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.
Background Overview: Climate and Energy Policy
During this lesson students will gain a deeper understanding of the history of climate policy in the United States. Students will read a short summary of United States climate policy and examine two visual sources to consider how climate related legislation has impacted the United States.
Lesson Plan: Book That Shaped America – “Common Sense”
In 1774, Englishman Thomas Paine arrived in America as the conflict between the colonies and Great Britain was reaching its peak. Up to that point, the colonies were said to have been considering negotiation rather than a separation from Britain. Moved in part by the Battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775, Paine, a journalist, wrote a 47-page pamphlet, titled “Common Sense,” in which he made a passionate argument against the British monarchy and for full American independence. “Common Sense” was published in early 1776, sold several hundred thousand copies, and highly influenced the colonies in their decision to declare independence from Britain on July 4, 1776. In this lesson, students begin by responding to a reflective question that asks them to share their knowledge of the American Revolution and early colonies. From there, they will review what was occurring in the colonies in 1776, and learn about the drafting, contents, and publication of the pamphlet. Next, students will hear about the legacy of Thomas Paine and why he should be studied today. Finally, students will respond to a prompt that asks them to explain their position on if “Common Sense” shaped America.
Lesson Plan: Book That Shaped America – “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass”
Born into slavery in Maryland, Frederick Douglass went on to become a writer, orator, statesman and key leader in the abolitionist movement. After his escape to freedom as an adult, Douglass in 1845 wrote the first of his three autobiographies, titled “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave.” The book was a bestseller, and greatly influential in promoting the cause of abolition. In this lesson, students begin by responding to reflective questions that ask them to share their knowledge of the abolitionist movement. From there, they will review the status of the United States in 1845. Next, students will learn more about the subsequent publishing of Douglass’ book, the immediate and lasting impact on the country, and details about his life. Finally, students will respond to a prompt that asks them to explain if and how “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass” shaped America.
Lesson Plan: Book That Shaped America – “The Common Law”
After serving in the Civil War, during which he was wounded, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. became a scholar and jurist, eventually rising to the U.S. Supreme Court after being nominated by President Theodore Roosevelt. While practicing law in Boston, Holmes summarized a series of lectures he had delivered and had them published in 1881 as a book titled The Common Law. Holmes is known for the maxim, “The life of the law has not been logic: it has been experience” and that the law develops according to the “felt necessities of the time.” He served on the high court for nearly 30 years, retiring at age 90, and has been of the most frequently cited justices. In this lesson, students will begin by responding to reflective questions that ask them to consider what they know about the Supreme Court. From there, they will view video clips to learn about the background of Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. Next, they will explore a collection of videos that focus on Holmes’ jurisprudence and time served on the U.S. Supreme Court. Finally, students will respond to a prompt that asks them to explain if and how “The Common Law” shaped America.
Bell Ringer: Events Leading into the 1968 Democratic National Convention
Author and history professor Luke Nichter discussed what was occurring in the United States and around the globe leading into the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago and compares it to today.
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.
The Great Debate on the Constitution
This resource pairs the text of the U.S. Constitution with the Federalist Papers.