This lesson encourages students to think about representation in a democracy and examine important legislative issues within the structure of a Senate debate. Students will work collaboratively to create, debate, and vote on a new bill regarding presidential elections.
TVIC: Court Orders and Cybersecurity
This Lesson encourages students to think about representation in a democracy and examine important legislative issues within the structure of a Senate debate. Students will work collaboratively to create a new bill on the topic of Court Orders and Cybersecurity.
Today’s Vote: Confederate Monuments
In this lesson students will take on the role of United States Senators and create a new bill on the topic of Confederate Monument Removal. Students will read primary sources in favor and against the legislation, debate, and vote in an interactive simulation based lesson.
Today’s Vote: Climate Change
This lesson encourages students to think about representation in a democracy and examine important legislative issues within the structure of a Senate debate. Students will consider the threat posed by climate change and take on the role of Senators to vote on legislation addressing that threat.
Today’s Vote: Assault Weapons and Mass Shootings
This lesson encourages students to consider representation in a democracy and examine important legislative issues within the structure of a Senate debate. In the lesson, students will consider new laws and regulations to limit assault weapons and prevent mass shootings in the United States.
Pathways to Citizenship: Step Inside this House Extension Activity
The purpose of this exercise is to help students further explore the cultural influences that have shaped the identities, values, and beliefs of their activists in the pathways to citizenship pre-work program. It lets them reflect on the important people, stories, traditions, and artifacts from the lives of their activists.
Being a Senator: Technology Reform
In this lesson students will have an opportunity to learn about what it means to be a United States senator. Students will research a real United States senator, consider their various interests, and make decisions about how their senator would vote on real issues facing the country related to technology policy.
Voting Rights in America Timeline Worksheet
This worksheet and the accompanying timeline provides students with the chance to learn and gain a deeper understanding of when different groups of United States citizens gained the right to vote.
Being a Senator: Election Reform
In this lesson, students will have an opportunity to learn about what it means to be a United States senator. Students will research real United States senators, consider their various interests, and make decisions about how their senator would vote on real issues facing the country.
Lesson Plan: Book That Shaped America – “Common Sense”
In 1774, Englishman Thomas Paine arrived in America as the conflict between the colonies and Great Britain was reaching its peak. Up to that point, the colonies were said to have been considering negotiation rather than a separation from Britain. Moved in part by the Battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775, Paine, a journalist, wrote a 47-page pamphlet, titled “Common Sense,” in which he made a passionate argument against the British monarchy and for full American independence. “Common Sense” was published in early 1776, sold several hundred thousand copies, and highly influenced the colonies in their decision to declare independence from Britain on July 4, 1776. In this lesson, students begin by responding to a reflective question that asks them to share their knowledge of the American Revolution and early colonies. From there, they will review what was occurring in the colonies in 1776, and learn about the drafting, contents, and publication of the pamphlet. Next, students will hear about the legacy of Thomas Paine and why he should be studied today. Finally, students will respond to a prompt that asks them to explain their position on if “Common Sense” shaped America.