
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Funding the Arts: Art from the Heart
Students explore means by which community arts might be supported. In this "community" social studies lesson plan, students research various local non-profit organizations. Students role-play as members of the board of a philanthropic...
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Our Town
Learners discover what makes a community run smoothly by reading signs and visiting various places in their community. In this social studies lesson, small groups of students take photographs of community signs and places and then ask...
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Injustice on Our Plates: Immigrant Women
Students investigate the plight of undocumented workers. In this social justice lesson, students research undocumented workers as well as consumer boycott movements and write about their impressions.
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Caring for Others - Interview Questions
A worksheet produced by the 4-H organization challenges youngsters to consider seven questions regarding caring for others. They must choose five of the questions, then interview one of their peers by asking them the five questions. One...
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We Are All Pieces of the Puzzle
Seventh graders are shown a small puzzle. They are explained that without all the pieces, a puzzle is not complete. Students are explained that the same principle applies to the world of work. They are also explained that each person who...
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Social Studies: Micronesian Independence Day
Learners pretend that they are visiting a relative in Micronesia and compare its Independence Day with the U.S. holiday. They compare the two countries' flags while older students in grades three through five create travelogues. Younger...