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An Appointment to Remember
Young scholars examine the arguments for and against President Bush's recess appointment of John R. Bolton as the United States ambassador to the United Nations and debate the appointment. They write letters to Mr. Bush expressing their...
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The Science of Aging
Students reflect on the lives of older people they know, then research and debate the key issues surrounding scientific experimentation in anti-aging. They write a short story that reflects their own philosophical beliefs on aging and...
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Law School vs. School Laws
Students discuss the military's "Don't ask, don't tell" policy regarding sexual orientation and restage the debate leading up to the recent decision in Rumsfeld v. FAIR. They write essays evaluating the merits of the decision.
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The Cold War: Civil Defense or Nuclear Disarmament?
Students research the positions of civil defense and nuclear disarmament during the Cold War era. They participate in a class debate to support a given position.
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In Harm's Way: Natural Disasters in My Community
Eleventh graders research and debate natural disasters that have occurred in their community. They assess whether these natural disasters were avoidable or were accidents. They investigate the extent of insurance coverage for disasters.
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Plight or Progress?
Students read an online article to study the positive and negative aspects of nuclear energy, biotechnology, and nanotechnology. They conduct a debate on technology of the future.
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A Delicate Balance
Students reflect on racial balance in their own schools, debate merits of policies that seek to create and maintain school racial diversity, and write essays on whether their school should promote racial balance.
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The Rules of the Game
Students debate whether college athletes should be held to a higher behavioral standard than non-athletes. Students determine whether behavior outside of school should be punishable by university administration, then write letters to the...
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Storytellers: Pearl Jam
Young scholars examine the concept of freedom of speech as it applies to music. They watch and discuss the video, "VH1 Storytellers: Pearl Jam," participate in a class discussion about free speech, conduct research, and conduct a debate.
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The Sleeping Mountain
Students conduct research on the activity of Mammoth Mountain, a volcano in California. They role-play as townspeople whose lives and livelihoods are endangered by an active volcano that may or may not erupt in the near future. They...
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A Golden Opportunity for Science
Young scholars participate in a varity of activities surrounding "gold." They explore the science, myths, and legends about gold and conduct a debate over the environmental problems created by gold mining in a small small mining town.
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SeaWorld: Education, Entertainment, or Exploitation?
Students discuss SeaWorld, research marine animal biology, investigate one animal currently collected by SeaWorld, and decide whether they oppose or support SeaWorld's collection policy. Students then gather information relating to...
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Built to Last
Students explore architectural elements of ancient buildings. In groups, they research famous structures. Students write an opinion paper examining the debate over whether or not ancient monuments should be maintained or rebuilt after a...
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The Down Low Talk Show
Students examine popular fashion trends and their personal tastes in clothing styles. They explore the legislation and controversy over wearing pants too low by reading and discussing the article "Are Your Jeans Sagging? Go Directly to...
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Electing a president
Young scholars create a list of characteristics of a president and reach consensus about the most important qualities. For this electing a President lesson, students work in groups to choose the most important traits of a president and...
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A Campfire Conversation
Students examine point of view as it relates to public issues. In this point of view lesson, students become familiar with the point of view of John Muir and Theodore Roosevelt about the wilderness. Students debate if the wilderness...
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Legislation: Passing a Bill in the Senate
Students debate a bill. In this Senate lesson plan, students investigate the steps of the House of Representatives when amending a bill that has passed. Students role-play law-making.
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Low Birthweight Infants
Ninth graders examine why there is a low birth-weight in infants. In this Social Studies instructional activity, 9th graders read articles on the low birth weight. Students debate the different strategies to help combat low birth weight.
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The Height of Diplomacy
Students explore issues that might be discussed at the G8 summit meeting hosted by the U.S. after reading and discussing the article "World Leaders Get a Glimpse of America's High Life" from The New York Times. Students work in groups...
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The Controversy Over Hate Crimes
Eleventh graders explore academic controversy. In this Law lesson, 11th graders conduct a debate on hate crimes. Students research their controversial issue and present their findings to their class.
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Making Good Decisions
Students analyze the consequences that result from their choices. In this good decision-making instructional activity, students listen to an article in the "Little Planet Times" and complete the associated worksheet. They participate in...
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Compassion on Death Row?
Learners analyze and debate, through writing and discussion, the politics and ethics behind the ability of governors to grant clemency to inmates sentenced to the death penalty.
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Freedom of Hate Speech?
Students, using a New York Times article as a springboard for discussion, investigate and debate the complex issues of First Amendments Rights and censorship for Hate Groups using Websites for propaganda.
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Calling Names
Students explore how language shapes debate by researching the names and tags both advocates and opponents use when discussing a topical issue. For homework, they create name collages and write prose poems.