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.
Voting Rights in America Timeline Worksheet
This worksheet and the accompanying timeline provides students with the chance to learn and gain a deeper understanding of when different groups of United States citizens gained the right to vote.
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.
Election Policy Reforms
In this lesson students will gain a deeper understanding of potential reforms to improve elections in the United States. Students will consider proposals from the Freedom to Vote Act and the American Confidence in Elections Act and work in groups to select the best policies to improve the electoral process.