Curated OER
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...
Curated OER
Debates
Students conduct research using multiple sources to support a position in a debate. They put information from multiple sources into correct debate format. Students participate in a debate arguing one position in a focused manner.
Curated OER
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.
Curated OER
History: I'm Watching You 24/7
Students examine the growth of authoritarian societies. Focusing on North Korea, they watch video clips looking for examples of totalitarianism and identify the problems there. They write letters to the editors of local newspapers...
Curated OER
Malcolm X and Race Relations
Students read sections of Malcolm X's autobiography. In groups, they create a poster which highlights the events in his life and explains his philosophy on race relations. They present their poster to the class and answer any questions...
Curated OER
What and Where is Puerto Rico?
Learners explore Puerto Rico. They create K-W-L charts of their prior knowledge of Puerto Rico and observe maps of Puerto Rico. They code the map for measurements and land and water forms. They explore websites to gain background on...
Curated OER
Focus on the Media
Learners critically examine news articles and editorials for attitudes of discrimination and prejudice. Students then complete checklist in which they analyze news reports for context, content, point of view, language, graphics, and...
Curated OER
"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.
Curated OER
Lesson Plan on Tolerance
Learners, through discussion, internet and video resources, study the history of Northern Ireland and the religious segregation between Catholics and Protestants. They evaluate the current political situation and predict what the future...
Curated OER
Who Owns The Past?
Students research the validity and legality of ownership. Through the use of primary sources, web based and print media research, students become familiar with and evaluate the varying viewpoints regarding the...
Curated OER
Issues of Asylum in the U.S.
Students consider asylum and refugee status. For this U.S. asylum lesson, students investigate the cases of Walter Polovchak and Elian Gonzalez. Students then consider the case for asylum reform.
Curated OER
Debating the bomb
Students research how the development of the atomic bomb affected people in World War II. In this American History instructional activity, students participate in a debate about the bombs use. Students investigate how it has affected...
Curated OER
A Land of Milk and Honey
Ninth graders examine the term multiculturalism. In this Cross Curricular History and Social Studies instructional activity, 9th graders analyze a video clip. Students investigate the requirements for becoming a citizen in Australia.
Curated OER
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
For this famous leaders worksheet, learners read a passage about Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and then complete a variety of in-class and homework activities to support comprehension, including partner interviews, spelling, cloze, synonym...
Curated OER
Evaluation of Election Process
Students examine the procedures to elect the President of the United States. In groups, they create their own political cartoon presenting a consensus of their point of views on the process. They identify the strengths and weaknesses...
Curated OER
The View
Students explore the structure and purpose of Op-Ed pieces in the newspaper. They then write Op-Eds from the perspectives of United States presidents on important issues of their day.
Curated OER
Perseverance
Young scholars examine how the failure of Reconstruction led to the systematic passage of Jim Crow laws in states across the South and the negative impact these laws had on the growth and development of the US.
Curated OER
The Party: Friend or Enemy of Democracy
Students recognize and appreciate the paradox between an MP being able to vote according to the wishes of their constituents and / or their conscience versus voting according to party line. The class conducts a simulated vote.
Curated OER
Motor Voter Registration Trends
Students read an article about new voter registration trends throughout the country. In groups, they identify new patterns when it comes to registering to vote and develop their own solutions to get more people registered. They present...
Vision Learning
Visionlearning: Ideas in Science: Scientific Controversy
Read to find out why controversy in science can actually be productive and help science progress.
National Endowment for the Humanities
Neh: Edsit Ement: Kennewick Man: Science and Sacred Rights
Excellent, thought-provoking lesson plan on the controversy over the remains of what is known as the Kennewick Man. Should they be considered as remains of a Native American ancestor and thus be buried or should scientists be allowed to...
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Science and Religion
A lesson using the strategy of structured academic controversy where students explore the roots of differing perspectives on evolution, In the process, they develop a deepened understanding of science and religion, and tolerance for...
University of California
Wise: The Web Based Inquiry Science Environment
[Free Registration/Login Required] Enter a place where students and teachers can examine real world current science controversies. This resource allows teachers to choose and grade a project based on their curriculum. The students can...
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Making Civics Real: Controversial Public Policy Issues
This set of lesson plans contains background information on the teacher and school featured in the one hour video Workshop 7: Controversial Public Policy Issues.