Second graders observe and describe several masks from different parts of Africa housed in the Smithsonian Institute (National Museum of African Art) Washington, D.C. They use the internet to view the Smithsonian's virtual exhibits.

Students create and decorate a drum made from a coffee can.

Second graders listen to Horton Hears a Who? and complete a study of word cooperation. They group the words into families to see chunking.

Students use the experiences of Claudia and Jamie to explore income, expenses, and the budget process. The book follows the adventures of two runaway students hiding out in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

Young scholars explore politics by defining several jobs in the government. In this House of Representatives lesson, students identify several important roles men and women have in the House as well as the Senate. Young scholars identify...

Young scholars verbally and visually identify visual elements found around them everyday.

Use artwork to illicit responses in a writing journal, and then present your class with the short list of key terms provided. Can your learners add any of their own key terms? Segue for a second, and read tales such as Peter Pan or...

Young writers of any grade level research a historical topic of their choice about their local community. Using primary sources, they examine the historical significance of their area. They participate in activities such as going on a...

Students explore the concept of sharing. In this character education lesson, students role play methods of sharing in the classroom and create a guidebook for sharing in the classroom.

Students practice compassion. In this character education instructional activity, student read Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud. Students discuss the book as well as ways to demonstrate they care for one another. Students...

Second graders review map keys, symbols, and the purpose of maps, then students design a poster size map of their classroom.

Students research an African American person of interest to them. Once the research is complete, they share the information with the class. They also create a visual or written portrait of the person to show their character and...

Second graders draw maps of their playground, noting objects such as trees and play equipment. Working in groups, they make maps of different parts of the school and assemble them into a schoolwide map. They make maps on a field trip to...

Students view images from Japan's Summer Festival celebration. They create a uchiwa fan to use while doing the Kuma River Dance.

Students investigate the historical Bodhidharma and focus upon the founding of Buddhism in China. They create two-dimensional Daruma dolls and define the term of enlightenment using simple language. Students read about the legend while...

Students explore Canadian culture. In this Canadian Culture lesson, students participate in a general discussion about Canada, then create a symbol for Canada as part of a class collage.

Second graders compare and contrast groups of Native Americans and culture groups from different regions and times.

Students explore their family history by examining home remedy traditions. They read and discuss a handout about home remedies, conduct an interview with a family member, and complete an interview worksheet.

Students investigate famous people in U.S. history. In this American history lesson, students read about famous people such as Helen Keller and Einstein. Students think of ways they might become famous.

Students use their artistic skills to create an award for a fabulous family member.

Students create and then play a game similar to Memory, which encourages them to recall what they have learned about different occupations and the related tools.

Learners analyze themselves as members of the community. They choose a name to describe themselves and explain why they choose the name they did. They identify activities they perform in and out of school to help the community.

Students work together to reach a consensus about an issue. They examine a list of organizations and determine which ones meet a given set of criteria. They write supporting sentences for main ideas to end the lesson.

Students discuss the concept of being successful. The class produces a web page that showcases leaders from their community. They describe their contributions to the community and state the qualities that led them to success.