This resource is used in conjunction with our Preparing for Pathways to Citizenship Lesson. This version is designed for younger students in grades 4-6.
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.
Election Policy Reforms – Jig-saw
Students will take part in a jig-saw style activity where they will research an election policy proposal, gain a deep understanding of their group’s policy, present their policy to the rest of the class, and finish with a short debrief to cement their learning on different election policies.
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.
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.
Climate Policy Research
Students will take part in a jig-saw style activity where they will research a climate policy proposal, gain a deep understanding of their group’s policy, present their policy to the rest of the class, and finish with a short debrief to cement their learning on various climate policies.
Debate and Discussion: Climate and Energy Policy
In this lesson students will examine a pro and con speech about real legislation (the Green New Deal) being discussed in the United States Senate. Students will summarize the speeches, consider their arguments, and use them to enhance their own knowledge of environmental policy.
Climate and Energy Policy Proposals
Students will consider potential policies the United States could implement to combat climate change. Students will watch a short video to gain background knowledge, then examine a list of proposed policies from a real resolution discussed in the Senate, and work in groups to determine which policies are the best.
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.