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.
Climate Change Video Handout
This handout can be used as part of our Preparing for Environmental Pathways lesson or as an independent activity in your classroom. Students will watch the video linked within and answer questions to deepen their understanding of the climate crisis.
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.
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.
Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens Worksheet
This worksheet pushes students to consider the rights and responsibilities of United States citizens. It is designed to be used in conjunction with our Preparing for Pathways to Citizenship lesson plan, but can also be used independently.
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.
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.