Students read and analyze selections by Emerson, Thoreau, Tyler, Frost, and Oates relating to conformity and nonconformity. They write and present a paper showing how a creative person has responded to the issue of conformity vs. nonconformity.

Overall Rating:

Grades:

9th - 12th

Students study Henry David Thoreau and his influence on modern ecology. They think about their own approach to the environment when writing first person narratives.

Overall Rating:

Grades:

11th

Students explore philosophy of Thoreau, and connect Thoreau's philosophy with Civil War, Reconstruction and Westward expansion, as well as philosophy of American Indian and Romanticism. They then contemplate their own existence, contemplate existence of their own place (community), and discuss how literature connects and reflects both times in which it was written, as well as modern times.

Overall Rating:

Grades:

11th - 12th

Students use this design as an electronic reading and writing guide to Henry David Thoreau's famous essay, "On Civil Disobedience." They use activities to familiarize students with the political issues of Thoreau's time. Comprehension questions are geared to the appreciation of his philosophy while at the same time challenging certain of his ideas. A range of Internet activities allows for a variety of learning styles and levels. On-task time is thus maximized.

Overall Rating:

Grades:

11th - 12th

Students read facts about Henry David Thoreau and "Sounds" from Walden. They create a graphic organizer about living in the woods. In groups, students simulate and debate whether or not Henry should stay in the woods. They write a summary of why Henry wanted to live alone in the woods.

Overall Rating:

Grades:

5th - 6th