Cooperative learning is a teaching strategy involving students in small group learning activities that promote positive interaction. Research studies have consistently found that cooperative learning promotes increased academic achievement and involves relative use of implementation and reasonable costs. Improved behavior, increased positive…

Says political writings such as "The Federalist" have generated multiple interpretations and the framers assumptions must be deduced. Provides a typology for such interpretations based on the terms, antidemocratic, liberal, republican, and constitutionalist. Recommends students be taught about the lack of consensus among scholars and key…

Focuses on the U.S. Bill of Rights Fourth Amendment discussing what it means related to current technological advances, such as automobiles and computers. Provides information on court cases relevant to the Fourth Amendment, such as Atwater v. City of Lago Vista and City of Indianapolis v. Edmond. Lists ideas for learning activities. (CMK)

Provides a lesson appropriate for secondary students focusing on the constitutional amendment process. Explains that students explore historical forces that shaped the U.S. Constitution and also addresses whether current amendment proposals should be considered. Lists the materials needed. (CMK)

This document discusses several aspects of teaching about religion in the public schools. While religion is an important element in many areas of literature, art, and music, the social studies, especially history and civics, provide the best opportunity for including religion in the curriculum. Teaching about religion in public schools is examined…

Focuses on important issues surrounding the opening clauses of the First Amendment on the establishment of religion, freedom of speech, and freedom of religion. Includes articles: "Established Churches in Colonial Times,""Establishment Clause: Here's How to Understand it!", "Religious Freedom and Today's Religious…

Focuses on the hate speech, gun, and privacy debates that today's youth will have to address in their future. Includes articles addressing the arguments in each issue: (1) "Debating Hate Speech" (Frank Kopecky); (2) "Debating the Gun Issue" (Denise Barr); and (3) "Debating the Right to Privacy" (Pinky Wassenberg.)…

Presents a lesson to help students understand the development and controversy surrounding the Bill of Rights in the U.S. Constitution. Examines constitutional amendment suggestions presented by four states represented at the Constitutional Convention of 1787. Includes two sets of student questions and four primary source readings. (CFR)

Asserts that presidential elections and the Electoral College provide opportunities to combine instruction in government and geography. Presents a week-long unit designed for grades 6-12 that utilizes 4 different instructional strategies. Includes relevant excerpts from the U.S. Constitution and data sheets, maps, and charts. (CFR)

Discusses the history, development, and addition of the Bill of Rights to the U.S. Constitution. Describes the role of delegates from Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania in this process. Includes a bibliography and suggestions for planning student assignments and activities on this topic. (CFR)

Contends that teaching U.S. history and law are inextricably intertwined. Presents nine instructional strategies and accompanying examples to illustrate effective instruction combining law-related education and history. Includes lists of recommended resources and a teacher's bibliography. (CFR)

Asserts that before civics/government teachers teach about the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, students should be introduced to the religious and philosophical background of religions freedom in the United States. Identifies issues and historical documents that provide the foundation. (CFR)

Presents a secondary lesson in which students examine the U.S. Constitution and decide about a simulated case of ethnic bias and discrimination. Links this case to the Japanese Relocation Camps in the United States during World War II. Provides lesson objectives, instructional procedures, and four student handouts. (CFR)

Presents a classroom lesson in which students compare the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 with civil rights legislation from the 1960s and 1970s. Uses role playing and case studies to examine various aspects social and legal discrimination. Includes lesson objectives, instructional procedures, and five student information handouts. (CFR)

Maintains that the adult male inmate population at a maximum security correctional center is a logical if difficult audience for effective lessons about the Bill of Rights. Presents two scenarios with accompanying instructional procedures and student discussion questions. (CFR)