Curated OER
Learning about Interest Group Politics
Students identify and interpret major interest groups and think tanks of the government. Students evaluate, record, and discuss the viewpoints of guests on the News Hour. Students select several Web-based transcripts of interviews,...
Curated OER
Making Public Policy
Eighth graders examine a Legislative website to view the biography of a member and a map of the district that the member represents. They are then visited by the member who engages students in a discussion about how legislators make...
Curated OER
House Bill No. 4097
Students identify healthy and unhealthy foods while considering a bill that would ban certain foods in schools. Through survey and discussion, they discuss a proposed legislative bill that would ban certain types of food in schools....
Curated OER
Citizen Involvement Action Plan
Learners create an action plan based on their research of a public policy issue. Working in small groups, they discuss a public policy issue and research possible solution within certain guidelines. After completing their plan, they...
Curated OER
Growing Pains
Students comprehend the process of working within a commission engaged in examining public policy. They use a simulated commission that has been charged with the task of making recommedations for dealing with issues surrounding sprawl.
Curated OER
Analyzing Public Policy Options
Middle schoolers discuss what is meant by the term "public policy". In groups, they use the internet to research a specific public policy issue affecting Fairfax County, Virginia. They analyze and report their findings of the...
Curated OER
Analyzing Public Policy Opinions
Middle schoolers brainstorm a list of the major issues affecting Fairfax County, Virginia. Using the internet, they choose one topic to research in depth. To end the instructional activity, they analyze the effectiveness of an actual...
Curated OER
Influencing the Agenda: The Impact of Interest Groups on Public Policy
Pupils define the terms "interest groups" and "public policy". In groups, they discuss the ways in which interest groups can have an effect on how a Board member votes. Using examples, they discover the effectiveness of interest groups...
Curated OER
Public Policy Analysis
Students read an article about a pressing public policy issue. Using the text, they identify the themes, facts and ideas presented and develop an argument supporting or disagreeing with the position of the author. In groups, they...
Curated OER
Making Laws
Students list examples of how laws have impacted their daily lives, and describe how legislators debate, discuss, and pass into law public policies that affect individuals and society.
Curated OER
Influencing Public Policy
Students read the local newspaper, identify a currrent community issue and develop plans to influence the formation, development, and implementation of a policy to affect the issue. They write a biography about someone who has influenced...
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Career Profile: Political Scientist
Find out the many opportunities for someone interested in a career in political science. Political scientists are involved in govermental decisions in many areas, including health care, foreign policy, and public policy. Read an...
Econoclass
Econoclass: The Law of Unintended Consequences
In this series of short "headlines", each has a direct goal, but each also has an unintended externality or spillover.
![The Relevance of Adam Smith [Pdf] Article](http://content.lessonplanet.com/resources/thumbnails/410036/large/bwluav9tywdpy2symdiwmduymc0zmjqxnc13odhtc2quanbn.jpg?1589984963 "The Relevance of Adam Smith [Pdf] Article")
Other
The Relevance of Adam Smith [Pdf]
Two hundred years after "The Wealth of Nations," this writer describes the continuing impact of Adam Smith's theories. Requires Adobe Reader.
PBS
Pbs Frontline: The Alternative Fix
Investigate the expanding industry of alternative medicine, pondering whether this is good medicine or just good business. Analyze the role of government in regulating the industry, and explore alternative treatments and therapies...
Econoclass
Econoclass: Using Economics to Save Lives
This activity presents young scholars with the challenge of saving lives through public policy. A cost-benefit analysis of current programs and potential policies will be used.
Other
League of Women Voters
This resource provides information about important issues, relating towards female voters.
Other
Gettysburg College: The Eisenhower Institute
Review articles regarding current topics on public policy and the development of strong leaders.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Centers for Disease Control: Science Ambassador Fellowship: Lesson Plans
This site gives many lesson plans for teaching middle and high school students about current and relevant science topics like autism, ADHD, Diabetes, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, birth defects, genetics, and more. The lessons are based on...
Choices Program, Brown University
Choices: Teaching With the News: The u.s. Role in the World
In this lesson, students will debate the questions of America's role in the world, what issues are of most concern to us, and what kind of world do we want in the 21st century? Note: Video content may not load in archived version.
Center For Civic Education
Center for Civic Education: Project Citizen
This project is intended to help students learn how to express their opinions, and how to decide which level of government and which agency is most appropriate for dealing with a problem they identify. They then gather relevant...
Pennsylvania State University
Pennsylvania State University: Votes
This site from Pennsylvania State University is a well-developed simulation of a political campaign, containing political information and definitions.
Other
National Association of Manufacturers: Home Page
This site is the home page of the National Association of Manufacturers and is a great starting point to learn more about modern manufacturing.