The New York Times
Making Do: Learning and Growing Through Adversity
What is it that makes people keep going when they face challenges in life? Ask your class to consider this question in relation to their own experiences and as they read material from The New York Times. Using personal experiences and...
Overcoming Obstacles
Gathering Information
Before making important decisions, gathering as much information as possible is best. That's the take-away from the second lesson in the Decision-Making module of the Overcoming Obstacles course. Middle schoolers engage in a series of...
Overcoming Obstacles
Presenting Yourself
"Presenting Yourself," the last lesson in the "Looking to the Future" module, asks participants to review and reflect on what they have learned about themselves in the Overcoming Obstacles course. They review their course folder and...
Curated OER
Tour de Force on the Tour de France
Students explore the incredible obstacles that Lance Armstrong overcame to become the second American winner of the Tour de France. They choose a person whom they admire as the subject of a 'Man in the News' or 'Woman in the News' article.
Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media
European Explorers
To compare how the Spanish, French, and English approached the exploration of North America, class groups examine primary source documents and become experts on one of four explorers: Francisco Coronado, Robert LaSalle, Samuel de...
Curated OER
Oh, What a Tangled Web!
Students research how different World Wide Web search engines work and navigate these engines to find information on a specific topic. They write a reflective journal entry about the in-class topic search on the World Wide Web.
Scholastic
Lesson 1: What Are Barriers?
Scholars discuss the concept of a barrier with a short passage on Jackie Robinson. The writing process begins with a paragraph and several other sentences about Robinson's unique traits that made breaking a barrier possible. Â
Curated OER
Ballad Blast
Learners write epic poems, songs, or ballads to describe adventures of their own. They discover that storytellers often told stories as epic poems, songs, or ballads. They share and discuss some of Homer's Odyssey and Iliad.
Curated OER
Take a Second. Make a Difference
Pupils are taught an important instructional activity about how an adult can influence life in a positive or negative way. They are encouraged to accomplish their best at home and school. The students write a personal story about a...
Curated OER
Growing in Character
Students explore how to build their character by respecting and appreciating various cultures. In this character education lesson, students read the book Seedfolks and answer questions based on the character's cultural backgrounds....
Curated OER
African Americans in Aviation: The 1940s- A Decade of Change
Students investigate African Americans in aviation. In this primary resources lesson, students examine primary resources to research the history of African American in aviation. Students answer two research questions and write an essay...
Curated OER
Leveling the Gender Playing Field
Students explore whether or not the gender 'playing field' is becoming more level. They share their views by responding to questions regarding changing attitudes about women and men in the past, present and future.
Curated OER
Giving Without Borders
Students assess the mission, accomplishments and global impact of Doctors Without Borders, the medical relief organization awarded the 1999 Nobel Peace Prize. They analyze stories of recent work done in different countries around the world.
Curated OER
Piercing the World of Silence
Students explore the sign language alphabet. They examine the difficulties faced by handicapped persons, and are introduced to Helen Keller, Anne Sullivan and The Miracle Worker.
Curated OER
Nickles from Heaven -- WWII and Present-Day Discrimination
Learners research how discrimination has changed from World War II to the present day. They examine how the issues may have stayed the same.
Curated OER
History of Famous Women
Young scholars explore famous women who have made contributions to the world.
Curated OER
Researching an Author
Students research works by a contemporary author of their
choice, choosing one in particular upon which to focus, conducting research
relating to that work. They create a brochure utilizing Microsoft Publisher then share their brochure...
Curated OER
Reflect & Celebrate
Students complete activities to learn about service learning. In this community service activity, students answer reflection questions about community service. Students create thank you cards and letters to sponsors, government...
Curated OER
It's A Challenge!
Students write a book review stating challenges the character faced and if they enjoyed the book. In this language arts lesson plan, students fill out a worksheet provided.
Curated OER
Voyages of Discovery
Pupils create individual "travel logs" for a world explorer whom they studied in history class. This lesson is an interdisciplinary activity for the Language Arts and History classroom.