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"Now and Then" Comparing Present Day with Medieval Times
Eighth graders compare a present-day social issue with a medieval issue. They use technology tools to conduct their research and demonstrate their new knowledge. Students present their findings to the class in the form of a PowerPoint.
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The Three Gorges: Should Nature or Technology Reign?
Young scholars examine the construction of the Three Gorges Dam in China. In this Three Gorges Dam activity, students research Internet sources pertaining to the dam. Young scholars discuss the geography and culture of East China as...
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Symbols: A Reaction to Their Power
Students explore the concept of symbolism. In this social studies lesson, students examine primary and secondary sources regarding the use of symbols in the past and the impact of symbols in today's culture.
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Jim Thorpe: The Greatest Athlete of the Century
Students discuss what makes a sports legend. In this Jim Thorpe activity students analyze both the triumphs and tragedies of Jim Thorpe's sports career. Students then write a letter persuading their representative to name Jim Thorpe the...
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Betrayal of Penn's Promise - The Walking Purchase
Pupils role-play the 1737 Walking Purchase. In this Pennsylvania history lesson, middle schoolers role-play the 1737 Walking Purchase and analyze its effects. Pupils also consider how it would affect their community today.
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How do we know if it’s a First Amendment Issue?
Students consider First Amendment rights. In this Bill of Rights lesson, students complete an activity guide regarding plans to build an Islamic cultural center near Ground Zero in New York City. Students respond to discussion questions...
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U.S. Expansion and the Age of Empire
In this American foreign policy worksheet, students respond to 20 essay questions about expansionism in the country during the 20th century.
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The Great Scientific Debate
Fourth graders examine scientific issues that affect the public by debating their classmates. They also write brief essays that show they have learned how to express their reasons for their pros and cons of a particular topic.
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A CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION: A SIMULATION
Pupils discuss two computerized options to change the current U.S. government. In this Constitutional Convention lesson plan, students write a statement advocating for one of the choices and participate in a mock modern Constitutional...
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the Rights of Detainees At Guantanamo Bay
Students identify the legal issues involved in the case of the detainees being held at Guantanamo Bay and surrounding the existence of the base itself. They explain the clash between civil liberties and national security during wartime.
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Different Perspectives: The Durham Report and Act of Union
Pupils research and write an essay on the "Report on the Affairs of British North America," also known as the Durham Report.
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The Origins of Islamic Law: Sharia, Islam, Muslims
Students examine the development and history of Islamic Law (Sharia). They also begin to make comparisons to Western and Judaic Law traditions.
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The Bill of Rights and the News
Learners examine current news stories and from them develop "BIG" questions related to individual and group rights. They then relate their questions to the U.S. Constitution and supreme court decisions.
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Confederation II : the Sequel
Students examine the dynamics and challenges of creating a system of government that meet the needs of a changing, diverse population, for a new country. This is a nice simulation/role play of the formation of government.
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Democracy and the Canadian Parliamentary Process
Twelfth graders organize in groups representing a dictatorship, a triumvirate, and a democracy, and defend their position on current topics facilitated by the teacher.
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Funny or Not - Your Opinion
Students interpret and judge the meaning of a political cartoon. They dicuss the cartoons in groups and write an evaluative paragraph which they present to the class.
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Why Do People Do What They Do?
Students, in groups, develop questions on topics listed on a worksheet. They compare the results with other groups.
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Corner of the Carpet
Students examine the socioeconomic conditions in Montgomery, Alabama in the late 1950's including the poverty and living condition of the blacks during this time by watching a documentary. They determine how these living conditions lead...
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The Alien and Sedition Acts
Pupils perform research in the wake of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, a debate has begun over augmented security and surveillance, versus safeguards for personal freedoms. This debate is certain to occupy our...
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Effects Of Natural Disasters On Environment
Students investigate the concept of how natural disasters effect the environment. They conduct research using a variety of resources. They are given a scenario that needs a defensive speech. Students take a position and defend it by...
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The Alternative Fix
Students explore the history of the government's involvement in medicine. They examine the popularity of alternative medicine in today's society and the dangers that some alternative medicines may pose. Students research the...
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Fundamentalism
Eighth graders explore the historical roots of fundamentalism and determine whether fundamentalism is a religion or a political ideology. They will examine different religious fundamentalist movements around the world noting any...
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Lesson Plan on Landmines
Students take a look at how landmines are being used all over the world (with specific focus on Cambodia). Students identify the physical and emotional impact of the use of landmines and how the international community is working to...