Issue Investigation: Fracking

This Issue Investigation explores fracking, a way of using high-pressured liquid, sand, and chemicals to crack rock far underground and remove oil, coal, and gas. Some people think fracking is a great way for energy production and jobs. Other people think fracking is dangerous for the environment and public health.

Today’s Vote: Prescription Drug Pricing

In this lesson students will take on the role of senators to create, discuss, debate, and vote on a new bill related to prescription drug pricing in the United States.

Today’s Vote: The Minimum Wage

In this lesson, students take on the role of senators to craft, discuss, debate, and vote ona. new bill to raise the federal minimum wage in the United States.

TVIC: Food Labeling

The Today’s Vote in the Classroom program is a legislative simulation based on the Today’s Vote program delivered onsite at the Kennedy Institute. In this lesson, students will work collaboratively to create a new bill on the topic of Food Labeling.

Class Discussion: Manufacturing and International Relations

In this lesson students will learn about the Chips and Science Act, a bill designed to improve semiconductor manufacturing in the United States. Students will watch a short introductory video, read speeches in favor and against the legislation, and then have their own discussion and vote on whether the bill should pass.

Bell Ringer: Free Market Economics

Samford University business professor Art Carden talked about Strangers with Candy, his book of essays on the benefits of free-market economics. In each of the clips he discusses the role of the free market in stimulating economic growth.

U.S. History Mini Simulations

In this series of historical mini simulations, students step into the shoes of policymakers to advise the U.S. president on how to respond to major foreign policy moments in U.S. history. These eight historical simulations cover crucial U.S. decisions from the 19th to 21st centuries. Designed with a U.S. history survey course in mind, the simulations can fuel a lively discussion to supplement your curriculum and encourage civic engagement.