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.
Preparing for Pathways to Environmental Justice
Combatting the climate crisis and creating clean energy solutions go hand in hand. The Edward M. Kennedy Institute’s Environmental Pathways program challenges students to consider a path to environmental justice that will work for America’s future.
Preparing for Pathways to Citizenship
America faces a challenge of millions of immigrants living in the country. Despite several attempts, lawmakers are unable to agree on a plan to resolve this problem. The Edward M. Kennedy Institute’s Pathways to Citizenship program challenges students to create a pathway to citizenship for immigrants in the United States.
Technology Reform Policy Research
In this lesson students will research policy proposals related to technology reform. Students will take part in a jig-saw style activity- researching a policy related to data privacy, artificial intelligence, or social media, gaining a deep understanding of their group’s policy, and presenting their policy to the of the class.
Technology Policy Lesson Plan
In this lesson, students will take part in a jig-saw style activity where they will research a policy related to data privacy, artificial intelligence, or social media, gain a deep understanding of that policy, present it to the rest of the class, and complete a short debrief.
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.
Background Overview: Data Privacy
In this lesson students will gain a deeper understanding of data privacy and consider the need for government regulation to ensure Americans have a right to privacy when surfing the web. Students will watch an introductory video and read multiple sources to deepen their understanding.
Background Overview: Artificial Intelligence
In this lesson students will gain a deeper understanding of artificial intelligence and consider the need for government regulation of the new technology. Students will watch an introductory video and read multiple sources to deepen their understanding.
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.
Election Reform Vocabulary
This vocabulary sheet contains important terms and definitions relating to United States election policy.