Curriculum Guides

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, passed in 2010, focuses attention on the role of federal and state governments, insurance companies, businesses and individuals in providing for health care, from preventive care to benefits of insurance coverage and the use of technology to enroll citizens. Students locate the facts, analyze the issues, study different stances, explore explanatory journalism and use a variety of media to express their points of view.

The Washington Post articles, commentary and photographs stimulate classroom activities and discussion of the who, what, where, why and how of the civil rights movement, highlighting the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in August 1963 and the 50-year anniversary commemorations. Students will meet leaders, consider the role of women, and analyze the media's presence in organizing, maintaining and communicating the struggle for equality.

Character, career and physical education intersect as students examine ethics in athletic action. Whether in practice or on the field and court, a playground pick-up or professional match, ethics is in play. In addition to reading about role models and discussing tarnished sports heroes, activities include the business ethics of including animals in the game plan. 

The members of the Cabinet advise the president.  President George Washington had only four Cabinet secretaries.  Today there are 15 Cabinet secretaries.  Activities in this guide introduce students to the Cabinet members' duties and the role of independent agencies.  Students follow the confirmation process and role-play being members of the president's Cabinet, confronting real issues.