Learners research and assess programs that strive to preserve biodiversity, such as captive-breeding programs and species-survival plans adopted by zoos, aquariums, and other institutions.

Students analyze captivity narratives written between the 1600's and 1800's. In this narrative lesson, students think critically about the interaction between Native peoples and the settlers to understand the cultural beliefs held by...

The First and Second Amendments remain some of the most famous, even to this day. Learners read about several clauses from the US Constitution through a variety of captivating activities including before and after reading, group work,...

Learners conduct research on lions and their natural habitats and how zoos provide lions with more natural surroundings while in captivity. They draw a picture of a lion in a habitat of their choice and add details to the scene's...

If humans evolved from apes, why are there still apes? Using captivating pictures and videos of our primate cousins, young biologists examine evidence to dispel one of the most common misconceptions about human evolution. Depending on...

Technology—what exactly is it? Find out with a project designed to inspire the inner inventor in us all. The activity begins with a captivating podcast and a search of multiple websites that display different inventions and technology,...

Students report their Orca research to the rest of the class choosing from a variety of formats. They touch on basic orca statistics, whales in captivity and their own opinions on this issue.

Learners discover the role zoos play in conservation of animals. They research the captive breeding programs that are in place at the Minnesota Zoo. They use the zoo's website to find the American Zoo and Aquarium Associations criteria...

Students investigate the life and trial of Rev. John Mahan who was involved with the illegal Underground Railroad. The issue of breaking the law to help slaves escape is examined in this lesson.

Learners determine the names of animal babies, then read a news article about zoo's experiencing animal births. In this current events lesson plan, the teacher introduces the article with vocabulary activities, then students read the...

Students compare and contrast their perspectives on raising gorillas in captivity with their peers and with scientists. In this perspective analysis lesson, students discuss whether or not gorillas should be in captivity. Students watch...

Students read several slave narratives that comment on the ways in which slaves were transported from market to market. They write three original pieces expressing the viewpoint of a man, woman and child in captivity.

Learners receive instruction on Pidyon Shevuyim in a whole class setting. They work in small groups to read and answer question on the topic, and meet as a class to discuss their findings.

Young scholars identify and discuss characteristics of runaway slaves in 18th Century, read A Narrative of the Adventures and Escapes of Moses, select five advertisements for Virginia Runaways Digital Project to complete On the Run...

Students reflect on a personally meaningful live performance and the circumstances necessary to create art. They study about the current leadership crisis facing the Met, Carnegie Hall, and the Public theater. In groups, students...

Students create a captive setting that meets the needs of the manatees. They design the area so that it encourages breeding.

Brian Jacques’ novel Redwall provides the focus for a series of lessons involving the analysis of folklore. Adopting the persona of a character, groups write letters in the voice of their character, assemble a collage using Microsoft...

Use an article about an Orca killing a trainer to help writers complete a persuasive essay. The article, other templates, and models are attached. Scholars divide up into groups of three where each person takes a different role,...

Students consider toys as more than items for playing, compare and contrast inventors and toys they created, and discuss purpose of specific toys, including whether toy was created for education, financial success, or both.

Take a virtual trip to see other countries and cultures! After learning about different cultures and populations, English learners think about a place they'd like to visit. Small groups or individuals plan a trip to a country...

Although not a complete lesson plan, this set of emotionally powerful texts could be used in a variety of lessons. From The New York Times' Learning Network site, the resource includes a poem, an excerpt from a New York Times article and...

Love, war, race, class, religion, honor are just a few of the topics readers of Gone with the Wind are prompted to discuss by the questions included in this very thoughtful reading guide.

What's missing from most studies of the American Revolutionary War is information about the role African Americans played in the conflict. To correct this oversight, middle schoolers research groups like the Black Loyalists and ...

Sixth graders read and utilize the facts from the story "Abd al-Rahmen Ibrahima" by Walter Dean Myers to analyze the main character's life which is ruined by conflict, jealousy, and greed. Journal entries are created in response to the...