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Bringing Illinois into the Curriculum
Students of all ages are introduced to the geography of Illinois. Depending on the grade level, they participate in different activities which allow them to discover Illinois in the past and present. They examine the animals and...
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Beijing: An Important City in China
Pupils investigate Beijing by reading an essay. In this Chinese Geography lesson, students read an essay written about Beijing and answer questions on a comprehension worksheet. Pupils may research Beijing further by...
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Australia: Introductory Lesson
Students explore Australia. In this global studies lesson, students listen to audio clips and watch video clips that introduce them to the the nation-continent. Students discuss what they already know about Australia and what they would...
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All That Sparkles is Silver!
Students analyze photographs for information about life in Virginia City Nevada in the late 1800s. In this Nevada statehood lesson, students work in teams to analyze photographs from Virginia City. Students brainstorm adjectives to...
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Places in Arkansas: A Tour of Our Unique State
A great lesson plan focuses on important cultural and historical places in the state of Arkansas. Learners are introduced to six important places in Arkansas, then create a report on a place in Arkansas. Some excellent photographs,...
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NAFTA Trade Unit
Students research the geography, economics and government of Canada and how that affects US/Canadian trade relations. For this NAFTA lesson, students play a game, read about Canadian history, and creat a graph.
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Communicate with a Truck Driver
Sixth graders complete activities to learn about the trucking industry. In this truck driving lesson, 6th graders explore websites for positive trucker images and learn about their contributions to society. Students communicate with...
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Exploring our Community
Students research the geography and history of Los Angeles and its surrounding communities.
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Through A Pinhole
Students construct a pinhole camera using their knowledge of the physics of light. This interdisciplinary activity give students hands-on experience in understanding the production and processing of photographic images.
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The Search for the Five Themes
As a review for their study of geography, 6th graders read the worksheet questions and then click on the links in blue to locate the answers. They then write them on the worksheet to turn in.
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Roman Holiday in Google Earth
Students plan an itinerary for an educational trip to Rome. In this research skills instructional activity, students use Google Earth to conduct research for their project in their travel teams. Students also set up blogs to share their...
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Get Your Kicks on Route 66
Students research when and why Route 66 was started and how mom and pop businesses fit in with Route 66. Students associate what they've learned with the song.
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Settling Nroth America: Improvisation and Playwriting
Students map the classroom by marking the movement of the first Americans' migration from Alaska down into North America. To improve their skills in map-reading and sense of direction, students identify physical features of the map and...
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Aquatic Exotics
Young scholars identify and describe the aquatic exotic species found in Illinois. Using the internet, they research the species origins and discover their effects on native species in the area. They discuss how appropriate it is to...
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Delicious Dinners by Jr. Chefs
Students create a protein-rich dinner. In this nutrition lesson, students brainstorm foods that are rich in protein. Students make burritos and identify the color of meat when it is cooked thoroughly.
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Mapping the Past
Middle schoolers study historical maps to view how the world evolved from medieval times through the Renaissance. They work in groups to examine the maps and present a report on one of the listed maps.
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Ancient Greece
Sixth graders examine the research that archaeologists have done on a Late Bronze Age shipwreck in order to work out the extent of trade in the Eastern Mediterranean during this period, with emphasis on the involvement of the Mycenaeans...
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Axis and Allies World War II Simulation
Learners investigate World War II through the computer game Axis and Allies. They discuss the basics of World War II before playing the game, spend eight weeks playing the game that is a simulation of World War II, and write a report...
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"Where in the World is my School?"
Students learn new vocabulary and discuss what GPS is and does. They locate their school using the equipment.
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Turn of the Century
Young scholars explore the transformation of America's economy in response to the Industrial Revolution in terms of patterns of agricultural and industrial development relating to climate, natural resource use, markets and trade.
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My World Wide Tour of Spanish Speaking Countries
Students organize a two week travel plan through Spanish speaking countries all over the world. plan their flight schedules, accommodations, and tours of cultural events. Students compute the total cost of their trip.
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Water Sources in Cape Verde and West Africa
Young explorers study the scarcity and importance of a continuous supply of fresh water in Cape Verde. They research the five main ways that fresh water is obtained in these countries. Each research group prepares a presentation, and...
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The Potential Consequences of Climate Variability and Change
Students analyze the impact of climate variability and change utilizing a broad span of topics over a wide range of grade levels. This three lesson plan unit is easily adapted for the various instructional levels listed.
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Texas Commemorative Maps: Honoring Our Past
To celebrate Texas, groups plan and create a commemorative map for a topic or theme in Texas history. The richly detailed plan and the approach could easily be adapted to any state. Samples are included.