http://www.merlot.org:80/merlot/ A search of MERLOT materials Copyright 1997-2013 MERLOT. All rights reserved. Sat, 25 May 2013 02:53:02 PDT Sat, 25 May 2013 02:53:02 PDT http://www.merlot.org:80/merlot/images/merlot.gif http://www.merlot.org:80/merlot/ 44 34 http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=241187 This is an interesting learning activity from the Library of Congress on the subject of political cartoons.  This would be appropriate for Social Studies, Humanities, Government , Journalism or History classes.  Student are taught how to analyze and decode cartoons and about persuasive techniques often employed by political cartoonists to promote their individual message such as symbolism, exxageration and analogy.  Students view examples of various political cartoons and then test themselves on which typical cartoonist techniques are depicted in each.  In the "Learn More" section, the same cartoons are shown and there is a brief expert audio analysis of each one.  This section also contains links to biographical sketches for each of the cartoonists.    http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=89776 This site is a great resource for both educators and students in regards to teaching and learning about the U.S Government. The site includes a variety of historical documents such as the Bill of Rights and the Constitution. In addition, the site is divided into grade levels in response to documents, to corresponding issues like how laws are made, and to interactive games. http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=90857 An ongoing digitization project, the site contains the full text of over three hundred treaties concerning Native American Indian tribes. A table of contents organized by year, an index organized by tribe, and a keyword search engine are also included. http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=80269 This page is designed as a tool for learning. The goal is to provide information that empowers site visitors who are interested in reviewing, and critically thinking, about the issues. In addition to death penalty links, this page includes "reflection questions" that can be used for individual learning or may be incorporated into a course assignment. http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=79954 The Aid Game is about giving charitable aid to developing countries. These countries may suffer the dual challenges of high mortality from hunger and disease, and even higher birthrates, leading to ever greater demands on their natural resources, and more hunger, in a vicious cycle. In the Aid Game, you explore alternative aid packages, to see which kinds of aid work best, and why http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=424798 This 41 slide audio enhanced slide presentation that provides and overview of the steps one needs to take prior to applying for tax exempt status, the application process, and responsibilities that accompany tax exempt status. The presentation applies only to 501(c3) public charities, not private foundations. Time: 18:21. http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=475026 iCivics is a web-based education project designed to teach students civics and inspire them to be active participants in our democracy. iCivics is the vision of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, who is concerned that students are not getting the information and tools they need for civic participation, and that civics teachers need better materials and support. http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=489097 You can view the great Michael Sandel's lectures and his interaction with Harvard students as they discuss moral dilemmas. All the episodes are YouTube videos and free to watch. You can also participate in post-lecture discussions and quizzes.(Description below, copied from the homepage)Justice is one of the most popular courses in Harvard’s history. Now it’s your turn to take the same journey in moral reflection that has captivated more than 14,000 students, as Harvard opens its classroom to the world.In this twelve part series, Sandel challenges us with difficult moral dilemmas and asks our opinion about the right thing to do. He then asks us to examine our answers in the light of new scenarios. The results are often surprising, revealing that important moral questions are never black and white.This course also addresses the hot topics of our day—affirmative action, same-sex marriage, patriotism and rights—and Sandel shows us that we can revisit familiar controversies with a fresh perspective. http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=83902 A companion web site for the Frontline (PBS) program of the same name which aired on January 30, 2001. Includes facts and statistics, a review of the "adult vs. child" debate, and four case studies (with video clips). A transcript of the program also is available on the Frontline site. http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=80077 This site includes numerous links related to civil liberties in general, the USA Patriot Act, Homeland Security, and civil liberties after 9/11. The site offers a critical perspective and includes "Reflection Questions" that encourage visitors to think about issues and come to their own conclusions.