I used this lesson with my GATE middle school kids, but it could certainly be extended to higher grades. It's current and relevant, yet it ties in well with what they are most likely learning in the regular Social Studies classroom.
This lesson mixes philosophy, social studies, speaking and listening skills, and more. You and your students will be engaged in pondering these important questions. It's the kind of big question you stay awake thinking about!
Big Question: Is Democracy the best of