High School Programs
Pardon Me? Should Ford Pardon Nixon?
Crimes, intrigue, deals… justice? What will happen as we revisit one of the most momentous decisions President Ford had to face: Should Richard Nixon be pardoned for Watergate crimes or not?
New to the DeVos Learning Center is an all-new role-playing game: Pardon Me? Should Ford Pardon Nixon?
Perfect for a classroom of 25-30 high school students, this is a fun, fast-paced game that invites your students to play the roles of powerful, real people from history. What will happen when your students become Washington influencers, each trying to persuade the others on conflicting agendas?
This game is not a reenactment. While participants are assigned historical roles and objectives, they must decide for themselves how to argue, negotiate, and persuade others in order to shape the outcome. In doing so, students encounter pressures similar to those President Ford faced in 1974—and discover how events might unfold differently from history.
Grades 9-12; 25 to 30 students
Program Length: 4 hours
Black and Blue: Taking Action Today
It was one of the most disgraceful incidents in Michigan football history – and ultimately, one of the most inspiring. Black and Blue tells the once-forgotten story of the 1934 game between Michigan and Georgia Tech – a story that’s inspired action to correct injustices of the past. Updated with an all-new epilogue that discusses the contested legacies of one of the film’s central characters, and ideally suited for middle and high school students, Black and Blue will inspire your student to act for others. Reserve your showing of it here.
Grades 9-12; 60 student maximum
Program Length: 2 hours, 3 hours, or 4 hours
Advise the President: New York City Financial Crisit
Students learn the basic skills of deliberative dialogue and then put them into practice by assuming the role of advisor to the President. Using primary source documents, students will learn about one of the more challenging domestic issues faced by President Ford: the New York City financial crisis. Together, students will, examine possible solutions, and discuss what they believe is the best course of action.
Grades 9-12; 30 student maximum
Program Length: 4 hours
Leading with Character
This four-hour workshop gives students insight into the character and leadership styles of President Ford. Students will examine their own leadership styles by engaging in several leadership and team-building activities. The importance of service in leadership is incorporated as students engage in an on-site service project together. This program is great for student leadership groups, peer-listeners, and mentors.
Grades 9-12; 60 student maximum
Program Length: 4 hours
Advise the President: Operation Babylift
The latest in a series to help students learn learn the basic skills of deliberative dialogue and then put them into practice by assuming the role of advisor to the President, this simulation explores America’s response to the Vietnamese refugee crisis. During this lesson students will explore different perspectives that were prominent in the nation at that time, this all-new simulation stimulates student deliberation on one of the most controversial issues of Ford’s Presidency.
Grades 9-12; 30 student maximum
Program Length: 4 hours