Students will learn how to present arguments in a classroom hearing through the lens of an interesting question: which candy bar deserves to be the official candy bar of America?
Andrew McGill
Posted inCivics and Government
Lesson Plan: What Does Civil Discourse Look Like?
This video shows examples of people discussing a contentious topic. Students will learn from a group of high school students as they model a respectful and engaging conversation around the issue of book bans, demonstrating good habits for civil discourse.
Posted inCivics and Government
Lesson Plan: Civics Skills: Discussion Analysis
Discussions about political, social and economic issues can be contentious and may lead to disagreement. How we handle those disagreements can affect the political climate and our ability to solve problems and create effective public policy. Students will learn about the keys to effective disagreement, and how can we build better arguments.
Posted inCivics and Government
Lesson Plan: Civics Skills: Respectful Disagreement
Students will learn how to discuss contentious topics with civility and respect for differing opinions.
Posted inCivics and Government
Lesson Plan: Civics Skills: Open Minds for Stronger Communities
The political and social climate of the United States is marked by ideological polarization and social isolation. This short film showcases a group of high school students planning an intergenerational event, seeking to break down barriers and learn about issues facing their community from multiple perspectives. Students will learn how more connected communities can produce stronger civic engagement.
Posted inCivics and Government
Lesson Plan: Civics Skills: The Power of Your Vote
For over 200 years, American constitutional democracy has been a model for the world. One area where civic engagement and the American political system could improve is voter turnout, particularly among younger voters. Students will explore ways to educate and motivate the next generation of voters about the importance of their vote and encourage young people to participate in elections.
Posted inLesson Plan
Lesson Plan: Civics Skills: Tinker and Student Action
Students will learn about the landmark Supreme Court decision Tinker v. Des Moines, which ruled that a symbolic protest – where public school students wore armbands – was protected under the First Amendment.
Posted inCivics and Government
Lesson Plan: Civics Skills: Writing To Elected Officials
Students will explore ways to become an engaged citizen.
Posted inCivics and Government
Lesson Plan: Civics Skills: Research With a Personal Connection
A student from Bridgeport, Conn., discusses the impact of food deserts on his community. Drawing on his personal experience to create a topic for research, he explains his process for sifting through information and developing a clear argument backed by evidence. Students will learn that the basis of strong research is defining a clear question and examining high-quality sources. Having a personal connection can make this process more meaningful.
Posted inCivics and Government
Lesson Plan: Civics Skills: Using Qualitative and Quantitative Data
Students will learn that understanding the differences between and advantages of using qualitative and quantitative data is essential to independent research. This lesson introduces both kinds of data and provides an opportunity for students to research data that relates to a local issue.
