Learning Links
Investigation / Legislation / Legal Opinions / Construction / Experiments / Computer Programming / Inventions / Jury Decisions / Chess / Conservation / Strategic Planning / Consumerism
Demonstrators should be read from bottom to top, but need not be demonstrated sequentially.
Elementary Demonstrators
• Discover patterns in life situations.
• Classify ideas/objects/situations into categories.
• Recognize sequential relationships.
• Examine cause-and-effect relationships.
• Form and defend an opinion based on multiple perspectives.
Middle School Demonstrators
• Examine ideas/objects/situations for patterns; discern discrepancies.
• Analyze information for bias/relevance/ambiguity.
• Analyze cause-and-effect relationships.
• Generate possible solutions to problems; predict effects of actions.
High School Demonstrators
• Analyze assertions for bias/relevance/assumptions.
• Propose solutions to problems; predict effects of actions; set priorities; act; evaluate effectiveness.
Sample Teaching/Assessment Strategies
Graphic Organizers: Compare/Contrast Structures, Flowchart, Mapping/Webbing, Matrix, Venn Diagram / Problem Solving: Heuristics, Inquiry, Formulating Models, Research / Technology/Tools: Manipulatives, Games / Whole Language Approach / Writing Process
These sample strategies offer ideas and are not meant to limit teacher resourcefulness. More strategies are found in the resource section.
Ideas for Incorporating Community Resources
· Ask a state trooper or local attorney to discuss the investigation and mediation process of auto accidents where both parties believed they were not guilty.
· Interview city commission members about how they make decisions.
· Meet with local loan officers to obtain information on the process for determining loan eligibility.
· Interview a number of agribusiness representatives about the process for determining the kinds of crops and livestock to raise.
Core Concept - Critical Thinking
Sample Elementary Activities
• Conduct a jury trial based on an incident from a story you are reading. Investigate how different perspectives change the outcome. PE, OE
• Investigate the causes of accidents on the playground. Propose solutions to reduce the accidents. PE, OE
• Design a new multimedia learning center for your classroom. Develop a plan to implement the center and present to your classmates. PE
• Invent new rules for a favorite game. Analyze how this changes the game. PE, P
Sample Middle School Activities
• Present a skit to depict the problems a family might have if a particular appliance were removed from the house. Generate possible solutions and predict the effects. PE, OE
• Investigate the use of all paper products in your school. Propose conservation measures. PE, OE
• Write, dramatize, and videotape a mystery with alternative endings. Select the most plausible ending and defend. PE, OE, P
• Analyze cafeteria food for fat and sugar content. Compile the information using a database. Compare with recommended levels. Make suggestions to the cafeteria manager. PE, OE, P
Sample High School Activities
• Distinguish the benefits and limitations of different forms of government (e.g., democracy, socialism, communism). Develop a political cartoon or comedy routine about a benefit or limitation. PE, OE, P
• Choose two media sources. Analyze the bias of each type of news. Write an article to be presented by each source (e.g., radio, newspaper). PE, OE, P
• Select an invention of the Industrial Revolution. Determine what expected and unexpected effects resulted from the invention. PE, OE
• Research the major issues of a year and present a "State of the Union" address. Compare to the actual address. Defend the changes in your address. PE, OE, P