Pupils view the film The Persuaders that discuss the perspective and spin of language use for a variety of issues. They discuss the career of Frank Luntz, a man that runs focus groups to determine how to advantageously phrase issues in...

Students research the history and mechanics of the Electoral College and formulate opinions as to whether this institution should be preserved, modified or eliminated. They predict future outcomes of electoral vs. popular votes.

High schoolers identify the constitutional amendments and major federal laws that have shaped suffrage in the United States.

Students study the history and mechanics of the Electoral College and formulate opinions as to whether this institution should be preserved, modified or eliminated. They compare and contrast electoral and popular votes in the...

Students write a letter to King George III from the point of view of Thomas Jefferson. They defend constitutional democracy and explain the differences between limited and unlimited government.

Students conduct oral history interviews and research historical and contemporary media articles about multiculturalism and diversity.

Third graders search TDC database for images of immigration from other countries, maps, and diaries. They identify why immigrants came to the United States and engage in a role-play simulating an experience the immigrants might have had.

Students are assigned a landmark Supreme Court case to research. They construct a one-page newsletter on the case which include a summary of the case, two pictures and a short biography on one of the justices on the Court at that time.

Students explore system of voluntary compliance, and describe taxpayers' responsibilities related to filing a tax return.

Students explain purpose of government, describe functions of government, and explain how the government impacts individuals and society.

Students examine the ethics of biotechnology and genetically modifying various organisms. They complete various activities and labs on GMOs and then write a position paper regarding their individual opinions on the subject.

Students practice their reading comprehension skills by reading about the Bill of Rights. They answer questions after reading to test their comprehension.

High schoolers investigate the case of a German ship containing Jewish refugees seeking asylum from Nazi persecution in the late 1930s. They conduct Internet research, watch a video, and role-play passengers from the St. Louis on a...

High schoolers view a video about the effects of World War II on the map of Europe. They discuss the video and answer questions. They work together to identify accomplishments that best represent American culture.

Learners create what they feel is American Culture using a video camera and capturing 5 frames. They are animating parts of a poem in small groups. They decide the set up, create movable figures, and have a music section. Each person...

Students analyze the effects of colonization. They explore the role of nationalism as a force opposed to colonialism. Students identify the important figures and events of the apartheid era.

Students identify the names and positions held by local public officials. In pairs, students research the requirements and duties needed to hold office. A brief presentation of their research will include the names and positions of...

Middle schoolers compare and contrast the colonies in British North America. As a class, they brainstorm a list of people, places and ideas associated with the Colonial Era. They discover the relationships and interactions between the...

Students explore the decision to allow African Americans enlist in the military. In teams of three to four, students debate allowing Muslim Americans to enlist in the war. Students not participating in the debate serve as legislatures....

Students engage in a lesson that focuses on the development of The Bill Of Rights in the United States. They conduct research using a variety of resources. Students two focus questions in order to guide the information search. They state...

Young scholars examine gays rights issues in the United States. In this gay marriage lesson, students investigate how people have made their cases before the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government to secure...

Students identify the heroic actions of Rosa Parks. In this African-American lesson, students read the book, Rosa Parks: My Storyand create a timeline of the events from the biography.

Students explore privacy rights. In this civics lesson, students investigate the pros and cons of proposed national identification cards as they explore provided Internet links. Students write position papers pertaining to the...

Young scholars research the case of Gordon Hirabayashi vs. the United States. They research the case by completing a timeline activity and review the charges against him. Students review the entire case and discuss it from the...