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.
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.
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.
Should the United States Ban TikTok to Preserve National Security?
In this mini simulation, students step into the shoes of the National Security Council to decide if the United States should impose a ban on TikTok to safeguard citizens’ data and the country’s security. Students will learn about the ways that private businesses can intersect with national security and the opportunities and limitations for government regulation of digital technologies.
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.
Learn How to Volunteer at Your Local Election Center
Who are poll workers? And what do they do? Learn how you can take part in the democratic process as a poll worker!
Supreme Court Lessons
These interactive lessons for high school students lead them through a simulation of an actual Supreme Court case and help them to break down complex constitutional issues. Each lesson begins with an overview of the facts of the case, followed by a brief discussion of the Supreme Court decision. Then, students are asked to take a stand “for” or “against” the majority decision. The cases that the Rendell Center has selected involve student-specific issues and/or those issues shown to be important to youth through their social media posts or active engagement.