Policy Studies Teacher Resources

How is federal policy established? To gain insight into this complex and often messy process, class members read an article that uses information on attempts to establish public policy in immigration to illustrate the role proposed...

High schoolers compare the situation of Latin American immigrants with the situation of immigrants from other areas of the world. They use media to obtain information on topics of academic interest, personal interest, and intellectual...

Students examine federal policies regarding Native Americans. In this Native American assimilation and removal policies activity, students conduct research to compare the changes in federal policy regarding Native Americans between the...

To conclude their study of immigration and human rights, class members create a civic engagement project centered on an issue of immigration and designed to influence US immigration policy. They examine examples of attempts to influence...

How do policies aimed to help actually hurt? Native American boarding schools—an attempt at assimilating children of indigenous tribes into white culture—had a shattering effect on those who attended. With primary sources, including...

A close examination of John Gast's painting "American Progress" launches a study of the concept of Manifest Destiny used to justify United States' policy of westward expansion. Young historians read statements from persons with different...

Students read fables about entrepreneurs who buy grain and turn it into clothing, or resell the grain and use the proceeds to import clothing. They use the fables to determine why people trade, and to analyze costs and benefits of trade...

Tenth graders identify and clarify a problem, an issue, or an inquiry. They identify the changing nature of families and women's roles in Canadian society. Pupils assess the interaction between Aboriginal people and Europeans. ...

Students share their opinions on the war in Iraq. After reading an article, they identify the thoughts of President Bush on the conflict. In groups, they share their opinions for and against current United States policy in Iraq and the...

Students study the social justice issues of the immigration debate. In this immigration lesson, students examine the role of undocumented Latino workers as they explore how trade policies and competition influence immigration and...

Learners explore the concept of philanthropy. In this environmental stewardship lesson, students watch a video about state policies pertaining to greenhouse gas emissions. Learners plan and carry out an Earth Day service project...

There was a time when the Comanche controlled an empire in North America, and the heart and soul of that empire was the horse. Scholars use the installment of the larger Native American Sacred Stories series to explore how the Spanish...

Breaking news, President Johnson addresses the nation! Scholars watch a video of President Johnson's address to Congress regarding the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution. The activity focuses on the  motivation behind the resolution and the...

Students explore methods and the struggles of power between the federal policies and Native populations. They discuss the issue of controlling the Native Indian population, driving them from their land, and providing a mandatory...

Students write an editorial piece which takes a position supporting or opposing the free trade policy during the 1790s. After identifying barriers to trade in the 1790s they analyze how their position on the free trade would fit into...

Students describe economy of Hawaii as Captain Cook's expedition found it, assess Cook's trade policy in Hawaii, and present graphic information in text form.

Learners research and explore the cause and effects of global warfare. They assess the concept of the United States policy of isolationism as it involves the United States and Japanese relations. Each group of students prepare a time...

Difficult redistricting concepts are covered in a context that will make it understandable to your government scholars. They begin with a KWL on the term redistricting and then watch a video to answer some questions. They analyze...

Students recognize the provisions of federal Indian policy.  In this Federal Indian Policy lesson, students research legal documents (treaties).  Students research the Montana tribes. Students answer critical thinking questions based on...

In this science global warming worksheet, students, working in groups, answer 7 short answer questions regarding the policies of becoming a policy analyst in California.

Students examine an environmental issue. In this global studies lesson plan, students read an article entitled, "Global Climate Change," and respond to the discussion questions that accompany it.

Young scholars explore Lincoln's Reconstruction plan. In this Reconstruction lesson, students examine Lincoln's speeches and writings on bringing the country back together following the war.

Role-play to learn. Writers pretend to be a team of news writers. They research information about genetically engineered corn and the impact of biotech food products. Then create a video, Powerpoint, or oral presentation to present their...