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Costco and Zoning
High schoolers research zoning laws in their own communities through literature, Web and interviews, identify retailers attempting to build in your community, find out what kind of outlets have been built in nearby areas, explore ways...
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Some see art, some see vandalism
Pupils find out what the laws are concerning graffiti in the community. Is it a misdemeanor, does being caught result in a fine? Jail? Community service to remove it? The information is found by interviewing key people in the community.
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Early Voting, Other Election Changes are Possible
Students use the internet and linked sites to explore current voting methods in their community. They research suggestions that have been made for changes and interview people who made these suggestions (when possible). Students suggest...
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Slip-Sliding Away... On the Way to School
Students research snow removal in their community. They survey students to find out if they are having problems with the walks on their way to school and how bad the problem is. Next, they organize the findings to present in class....
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Help the Elderly With Meals on Wheels
Pupils research the history of the Meals on Wheels program. Using the internet, they discover their community's connection with the program and other programs similar to them. They discuss options in which to help more organizations...
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Lights, Camera...Ticket...2
Students research the pros and cons of traffic light cameras that generate tickets and interview local city officials to see if they have considered this for the community. Students then prepare a panel to present the advantages and...
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Protecting your home from carbon monoxide
Students create and distribute flyers, mailings, posters in public areas to help make people aware of how to protect yourself from carbon monoxide. Students research what carbon monoxide is and what can be done to protect those in the...
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Panhandlers May Go Begging Elsewhere
Pupils research what laws affect panhandlers in the community or nearest city, what other cities do about panhandlers and businesses, and what homeless advocate groups suggest is a humane solution. Students then create a presentation for...
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Lead Poisoning A Home Health Hazard
Students read background material on lead poisoning, assessing its impact on students. They locate local sources that might contain lead-based paint. Students research what is being done in the community to alleviate the problem. They...
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I'm A Star!
Fourth graders answer questions about being responsible community member. They listen and brainstorm ideas of why it important to be responsible community members. Students are given a copy of "I'm A Star Community Member" game...
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So where CAN I dump the snow?
Students research the ordinances about dumping snow in your community. Check with city officials and even a city Web site. They find out what other cities like yours have. Is yours typical?
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All Around the Neighborhood - Part 2
Second graders review community leaders, their role and responsibility. After reviewing the job of a police officer, they write about the skills, roles and responsibilities a worker has on a provided silhouette. Students share their...
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Don't Answer That Phone!
Students research the rights of customers in private stores like Subway and the dry cleaners and the use of cell phones. Students determine what laws, if any, are related to such cell phone use and present findings to the class along...
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Cleveland May Gamble on Gambling
Pupils read articles, both pro and con, about a city proposing to approve gambling. They discuss the biases of the articles then interview parents and community members about the issue. They work in small groups to develop either a pro...
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Stories of the American Experience
Students identify a veteran to interview. This could be a family member of one of students or someone contacted through an organization in the community. They use a storyboard to plan their movie about their subject.
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The Fabric of Our World
Students discuss cultural diversity, and examine how the community reflects the cultural background of the inhabitants. They read the book, People, take a community walk, create a rainbow chart, and research other states for relocation...
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Preparing for the Possibility of Terrorists
Young scholars research the terrorist threat to the United States. They examine types of possible attacks and the best way to be prepared for each. Students disseminate information to the community. They publicize the school disaster plan.
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Cutting Down Trees
Students research what kind of problems force a city or town to decide to remove trees. Students research what controversy has occurred in other cities or towns. Students interview those responsible for such decisions in your city or...
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Eminent Domain: Whose Land is it Anyway?
Students research eminent domain and whether or not there has been a land dispute in their community. Students search local newspapers, local history books or talk with civic leaders and long-time citizens and create a chart showing the...
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Levies to Decide School Funding
Students interview the district treasurer or other financial officer to see if their school district is planning a levy and conduct other interviews to gather opinions from the community. Students then write an analysis about the...
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Workers Who Help Us At School (Part 1)
Students identify the roles and responsibilities of various school workers. They identify implications of what would happen in the school community if a school worker did not complete that role or responsibility.
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Safe In the City
Students read a news article about the most dangerous cities in the United States. In groups, they develop a plan to present to the city council to improve the situation in their own community. They examine how the media presents the...
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Condon National Bank
Use maps, readings, and photographs to analyze the historic, cultural, and social conditions surrounding the activities of the Dalton brothers and their gang. Learners identify how the residents of Coffeyville defended themselves against...
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Philanthropic Literature: Quilt to Freedom
A reading of Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt by Deborah Hopkinson launches this study of slavery, freedom, and the Underground Railroad. After a discussion of the importance of showing respect for others and of helping each other in...