Learners identify American heroes. In this research skills lesson plan, students discuss the characteristics of heroes and examine society's definition of heroes. Learners research selected American heroes of the 20th century and create...

Ever wonder how to memorialize World War I heroes in the classroom? Activities in a high-quality social studies resource prompt middle schoolers to research Internet sources, complete a graphic organizer, and write an editorial feature...

Students watch a video and participate in discussion about test pilot, astronaut, senator, and hero-John Glenn.

Students investigate heroism through the ages. They complete an online Webquest, explore various websites, compare/contrast different types of heroes, answer discussion questions, and locate newspaper articles about someone they consider...

The illustrations of Ezra Jack Keats in The Snowy Day inspire young artists to examine shapes in illustrations and to use these shapes to create their own watercolor resist painting.

What is on your to-do list today? The second lesson of a three-part series on Lost Heroes of America investigates the laundry list of items in front of the second Continental Congress. Scholars research, analyze, and present information...

Young scholars design a biographical web for a famous American figure. They identify key research questions and organize information as a prewriting strategy. This can be done individually or as a class, depending on your needs and...

In this lesson, pupils are introduced to the contributions made by African-American soldiers that have been excluded from traditional textbooks. To gain an appreciation for these unsung heroes, students engage in research to ultimately...

Young scholars write an essay comparing Arthur Mille's The Crucible and one of Tennessee Williams' plays. For this Tennessee Williams lesson, students discuss the influence of Puritanism on modern American drama....

Discover the experience of being Muslim in America. In this diversity lesson, watch "9/11 Backlash: Being Muslim in America," and research how Muslims are portrayed in American television and movies. Debate the media portrayal of Muslims.

Students research heroism online. In this heroism lesson, students use the documentary of Heroes of Ground Zero to explore the theme of heroism. Students complete five days of activities to research and participate in activities that...

Students expand their knowledge by researching on the Internet the African American civil rights movement and compiling a timeline of events and heroes. In addition to the civil rights timeline, students identify the key historical sites...

Students become familiar with an American legend that is unfamiliar to many. Presented with the legend of Forest Joe, a runaway slave who, much like Robin Hood, stole from the rich to give to the poor, students draw comparisons and...

During a series of four activities, class members examine and deconstruct advertising that features famous athletes. They determine target audiences, analyze ads, explore "emotional climate," and role play a meeting between a sports...

Students research the viewpoints of famous Americans, and then write commencement speeches reflecting these viewpoints to be delivered to high school graduates of today.

High schoolers investigate the dramatic elements of The Crucible. In this drama instructional activity, students explore the elements and themes of the Arthur Miller play as they read the play and watch performances of some of the...

Students create raven masks. In this Northwest Coast Native American lesson plan, students design and create Kwakiutl-style hats that feature the shapes, animals, and colors used by the Northwest Native Americans.

Young scholars create traditional hats. In this visual arts instructional activity, students design and create traditional hats that highlight animal features, line design, and geometric shapes in the style of the Kwakiutl.

Why is Christopher Columbus one of the most studied figures in history? Upper graders will investigate why Christopher Columbus traveled to the New World and what happened to the native people he encountered. They read and discuss...

Students engage in a study of apples using children's literature. They conduct research using a variety of resources. Student list facts about apples and compare them while answering some guided questions. They plant some apple seeds and...

Students role-play the role of journalists during the 19th and 20th centuries. They create their own sports newspapers. They report on Jack Johnson's life and career.

Students read about America's participation in World War II. They study images, timelines, and other primary source documents.

Studetns study how biographers create characters and history of individuals in biographies. They complete a variety of writting activities to demonstrate understanding.