The New York Times
Collateral Damage? Researching a Connection Between Video Games and Violence
Hook your class into an exploration of and discussion about violence in video games with a cute animal clip and a video game trailer. After a quick discussion about how media can affect mood, class members read a related article and...
ProCon
Video Games and Violence
Is screen time dangerous time? Scholars take a close look at the facts surrounding video games and violence. Pros give evidence connecting violence to video games while cons suggest there is no relationship.
Curated OER
Video Game Violence: Explore Possible Impacts
Introduce middle schoolers to the issue of video game violence with a multifaceted approach. Learners complete a gaming survey, as well as read and discuss a news feature about violent video game sales and a handout on stimulus...
Media Smarts
Violence and Video Games
Widespread video gaming makes this content relevant and high interest. Developing youth awareness about the impact of violence in games is important to promote literacy, critical thinking, health, and consumer awareness. After reading...
Deliberating in a Democracy
Violent Video Games
High schoolers examine violence in video games. In this American history instructional activity, students read an article on the link between video games and violence. High schoolers respond to discussion questions and debate the topic.
Curated OER
The Inside Dope on Video Games
Students explore the claim that video games that glorify violence and illegal activities also promote such activities in the real world. They choose sides and perform a mock trial on the issue.
Media Smarts
Facing TV Violence: Consequences and Media Violence
Make your class aware of the difference between media violence and real violence. Using prior knowledge, a video clip, and a worksheet, class members explore and discuss the unrealistic portrayal of violence in the media. Learners...
Curated OER
Writing Bug - Too Much Violence
In this journal writing worksheet, students brainstorm about violence they have seen on TV and in video games. Students write about the harmful effects this violence can have on society.
Curated OER
It's Just a Game?
Students consider their attitudes toward concrete and abstract violence in the media before developing hypotheses that assess the effect of gender and age on people's attitudes toward such violence and designing a survey to test those...
Curated OER
Playing Dirty
Students consider the effects of video games on students. In this current events lesson plan, students visit selected websites to study video game ratings, their effects on children, and the violence in the games.
Curated OER
Virtual Reality
Students consider the implications of playing violent video games. In this current issues activity, students visit selected websites to research virtual violence and video game censorship.
Curated OER
Rules of Conduct: Media Violence, Dating and Teenage Behavior
Students discuss the role of media in their lives and making decisions. In groups, they define violence and identify how it is represented in the type of entertainment they are accustomed to viewing. They compare and contrast behaviors...
Curated OER
Playing to Learn
Students brainstorm about video games that are designed to teach. They create and perform in small groups a live action "video game" that teaches a concept covered in class this school year.
Curated OER
Computer/Video Game Illustration
Students review catalogs of different types of video or computer games. In groups, they write an explanation for each game. They create a screen highlight from a game of their choice and illustrate it on a piece of construction paper....
Curated OER
Computer Violence Debate
Students debate whether playing violent computer games desensitizes people to real-life violence.
Curated OER
36 Public Policy Questions to Energize Your Government/History Classroom Debates
Need topics that are sure to engage your debaters? This list of public policy questions includes such topics as school mascots, regulation of major league baseball, physician-assisted suicide, and violence in video games. A great...
Sports Museum
Boston vs Bullies: Facilitator's Guide
Score a big win for your school's environment with top-notch bullying prevention resources! The downloadable materials feature prominent sports figures from the Boston area talking about their experiences with bullying. Appropriate for...
The New York Times
Kiev in Chaos: Teaching About the Crisis in Ukraine
Provide a historical context for the political unrest between Russia and Ukraine that began in late 2013. Learners review their prior knowledge and chronicle new understandings with a KWL chart, watch a video explaining the Ukrainian...
Curated OER
Debate Topics and Ideas
Students examine both sides of arguments surrounding given debates. They use the internet and other research to collect information to support their stand on the controversial issue. Students debate their chosen topic. This lesson plans...
Social Media Toolbox
Cyberbullying
What can we do to make our school community more aware of cyberbullying? From The Social Media Toolbox, instructional activity 10 of 16 takes on the tough topic of bullying. Learners research cyberbullying through online research, then...
Curated OER
On 'Punched Out': Looking at Brain Trauma and Other Risks of Violent Sports
The tragic story of Derek Boogard, a hockey star whose sports-related brain injuries eventually lead to his death, is told through a series of videos. There are also articles that can be read. This poignant lesson gets participants to...
Curated OER
Breakdown
Students read reports and watch a video about World War I. For this World War I lesson plan, students discuss how the government has to take charge on many levels including the oil shortage during World War I.
Curated OER
"Managing Anger"
High schoolers examine anger management and conflict resolution techniques. They watch and discuss a video, participate in a game that addresses anger management techniques, and role-play disputes using 'I-Messages.'
Curated OER
Football Hooliganism
Learners evaluate the problm of hooliganism and its possible solutions. Through videos and news stories, students analyze examples of hooliganism. They discuss the problem and ways to help stop the violence.