What sunk the Sultana? Scholars become investigators to uncover the facts behind the 1865 sinking just after the end of the Civil War. Through group work, videos, and primary documents, they research and analyze why 1,800 men died....

Students explore decision making by seeking out advice. In this life problem solving lesson, students discuss problems they encounter in daily life and listen to their classmates discussions of all the available options. Students...

Students are introduced to the proper way to communicate in different situtations. In groups, they identify destructive and constructive methods of communication in dialogues. To end the lesson, they practice role-playing in scenerios...

How is religious freedom connected to the conflict between China and Tibet? After reading an online passage of background information, your learners will divide into groups and both read and view an interview with the Dalai Lama. They...

Ninth graders summarize and paraphrase a short story read in class. They identify the six story elements of character, setting, plot, conflict, solution, and tone/mood. Students create a PowePoint presentation that illustrates the...

Students brainstorm a list of negative stereotypes in the African-American society. In groups, they develop ways to decrease the chance of them living in poverty and being in trouble with the law. They develop ways to solve problems...

Students are introduced to the concept of self-esteem and discuss how it is important in friendships. In groups, they counsel one another to determine how one's personal behavior affects the others in their group. They discover the...

Students redesign the classroom space. In this geometry lesson, students part take in making classroom rules and assigning value to the space in the classroom. They investigate measuring and problem solving in this lesson.

Third graders are introduced to the steps in solving a problem. Using traffic problems, they offer suggestions to solve this problem using the steps mentioned above. They also discuss what types of alternatives can be used to make the...

Young pupils should benefit from this wonderful series of activities designed to teach them how to get along with, and respect each other. Learners recognize how to demonstrate both respectful and disrespectful behavior, and take part in...

Get your future professionals working in teams as part of a college and career readiness lesson plan. Discuss times learners have been on teams. What worked and what didn't? How did they settle disagreements? There is a teamwork handout...

Students examine the appeal of temperance to African-American women. They also discover the racial tensions involved in this movement. They work together to read articles and answer questions.

Seventh graders begin the lesson by comparing and contrasting the Bill of Rights with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. For each document, they highlight the material that is the same for both and discuss the items that are...

Students explore the concept of ecological footprints. In this environmental stewardship lesson, students calculate their ecological footprints and consider how to reduce them.

Fourth graders investigate philosophy by researching the life of Mahatma Gandhi. In this historical biography instructional activity, 4th graders examine the peaceful philosophy of India's most famous resident. Students participate in...

Pupils research the conditions in which molds thrive. They apply the scientific method to develop a hypothesis, conduct research and test results.

Students are introduced to the various types of cultures found in the world. Using the internet, they research a culture they are interested in and answer comprehension questions. In groups, they demonstrate in a PowerPoint presentation...

Fifth graders examine the presidency of Andrew Jackson. Using the Internet, they research his decision to remove the Indians from their land and place them on reservations. They discuss the effects of the Indian Removal Act of 1830.

Students construct a "feeling cube" for the purpose of exploring and discussing feelings. Students read "The Hungry Caterpillar" discussing life cycle and making a sock puppet, discussing the feelings explored during the activity and the...

Students discover ways to conserve energy in their homes.  In this energy efficiency lesson students analyze a set of data and design a solution that results in higher energy efficiency.

Fourth graders explore language arts by reciting a famous nursery rhyme to their classroom. In this oral storytelling instructional activity, 4th graders read the story "The Three Little Pigs" and identify the characters, setting and...

Students identify a wrong in their own community and act to correct it. They reflect on the intersection fo the Civil Rights Movemnet with a social justice project.

Students examine the settlement and use of the Smith River area. Using the internet, they research concepts such as the "right of conquest" and "natural rights". In groups, they demonstrate how the land was transferred to the...

Students explore the nature of mathematical proofs and mathematical inquiry. They complete the activity "Using the Pythagorean Theorem". They read selected articles and participate in class discussions.