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.
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.
Election Reform: Debate and Discussion
In this lesson students will read a pro and con speech about real voting rights legislation (the Freedom to Vote Act) being discussed in the United States Senate. Students will summarize the speeches, consider their arguments, and use them to enhance their own knowledge on election policy.
Lesson Plan: Does the Constitution Need a 28th Amendment to Fix Deficiencies in the Government?
This deliberation presents video clips, articles, and numerous education activities to guide students through a review of the debate over whether the Constitution needs a 28th Amendment to address the government’s deficiencies, using several specific examples as case studies. After a careful review of multiple perspectives, students will be able to consider whether a 28th Amendment to the Constitution is necessary or unnecessary.
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.
Reinventing American Democracy
The purpose of this lesson is to introduce students to the challenges facing American democracy and then spur a conversation around suggestions for revitalizing civic engagement and strengthening democratic values.
Meet Richard St. George – Theatrical Performance
Developed for the Museum’s exhibit, Cost of Revolution: The Life and Death of an Irish Soldier, this 20-minute performance provides viewers with an opportunity to consider the opinions and experiences of someone who chose to fight for the British against uprisings in both North America and Ireland. Learners can also explore the evergreen online exhibit