Diversity and Dialogue
Communication and Trust-Building Exercises
Help learners build trust and develop verbal and non-verbal communication skills with a variety of interactive activities outlined in this resource.
TCI
Celebrating Our Constitution
School House Rock's "Preamble" launches a study of the Preamble of the US Constitution and the relevance of this 200 year-old document today.
Curated OER
"Yarning" About Latitude and Longitude
Students identify various locations using latitude and longitude. In this map skills lesson, students use yarn and labels to create a "human globe." Students identify the Prime Meridian, the Equator, and Northern and Southern Hemisphere.
Curated OER
Chinese New Year
Gong hei fat choy! Celebrate Chinese New Year with a variety of activities that introduce learners to the Chinese myth of the race that determined which animals earned their place the zodiac.
Curated OER
Understanding Time Zones
Young scholars investigate the times zones around the world. They discuss situations when it is important to know the time in different parts of the world and how to find it.
Curated OER
It's My Party
Young scholars compare/contrast the Republican and Democratic platforms using Venn diagrams, then read and discuss, "The Conventions Are Over. The Party's Just Starting." students then participate in a mock press conference and write...
Curated OER
Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence
Learners examine readings and symbols to learn about the War of Independence and Thomas Jefferson. In this War of Independence lesson, students explore the role of Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration for Independence. Learners answer...
Curated OER
The Scramble for Wealth And Power
Students participate in a simulation activity involving the distribution of the world's wealth and power. The activity starts when 100 pennies, representing wealth and power, are spread on the floor and students must grab as many...
Curated OER
The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
Sixth graders examine the causes of the stock market crash of 1929. In this integrated math/history unit on the stock market, 6th graders study, research, and read stocks, visit a local bank, and create a PowerPoint to show the finished...
Curated OER
Literature Study of the Civil War Era
Learn more about the Civil War. Young scholars will choose a novel based on the Civil War to learn more about the viewpoints of that time period. They will then discuss the roles of the members of a Literature Circle and then participate...
Curated OER
Teen Scene
Students examine what teenagers value most, and discuss the trend of decadent sixteenth birthday parties. They read an article, analyze forms of teen-focused media, and create a visual presentation on their media analysis.
Curated OER
Tools of the Historian: Primary vs. Secondary Sources
Students identify the difference between primary and secondary sources. They discuss the importance of evaluating all sources they might use. They read primary and secondary sources that relate to the colonial period.
Channel Islands Film
Eminent Domain
After viewing the documentary The Last Roundup, a documentary about the transitioning of Santa Rosa from a privately own island to a National Park, class members debate the takings clause of the Fifth Amendment that permits the...
Curated OER
Comparing the Ancient and Modern Olympics: A Venn Diagram
Students compare and contrast today's Olympic Games to those held in ancient Greece. They read newspapers, conduct Internet research, watch TV coverage of current Olympic Games and organize their findings on a Venn diagram.
Curated OER
Latitude and Longitude
Young scholars find latitude and longitude on a map or atlas. They create maps with a cruise route. They practice plotting locations given latitiude and longitude.
Curated OER
Human Beings / Human Rights
Students brainstorm and discuss what it means to be "human." They relate human rights to human needs and discuss what a universal right is and read about Eleanor Roosevelt and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Curated OER
Taking a Stand on Bullying
Middle schoolers stand up against bullying in a character-building lesson. After discussing historical figures who became advocates in times of adversity, they brainstorm ways to end bullying at their own school, and use a formal letter...
Curated OER
Building Character: Holocaust Survivor Testimonies
Host a fishbowl discussion to help your class recognize and articulate the relationship between words and the character traits they describe. They analyze Holocaust survivor testimonies and apply the character traits they observe. No...
Curated OER
Frighteningly Fabulous Festivals
Students explore the significance of holiday foods, first by researching Halloween-type festivals from around the world, and then by reporting on foods related to different holidays celebrated in their homes.
Curated OER
Character Education: Fairness
Students discuss issues related to fairness and the music industry with a variety of partners. In this character education lesson, students sit in a round formation and discuss five topics for one minute at a time before changing...
Curated OER
No Name-Calling Week
Students discuss if they have ever heard someone being bullied or called a name; if so, as each child shares, they hold hands and form a linked circle. They then talk about what they can say or do when they witness name-calling or bullying.
Curated OER
Globe Skills Lesson 1 Some Early American Cultures
Students apply their knowledge of geography. In this geography skills lesson, students read brief selections regarding early Americans. Students respond to the questions included in the self-guided map skills lesson.
Curated OER
Artscapes
Learners consider "The Gates" and other environmental art projects, and create an original public art project for their local community. They draw sketches and write proposals outlining their ideas.
Curated OER
What Is Self-Esteem?
Students use a Venn diagram to differentiate between traits of low self-esteem and high self-esteem. They use a continuum to decide where their self-esteem is on a daily basis noting changes.