Overcoming Obstacles
Blowin' in the Wind
Working together isn't as easy as it looks! Small groups of classmates try to keep a balloon in the air using only a straw, their breath, and team communication.
Smithsonian Institution
Women's Role in the War Effort
Did you know that many women were Confederate spies during the Civil War? The resource focuses particularly on the important role women played for both the Union and Confederacy. It uses exercises such as a discussion, video, analyzing...
Curated OER
Teamwork Towers
Students work in a cooperative groups to create a free standing tower of straws and pins in ten minutes. They watch a video of the cooperative groups working, discuss the process and list the things they could do to improve the cooperation.
Curated OER
What's The Story?
Teams of learners integrate reading, writing, math, social studies, and science in this simple, yet effective lesson. They work in groups in order to solve a ten-step problem which requires internet research, the use of a calculator, and...
Curated OER
Together Everyone Accomplishes More
Sixth graders investigate time management and relationship strategies to build teams at home and school. They take part in working in teams in a variety of mock situations to strengthen skills of interpersonal relationships. Students...
Smithsonian Institution
General George Washington, Military Leader
Teach pupils the characteristics that make George Washington such an effective leader, especially in context of his time period. Scholars view artifacts, participate in group work, create lists, compare and contrast, and discuss as a...
Smithsonian Institution
Two Perspectives on the Battle of Little Bighorn/Greasy Grass
Learners understand why historians conduct research and the importance of perception when it comes to studying history. The resource covers The Wars of Expansion and the Battle of Little Bighorn/Greasy Grass through group work, debate,...
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
Justice and Kindness Play a Part: King Day
Students recognize injustice in the world. In this social justice instructional activity, students discuss the responsibility they have to be advocates for justice and kindness and identify a time when they felt they were treated unfairly.
US Institute of Peace
Organizations Working for Peace
We're all in this together! Show young scholars that peace is a process and having the support of like-minded people can make it happen. 13th in a series of 15 peace building activities, groups conduct research on a peace organization,...
Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library & Museum
Role Playing Relating to Big Decisions
While most high schoolers are too young to vote, they still need to learn the skills needed to solve problems. The ninth resource in a 10-part civics series presents class members with four "What Would You Do?" scenarios that have them...
Curated OER
Easter Egg Orienteering Hunt
Young scholars develop map reading and team building skills. After being divided into teams, students use a map of the school grounds to discover the location of Easter eggs. The first team to return with and eat their eggs wins the...
Curated OER
We the Past
Students study philanthropy related terms and philanthropy in the United States and their local community. In this philanthropy lesson, students study pictures of present and past Americans and discuss their philanthropic acts. Students...
Curated OER
Growing With Others, Kids on the Grow!
Students participate in an after school program that promotes accepting differences, self-motivation, teamwork, leadership roles, personal safety and self-responsibility, family unity and recognizing the characteristics of good...
Curated OER
Greek Gods Who Are They?
Sixth graders research a Greek God with a partner and prepare a presentation for the class. They use the computer and Internet, as a motivator for a Social Studies unit and explore the mythology, legends, values and beliefs of a people.
Curated OER
Soccer Fever Gets Hot
Students examine rules of soccer, focusing on basic skills necessary to play, create imaginary team, match players with positions that best fit their skill levels and personalities, and practice new skills with classmates.
Curated OER
Way to Go! Create a Road Map Game
Young scholars create a travel game of one of the United States. They research a state of their choice and create a travel game using a common road map. They interpret map symbols as they calculate map mileage for their games. They...
Curated OER
Ch'in (Qin) Dynasty Debate on Censorship
Sixth graders learn team building, fair play, keeping an open mind towards others' opinions, U.S. government policies, and a better understanding of the meaning of censorship as they debate the merits of censorship.
Curated OER
GUNS & 18th CENTURY NAVAL COMBAT
Learners use a 4lb gun as a tool to show how difficult and dangerous it was aboard a revolutionary naval vessel. They are also shown the importance of how teamwork can help to complete a job safely and quickly. Students discuss the...
Curated OER
Dream Catchers
Young scholars create Native American dream catchers to represent the Native American culture. After reading and discussing the origin of the Dream cather, they begin to construct their dream catchers using wire hoops, thread, beads, and...
Curated OER
The Acoustics House
Learners study how drums produce sound by building and playing a simple drum. They measure the diameter of their can, then mark a circle two inches larger in diameter on their piece of plastic with the marker or chalk, and cut out the...
Curated OER
Exploring Citizenship: Me, My Family and Friends
Students explore citizenship and identify their interests, families, and friends. They work in groups to discuss each others' interests, friendship, and ways to reach out to others. After discussing their neighborhoods and communities,...
Curated OER
Homelessness
Students study homelessness and the associated vocabulary. In this homelessness lesson, students work with a classmate to determine the definitions of words that are associated with homelessness. They attempt to define the words and then...
Curated OER
Local Four Minute Men Committee
Students research the "Third Liberty Loan" pamphlet. In this discussion lesson, students read the pamphlet and discuss their opinions. Students answer questions and discuss main points of the document.