University of Minnesota
Whose Choice Is It Anyway?
Your taste buds may be saying Pepsi, but your brain is saying Coke! By analyzing experimental research, learners discover ways in which our brains impact decision making. They conclude with a discussion of neuromarketing and how it...
Orlando Shakes
West Side Story: Study Guide
Hey, enough frabbajabba about that stool pigeon, Daddy-O! Using the West Side Story study guide, scholars explore the language of the play and read about its historical associations and themes. Pupils also engage in a Spectrum of...
EngageNY
Grade 10 ELA Module 2: Unit 3, Lesson 3
What is in a word? Scholars look closely at the words from a speech by Eleanor Roosevelt. They analyze how she supports a claim without debate and without rejecting others. Learners use jigsaw discussion, guided questions, and respond to...
Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation
The Chinese Exclusion Act
As part of a study of Angel Island Immigration Station, young historians examine the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, the first restriction on the United States immigration based on race and nationality. They complete a matrix identifying...
DocsTeach
Environmental Case Study: Hetch Hetchy Valley
What is more important: building a new school or preserving a nature reserve? Keeping a natural area clean or providing clean drinking water to a city of millions? Young scholars weigh these questions—almost literally—using an...
College Board
2016 AP® Macroeconomics Free-Response Questions
The debate of cupcake versus donuts may seem like a superficial one. However, learners consider whether it makes sense to specialize in producing only one confectionery in a scaffolded problem involving complicated economic concepts....
Curated OER
In Pursuit of the American Dream
Students compare and contrast assimilation and acculturation. They explain the idea of "The Melting Pot" as it relates to what it means to be American. They write an 8 page response paper on a selected author.
Curated OER
How Are Boundaries Made, Kept, Broken?
Students examine the different perspectives of Igbo women. They simulate a silent debate in response to the question, "Is the Igbo society sexist?" They write their response to the question and exchange papers with their partner as the...
Curated OER
iChat Debate: Does Holden Caulfied Deserve Our Compassion?
Students prepare for and hold a classroom debate via typed text on a literary topic. Two groups conduct an iChat debate using iChat AV software to document the debate as it happens. Pupils conduct a post-debate analysis of the debate...
Curated OER
The Struggle for Women's Rights in the 1800's
Young scholars assist in preparing for debate as part of the group. They participate in the debate and the follow-up discussion, then write a letter expressing what they have learned and project their expectations for the future.
Curated OER
Debating the Depression
Twelfth graders discover how to debate important social issues in a civil manner. They explain the importance of knowledge in public discourse.
Curated OER
Stem Cell Research
Young scholars examine embryonic cell research and the controversy that surrounds it. In this stem cell lesson students use a debate model and present and defend their positions.
Curated OER
Were Lewis and Clark respectful to the Native Americans they encountered on their journey?
Sixth graders debate whether or not Lewis and Clark were respectful of Native Americans they encountered on their journey. In this American History lesson, 6th graders review primary documents and diary entries from the Lewis and Clark...
Curated OER
Debating for Land
Students research pertinent information based on historical facts and is supported by quotations from primary sources in order to prepare for a class debate about land ownership in the 19th century.
Education World
Human Nature- Good or Evil?
Students explore the philosophical nature of good vs. evil. In this literacy/philosophy instructional activity, students read and discuss media articles that illustrate human nature as inherently "good" or "evil." Students practice...
Curated OER
The Chinese Rites Controversy: A Case Study in Cross-Cultural Exchange and Cross-Cultural Conflict
High schoolers examine the various groups involved in the Rites Controversy of China. They participate in a simulation of representatives involved in the Rites Controversy, conduct research, write a persuasive paper, and participate in a...
Curated OER
Who Sunk the Titanic
Students discuss possible reasons for the Titanic sinking. They are split into small groups to research a historical figure involved in the sinking of the Titanic. They formulate a way to prove their characters guilt or innocence....
Curated OER
Jurassic Park Debate
Students research behavior, phsyiology, and ecology of dinoaurs. Students role-play as scientific specialists such as geneticists and ecologists. They present their research findings in a research paper.
Curated OER
Lost on a Deserted Island
Third graders practice brainstorming with their classmates as they discuss a role-play situation. In this group discussion lesson, 3rd graders must present ideas of ways to survive on a deserted island by discussing with their...
Curated OER
How To Argue Without Cheating
In this debate worksheet, students read and learn about the fine points of debate and persuasion. The vocabulary presented and the ideas are quite advanced; premise, conclusion, syllogism, ad homineum, and other difficult terms.
Curated OER
Who Are Travellers?
Students visit specified websites to research zoning information in Essex. They participate in a role play to present a zoning request to a city council. Groups of students prepare their side of the case and create their proposal to be...
Curated OER
Argument
Students write and discuss opposing points of view. In this argument lesson, students learn to understand what an argument is and they get to argue one side of a disagreement. An alternative written assignment is provided. A worksheet is...
Curated OER
Gender Disparity on Display
Students explore an article and discuss what gender differences. In this exploring gender lesson students divide into groups and develop a social theory.
Curated OER
The Amistad Case: A Mock Trial
Young scholars hold a mock trial. In this Amistad case activity, students prepare for and participate in a mock trial regarding the Amistad case and determine the fate of the Africans recovered on the ship.