Social Studies Lessons for High School is designed for social studies teachers to use with their government and history courses. It was developed in response to a shift in education throughout our country: a move away from rote memorization and toward the critical thinking skills necessary for many of the new performance assessment programs.

Each lesson will enable teachers to teach seven specific critical thinking skills in a step-by-step process. The information has been adapted for old media and new media formats. Web sites will be provided that will allow teachers to choose the most appropriate resource for the selected activity. All selections can be copied for classroom use. Teachers may adapt activities to allow students to complete assignments via the web.

Bob Black is former Teachers Network web mentor. He is a social studies teacher at the Harbor City Learning Center, located across the street from the historic Edgar Allen Poe House  in Baltimore, MD.

Template

Explanation
Issue analysis looks at an issue from two or more points of view, then develops a reasoned response. Factual material is used in support of opinions.

Model for Analysis
What is the main issue?

Define any specific vocabulary needed to understand this issue.

Identify all possible positions on this issue. Which two are the key opposing sides?

Find all of the facts that support one position.

Find all of the facts that support the opposite position.

What beliefs/values are in conflict in this issue?

Take a position on the issue. Explain why you chose this position.

How could you influence others to support your position? What steps did you use to analyze this issue?

• Issue Analysis Introduction
• Lesson Plan
• Sample Student Template