Economics and Civics

Tobacco bag stringing: Secondary activity two

In this lesson, students will read and evaluate primary source letters from the Great Depression about the effects of the Fair Labor Standards Act on North Carolina's tobacco bag stringers.

Format: lesson plan (multiple pages)

Tobacco bag stringing: Secondary activity seven

In this activity for grades 7–12, students take on the role of legislators who must make a decision concerning the passage of an amendment to the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938. Students will evaluate the impact of emotional appeal in persuasion. This activity builds on information learned in activities one through six.

Format: lesson plan (grade 8–12 English Language Arts and Social Studies)

By Pauline S. Johnson.

Desegregating public schools: Integrated vs. neighborhood schools

In this high school lesson plan, students will learn about the history of the "separate but equal" U.S. school system and the 1971 Swann case which forced Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools to integrate. Students will examine the pros and cons of integration achieved through busing, and will write an argumentative essay drawing on information from oral histories.

Format: lesson plan (grade 10–12 English Language Arts and Social Studies)

By Dayna Durbin Gleaves.

Resources on the web

Kennewick Man: Science and sacred rights

Students learn about the discovery of Kennewick Man and what this ancient skeleton suggests about the earliest inhabitants of North America. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 10–12 Social Studies)

Provided by: National Endowment for the Humanities

The controversial school voucher issue

Students learn what school vouchers are and how they affect how education is provided. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 10 Social Studies)

Provided by: National Council on Economic Education