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Cartoons for the Classroom: Invasion of the Superdelegates
What are superdelegates? Use this political cartoon analysis handout to explore this informal term with your scholars. Background information gives brief context to help high schoolers examine the featured cartoon, and three talking...
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Local Governments Don't Do Much ... Or Do They?
Students study and explore their local government. They role play members of their City Council and various constituents as they discuss a variety of subjects typical of a city council meeting.
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Perseverance and the First Amendment
Students investigate the right to petition and assemble. In this Bill of Rights lesson, students read the First Amendment and discuss the rights guaranteed by the amendment. Students research selected groups and movements that have...
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The Second Amendment and the Right to Bear Arms
High schoolers interpret the Second Amendment. In this U.S. Constitution lesson, students examine the right to bear arms as they compare 2 Michigan Supreme Court cases and discuss their personal interpretations of the amendment.
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YOUR OWN CAMPAIGN
Twelfth graders, in groups propose a new law and design a campaign to get people to vote for their law. They have a voter's forum and hold a mock election.
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Writing Letters to Legislators
Students discuss the importance of writing to their representatives. Using the internet, they identify who their representative is and ways they can communicate with them. They review the guidelines in which they need to follow in order...
School Improvement in Maryland
United States Foreign Policy
Policies of United States government which promote or fail to promote relationships with other countries—national defense, arms control, security of other nations, trade, human rights, economic sanctions, foreign aid, etc.—come under...
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War of 1812
Eighth graders locate the major land forms and bodies of water on a map of Louisiana. In groups, they discuss the role of the Mississippi River in the Battle of New Orleans and how land and water affect the outcome of battles. To end...
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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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George Washington & Civic Virtue: The Necessary Elements of the Republic
Middle schoolers examine the character of George Washington. In this George Washington lesson plan, students read "Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior," Washington's First Inaugural Address, and his Farewell Address. Middle...
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Lobbying
Learners examine the role of lobbyists in Washington, D.C. In this Legislative Branch lesson plan, students watch video segments and read excerpts about lobbying. Learners write essays that explore the pros and cons of lobbying.
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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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Overcoming Censorship Through Art
Learners examine and discuss government-imposed censorship of art and artists' methods for counteracting censorship. They view censored artwork, write a persuasive essay, and create an art piece.
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Electoral College
Eleventh graders discover how the Electoral College works. In this presidential elections instructional activity, 11th graders compare and contrast the Electoral College and popular vote as they participate in a classroom simulation....
Facing History and Ourselves
Emmett Till: Confronting the Murder
The 1955 murder of Emmett Till is often regarded as the catalyst for the Civil Rights Movement of the 20th century. Learn more about the brutal crime—and, as many believe, the miscarriage of justice—that began a national conversation...
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Causes of the Civil War: Missouri Compromise, Compromise of 1850 and Kansas Nebraska Act
How did the Missouri Compromise, the Compromise of 1850, and the Kansas-Nebraska Act contribute to the growing tensions that led to the Civil war? To better understand the events that led to the Civil War, young historians engage in a...
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Interpreting & Verifying the News in an Era of Info Overload
Young scholars practice their critical thinking skills. In this media awareness lesson, students read articles about media overload and interpretation of media. Young scholars respond to discussion questions and discuss how...
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50th Anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education
Young scholars examine a poster of Brown v. Board of Education and discuss what the important details are. They read the story behind the poster and court case. They role play different sections of the case such as the court case or...
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Municipal Government in South Carolina
Twelfth graders complete several activities as they study and explore the three different types of municipal governments allowed in South Carolina and the types of services provided for people within these metropolitan areas.
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Understanding the Importance of the Declaration of Independence
Eighth graders examine the importance of the Declaration of Independence
by using a variety of research sources and computer technology to obtain information. They internalize the thoughts, actions, and motives of the signers of the...
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The Second Amendment and the Right to Bear Arms
Students examine procedures and processes of the Michigan Supreme Court. They explain the Second Amendment to others. They compare and contrast two cases dealing with the Second Amendment.
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Issues in Public Education During the Kentucky Civil Rights Era
Students conduct oral history interviews and research historical and contemporary media articles about multiculturalism and diversity.
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The Abolitionist Movement
Students examine the Abolitionist Movement in Delaware. In groups, they examine a petition presented to the general assembly and an anti-slavery broadside. They compare and contrast the two documents and develop their own broadside to...
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Lesson Plan: The Black Press
High schoolers examine the history of the black press. In this media awareness lesson plan, students watch videos and conduct research regarding the history of the black press in America. High schoolers explore media careers as they read...