Encyclopedias Lesson Plans

Students investigate the history of the encyclopedias and compare and contrast them with the online version, Wikipedia. In groups, they research the strengths and weaknesses and prepare for a debate about them. Following the debate, students discuss the virtues of each type of research source.

Learners study the role Oklahoma's wheat fields played in the history of labor movements in the US. They write imaginary letters describing their experiences on a wheat harvest. They research on the internet or in encyclopedias to find out how hobo sandwiches got their name.

5th graders explore the encyclopedia and take notes from it in a formatted way. They analyze and compare the encyclopedia to an almanac and begin to take information on their chosen president.

Students explore famous people by researching their specific person/subject. In this biography lesson, students utilize an encyclopedia and the Internet to research a famous person from U.S. history which they are assigned at random. Students create illustrations and a short biography about their subject and share it with the class.

students participate in a lesson about the history of the Ludlow Massacre. They use an online encyclopedia in order to obtain information. The use of primary resources allows students to enter the time of history from a closer to origin perspective.

Learners research information about Theodor Geisel, who is also known as Dr. Seuss. In this research lesson, learners use multimedia resources, print encyclopedias, and other sources to find out who the real Dr. Seuss is. They compete a biography template and write a final report about the author.

This lesson has learners evaluate language arts by writing a biographical piece. In this famous American lesson, learners utilize the web and encyclopedias to investigate a famous American and his or her contributions to the United States. This lesson has learners create a biographical essay regarding their person and a poster which illustrates their man or woman.

Learners explore the Tomb of the Unknowns. In this research lesson, learners identify the importance of the Tomb of the Unknowns and write an essay about the information they gather. Learners search the Internet, watch videos, and read encyclopedias.

2nd graders research a wild animal to research and present a 3 slide PowerPoint presentation. In this animal research lesson, 2nd graders use encyclopedias to go on an animal info scavenger hunt. 2nd graders also use a graphic organizer to present facts from resource materials and references.

Students research the landmarks of West Virginia. In this West Virginia lesson, students read about landmarks, historic places, and historic markers in the West Virginia Encyclopedia. They work in groups of 3 and teach their fellow group members what they have learned.