ARKive
Temperate Rainforest in the Pacific Northwest
Explore the amazing temperate rainforest of the Pacific Northwest. Your class starts by investigating the animals and plants of the Northwest, specifically Washington, and then research an animal population common to the area. In small...
Curated OER
Hatchet: Before Strategy- Problematic Situation
If you were stranded on a desert island, what items would be the most important to have with you? Decide whether you'd want a five gallon can of water, a radio, shark repellent, or any other item with an activity designed to prepare kids...
Reed Novel Studies
Tuck Everlasting: Novel Study
Would you want to live forever? That is a question that Winnie, in Natalie Babbitt's Tuck Everlasting, must answer. Scholars read to find out what Winnie chooses and reinforce their knowledge with vocabulary activities,...
Curated OER
Figurative Language - Part Two
Students need to use their papers from Part One of this lesson. They then write a paragraph for each term. This exercise help them to use these terms in their writing. Using figurative language makes writing more descriptive and alive.
Curated OER
Exploring & Creating Mythology
Learners read and compare mythological stories from ancient cultures from around the world. In small groups they read a myth and present the storyline and themes to the class, and write an original mythological story of their own...
Curated OER
Science vs. Science Fiction
Learners acknowledge the difference between science and science fiction through a compare/contrast activity. They discuss their reading materials together. Students identify characteristics specific to science fiction.
Curated OER
Whose Head Goes Here?
Pupils research the Illinois quarter and the President on it. Students research President Lincoln and American coinage. Pupils compare this quarter to the other national quarters with Presidents on them.
Curated OER
Mary Cassatt's "The Sisters"
Students compare and contrast two of Mary Cassatt's paintings, write a short essay on "The Sisters" and draw a picture of themselves with a brother, sister or close friend.
Curated OER
Whats so Different Between Them
Learners evaluate primary sources. In this Westward Expansion lesson, students will write essays that compare and contrast the differences and similarities between pioneers and Native Americans. Learners will engage in a wide variety of...
Curated OER
The Incident of September 11th
Sixth graders identify and write in their journals in order to activate prior knowledge on the events that surround September 11th. Students, with a partner, read various essays, articles and personal experiences of September 11....
Curated OER
The Empires of Africa
Students, in groups, compare and chart the different African kingdoms and city-states. They write a short essay detailing the aspects of African history that most fascinates them.
Curated OER
From Whose Perspective?
Pupils critically analyze news coverage of Palestinian-Israeli violence by comparing information from a variety of news sources. They compose expository essays reflecting on how to obtain accurate, unbiased, and credible information.
Curated OER
Pirates: Fact or Fiction?
Students gain an understanding of what pirates are and to prove they really did and do exist. They discuss the different myths the students have about pirates as compared to what the documentary discusses.
Curated OER
Window Into Another Culture
Learners read "A Single Lucid Moment" as a class. In groups, they identify the aspects of the United States that might allow for homelessness to happen and compare it with the culture of New Guinea. They write a journal entry about how...
Curated OER
Underground Rails: The New York City Subway System
Students explore the New York Subway system. They investigate its usefulness as mode of transportation for the people in the city and study its history compared to other city subway systems. They examine how the subway connects the...
Curated OER
Exploring Cultural Rituals
Young scholars analyze images and music of common rituals in America with those of other countries. They use worksheets to compare and contrast the events.
Curated OER
The Fight for Human Rights
Students explore the concept of human rights by developing and defending their own 'Bills of Human Rights' and by writing a reflective essay that compares their notions of human rights and the protection of them.
Curated OER
"Retale" Value: Exploring Plot Similarities in Fiction and Nonfiction Stories
Young scholars explore seven basic story lines and apply these story lines to news articles in the New York Times. They write reports comparing the plot of a news article to novels, plays and movies with which they are familiar.
Curated OER
Fiction vs. Nonfiction
Students explore fiction and nonfiction writing. They identify the elements of fiction in a short story and identify the criteria necessary in a nonfiction piece. Students distinguish the author's purpose in an expository text,...
Curated OER
Fictional Hereos
Students are introduced to the definition of a hero. As a class, they compare and contrast the difference between non-fictional and fictional hereos they have read about. They read a story, create a story map of one of the heroes and...
Curated OER
Chinese Dynasties
Learners explore several Chinese dynasties and research various topics including papermaking, calligraphy, and Lu Hou. They also demonstrate how to use an abacus and create several math problems to solve with it. Choosing a dynasty,...
Curated OER
U.S. History: What Happened Here?
Students apply the global positioning system to create maps of local historical sites. By collaborating with local historical groups, they research events and relate them to broader, national history. In addition to writing essays...
Curated OER
Marriage Equality: Different Strategies for Attaining Equal Rights
Students examine gays rights issues in the United States. In this gay marriage lesson, students investigate how people have made their cases before the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government to secure their...
Curated OER
Indians and White Americans
In this American history worksheet, students complete a chart comparing 6 aspects of American Indian and White American culture. Students then answer 2 essay questions.