Click here for Curriculum Library for NYC DOE Civics for All Initiative
Civic scenarios and simulations require students to examine an issue from an assigned perspective. These activities provide a unique opportunity for students to examine content through a specific lens, to recognize bias, and ultimately, to draw evidence- and text-based conclusions in ways that are engaging and meaningful. Indeed, classroom activities that feature simulations of democratic processes are one of the Six Proven Practices for Effective Civic Learning identified by researchers. Moot courts (where students argue a U.S. Supreme Court case) are excellent examples of simulations , and there are several of those in this library of lessons. For general tips on how to set up and run a moot court in your classroom, click here. The graphic organizers available for download below are designed to facilitate students’ preparation for and participation in either moot court activities or other civic scenarios from CRF’s collection of lessons. A note to teachers about MS/HS designations: Middle school (MS) and high school (HS) designations are based on the text's readability and/or on when the content is usually taught. We know you are the best judge of what makes sense for your students, so of course, use any lesson as you see fit! |
Current Events What Should the U.S. Do About North Korea’s Nuclear Weapons? (HS) The United States and North Korea are involved in escalating tensions related to North Korea’s nuclear weapons program.Blurring the Lines Between Fact and Fiction (HS) Should laws be passed that protect the dead from having lies told about them in books and movies? Police & Body Cameras (MS/HS) In addition to articles from CRF, we include articles from Newsela that can be used with the Civil Conversation. As a part of our work with WestEd and Gates, we are pleased to introduce you to this great resource. You’ll see that you can adjust the reading level of the articles and then simply print or electronically assign the article to distribute to your students. Government/Econ. The People’s Right to Know (HS) Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier: A Supreme Court Case PowerPoint Presentation | Student Handout | Read the Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier decision on FindLaw. Two Visions of Government (HS) Social Darwinism and American Laissez-faire Capitalism (HS) How Should We Judge Our Nation’s Founders? (MS/HS) U.S. HistoryHow Should We Judge Our Nation’s Founders? (MS/HS)
World HistoryConfucianism or Legalism: Which is Better? (MS/HS) Provides background on Confucius and Qin Shi Huangdi and describes Confucianism and Legalism. Students then identify and discuss pros and cons of each and which is better. Two Very Different City-States: Athens and Sparta (MS) Describes life in Sparta and in Athens. Students discuss which was most likely to win the Peloponnesian War and which had the best government. When England Industrialized (HS) Describes the industrialization of Manchester and the Luddites protests. Students discuss the costs and benefits of industrialization in England and if the Luddites’ protests were justified. The Meeting at Runnymede (HS) Provides background on the Magna Carta and “rule of law”. Students discuss what the most important ideas from the Magna Carta are for American democracy. Why Did the Communists Win the Chinese Revolution? (HS) Describes agendas of the Chinese Nationalists and Communists. Explores factors for Chiang and the Nationalists’ defeat. |