Young scholars discuss meaning of symbols associated with Statue of Liberty, read and analyze Emma Lazarus' sonnet, "The New Colossus," and write persuasive letter to a nineteenth-century audience to gain support for bringing statue to...

Should wilderness areas be preserved or managed? Class members examine primary source documents, including lecture notes, articles, essays and congressional records to better understand the Hetch Hetchy controversy that created a split...

Students read and analyze Franklin Delano Roosevelt's 1941 State of the Union Address. They listen to recordings of speeches by F.D.R., answer discussion questions, and participate in a debate.

Students examine the settlement patterns of the Kansas Territory. In this Kansas history lesson, students analyze primary documents from the pioneers in the territory. Students write letters or perform skits that feature their findings.

High schoolers study public issues and become more aware of local issues.  For this economics lesson students are given some local controversial issues and several viewpoints to analyze.  They then research and review the topic...

Students analyze four books and find the appropriate number in the Dewey Decimal System. In this Dewey Decimal System lesson, students compare their analysis with the reason they are placed in the library. Students create a rap and make...

Students annotate core maps to explain either the political or the military situation in the British North American colonies, using Boston as a case study. They explain the British military strategy for suppressing the rebellion in Boston.

Eighth graders explore various cultures around the world.  In this cultural lesson, 8th graders prepare foods that belong to different cultures.  Students examine the climate in the places of origin of their foods using a...

Pupils research graphic novels. In this manga lesson, students work in small groups as the read graphic novels in literature circle format.

Students discover the history of Colonial America by creating a class presentation.  For this U.S. History lesson, students utilize the Internet to research one of 20 topics in which they will create a PowerPoint or other type of...

Sixth graders develop metacognitive skills while reading Esperanza Rising. In this comprehension strategies lesson, 6th graders read a chapter from the book and discuss questions with a small group. Students share with their peers. 

Students create a PowerPoint about Canadian geography or history. In this Canada lesson, students spend two days researching their Canadian topic in the library and online. They create a PowerPoint presentation and add pictures taken...

Learners explore the history of their local community. In this local history lesson, students analyze primary documents to develop an understanding of the local culture and traditions of their local community.

Learners research New Deal programs. In this Great Depression instructional activity, students analyze primary sources to develop an understanding of the effects of the depression and how WPA programs and other New Deal programs...

Second graders study pioneers. In this social studies lesson, 2nd graders discuss the lives of pioneers. Students view photographs of various types of pioneer homes. Students build their own models of pioneer homes.

Twelfth graders use the internet web sites, museum sites and libraries to research her/his favorite artist?s styles, techiniques and subject matter. Students go to different web sites, find and read about their favorite artist and brind...

Students explore career paths by creating a job scrapbook.  In this employment lesson, students discuss what types of skills employers look for in the job market.  Students decide on a career they would like to explore by...

Learners interpret a proverb and read examples of oral histories.  In this The Witch of Goingsnake lesson, students read two samples of oral history and discuss quotations from each.  Learners read "Calf Roper's Bandit Car" and...

Pupils have the opportunity to practice research and essay-writing skills using primary and secondary source materials. They explore aspects of early settlers' lives in the backwoods of Upper Canada.

Students consider how empires are created and sustained, examine Peutinger Table as a whole and in detail as tool of empire for Rome, c. 250 CE, create ancient time-distance travel chart that synthesizes series of strip maps, and...

Learners make a presentation and know the various types of presentations. In this presentation lesson, students answer questions about presentations and then create their own presentation following the set of standards given.

Students engage in a activity that is concerned with the concept of immigration. They conduct research using a variety of resources. Students create a KWL chart to organize the information. The activity also includes a resource link for...

Sixth graders study Columbus Day in relation to who discovered Canada. They complete a KWL about Canada and discuss Columbus Day as an American holiday. After viewing a video, they read articles of Christopher Columbus and work in groups...

Students create an action plan to learn how to preserve natural resources for future generations. In this environmental conservation instructional activity, students research the topic of preserving the natural environment and write a...