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It's In Your Pocket
Students examine federal powers. In this U.S. Constitution lesson, students explore the powers of Congress to coin money. Students also study the meaning of the symbols on U.S. coins.
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Roe v. Wade: A History of Controversy
Students research what is legal now as far as abortions are concerned. Does it matter what state you live in? Does it matter how old you are? If you are a teen, does the doctor have to notify your parents? Students prepare a panel...
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Whose God?
Students investigate religious freedom in the U.S. They watch and discuss a Bill Moyers NOW video, take a Freedom of Religion quiz, write an essay, and participate in a mock trial and debate.
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Coming to America: Immigration Today
Learners research their own family histories and current U.S. immigration issues, rules, and regulations. They participate in a class discussion, watch a video about a Mexican immigrant's experience, and complete a WebQuest and a worksheet.
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Mayflower Compact
Students explore the Pilgrims and the Mayflower Compact. They practice these concepts by examining the school rules.
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Citizen Journalism
Young scholars examine the role of citizen journalism, freedom of the press, and the First Amendment. They analyze the results of an Internet survey, discuss the ethics of downloading copyrighted material on the Internet, and write a...
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Interfaith Dialogue
High schoolers explore interfaith dialogue. For this religion and ethics lesson, students examine the relationships among communities of faith as they design an interfaith association in their school community.
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Going by the Rules
Students examine George Washington's Rules of Civility. In this George Washington lesson, students investigate how rules influence people, and the roles of citizens in America. Students will discuss and reword rules and work in groups to...
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A Right to Bear Arms - One Patriot's View
Students research Samuel Adams' role in the crafting of the Second Amendment. They consider how Adams' views evolved with time and write a one-page response linking their research to current events.
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Reflections on Judicial Power - Part I
Learners research the Constitutional provision for the Judicial branch of government. They examine different U.S. founder's positions on the relative strength of the judicial branch and act as a review court for Marbury vs. Madison.
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Every Day Is Presidents' Day at the White House
Students explore the history of the White House and the role of the president. They explore the White House Historical Association website, answer questions, create a drawing of the Oval Office, and take an online quiz.
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The Art of Social Protest
Learners investigate how art and music define and unify a social movement. They decide how art and music can act as symbols of protest. They view both contemporary and historical examples of art as a tool for protest and design an art...
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Voting
Students investigate voter participation in the U.S. They watch and discuss a Bill Moyers video, complete a handout, and develop a plan to help a community overcome obstacles to voter participation.
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Resisting British Rule in America
Students examine the Sons of Liberty. In this activity on British rule, students analyze terrorism vs. patriotism through a variety of different perspectives. This activity includes instruction, assessment, Internet resources, and...
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The Decision to Americanize the War in Vietnam
Students research the major events of the Vietnam War and construct a timeline. They do the same with the presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson or the 1960's. They act as an advisor to President Johnson to recommend a course of action...
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Mock Trial
Students rewrite a traditional fairy tale to represent the viewpoint of the villain. They participate in a mock trial of that villain in which all regular court participants (judge, jury, defendant, witnesses, plaintiff, etc) play roles.
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The Legacy of the Warren Court
Students examine the major decisions by the Supreme Court when Warren was the Chief Justice. In groups, they research the life and other works of Earl Warren and discuss how ones background can influence decisions. They also examine...
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Lesson PlanThomas Jefferson's Library: Making the Case for a National Library
Students explore techniques of persuasive writing. In this persuasive writing lesson, students examine primary sources regarding the sale of Thomas Jefferson private library to Congress. Students write their own persuasive letters...
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Branches of Government
Students explore the three branches of government. In this government and U.S. history lesson, students listen to a story about a boy who attempts to sponsor a bill to ban cartoons. Students interview three teachers who each represent...
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On the Edge and Under the Gun
Students examine issues of gun control, the right to bear arms, and the overwhelming seriousness of gun related violence. They examine what can, and has been done to redress the situation using the Million Mom March as a reference point.
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The Eye of the Beholder: A Media Literacy Activity
Young scholars explore the impact the news media have on shaping perceptions and opinions in general and in their coverage of the presidential campaign.
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"You Decide" Companion Lesson
Students research capital punishment and discuss different views on the death penalty. They complete a web based activity and express how certain acts of terrorism can challenge people's views on the death penalty.
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The Chinese Expulsion Act of 1880
Students examine the Chinese Expulsion Act of 1880. For this History lesson, students explore the issues of immigration and exclusion surrounding the Chinese Expulsion Act. Students will use a variety of primary sources to write an essay...
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Rosa Parks
Students complete a variety of written and discussion activities regarding Rosa Parks and the Alabama bus boycott and how they changed an accepted way of life in America.