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Book Report Activity
Learners analyze language arts by reading a book in class. In this book report lesson, students must read one of five selected books including 1984 and Lord of the Flies. Learners prepare a two page report and create a poster...
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Under the Blood-Red Sun
Fifth graders explore U.S. history by reading an award winning book about World War II. In this Japanese internment camp lesson, 5th graders read the book Under the Blood-Red Sun and discuss the entrapment of Japanese-Americans on our...
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Short Story Lesson Plan
Students read and discuss the short story, "The McWilliamses and the Burglar Alarm," by Mark Twain. They assume the role of the main characters in the story and write a humorous letter of complaint using a business letter format. They...
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Hero vs. Claudio: A Case of Slander
High schoolers research marriage customs of the Renaissance, discuss and debate the issues raised by Claudio repudiating Hero at the altar in the Shakespearean play Much Ado About Nothing, and then stage a mock trial accusing Claudio of...
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Please Press One For More Options
Learners practice using automated phone answering systems. They discuss the many ways automated phone systems are used when trying to request information. Students role play calling service companies and using automated systems. This...
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Values in a Multicultural Society
Students list personal values that are important to them. For this values lesson, students reflect about values they learned during childhood. They discuss the different factors affecting their current beliefs.
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Constitutional Issues: The Separation of Powers
Students research and stage a debate on the question: RESOLVED that the Constitution should be amended to provide for a parliamentary system of government. They debate if a parliamentary system of government might be better.
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Separate But Equal Video
Eighth graders watch the video "Separate But Equal." They choose an incident or event from the video that is interesting or meaningful to them and write an objective news article and an editorial.
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Information Fluency Unit
Fourth graders, after defining the task and searching for some creative strategies, role play being a Park Ranger who tries to save Big Bend from being removed from the National Park system in Texas. They support the keeping of Big Bend...
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The Giver: A Research Unit
Eighth graders complete a reading of Lois Lowry's, The Giver, and determine a social problem the effects the "utopian society." They research information about the social problem using a number Internet, print, and media resources. They...
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Women in the War
Pupils make decisions about how best to deal with or resolve dilemmas during the Civil War. In this women in war lesson, students word in groups to discuss how a given dilemma could be handled. Groups elect a spokesperson to report to...
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Just "Who" are the Three Little Pigs?
Fourth graders use a Venn diagram to compare and contrast various versions of the story The Three Little Pigs. They write a Cinquain, and then act out their version of the Three Little Pigs in a skit.
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Manners Matter
Students demonstrate proper behavior in the classroom and in other social situations. They write journal entries, create posters, invitations, and or multimedia presentations depiciting good manners. Pupils pair up with another students...
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Caught Between Worlds: Frontier Life as Reflected in Captivity Narratives
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...
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Biographical Scene Investigators
Sixth graders become members of the BSI in this research simulation. They apply for Biographical Scene Investigator membership, investigate an individual, keep an evidence notebook and write an investigator's report.
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Those Fabulous Fables
A video leads off this activity on fables, introducing the class to this important form of traditional storytelling. The group defines fable and hears an explanation of the origin of this type of folk tale. They summarize the story they...
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Folktales of Zora Neale Hurston
Do you know why woodpeckers have red heads? Why the possum has no hair on its tail? Why a cat has nine lives? Find out by downloading this resource that uses Zora Neale Hurston's collection Mules and Men as the basis of a study of...
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Go To The Head of the Cloud
Students pretend they are water droplets traveling through the water cycle. Using their text, they discover the steps in the cycle and the different paths water can take. They write a report about their journey through the water cycle...
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Lesson Refresh: Plan with the END in Mind
Fourth graders identify literary techniques by participating in a class discussion. In this organization activity, 4th graders practice public speaking while presenting ideas for a story to their classmates as well as critiquing the...
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Woody Guthrie: Life and Art
Woody Guthrie will capture the imagination of even your most reluctant learners. Using his work, your class will develop their skills in non-fiction reading comprehension, interpreting primary source material, and use of multiple forms...
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Social Studies: Debating Aid to Micronesia
Students simulate a debate about continued U.S. aid to the Federated States of Micronesia. In two large groups, they research the history of Micronesia and how it was affected by colonization and trusteeship. After the debate, students...
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Curriculum Plan for Vietnam Study Abroad Project
Learners compare and contrast the education system in Vietnam and Michigan. They study activities being addressed in changing Vietnam's education system and create presentations to demonstrate their understanding.
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WWII Economics
Students simulate a classroom rationing program resembling an environment similar to the coupon/stamp rations conducted during WWII. The simulation last 3 days resulting in an observable outcome in relationship to the coupon rationing...
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Broadcasting World War II
Third graders listen to several broadcasts from the WWII era. They research, write and perform simulated radio broadcasts concerning topics related to American society in World War II.