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Does Hawaiian Agriculture Feed Hawaii's People?
Students research background information about Hawaiian agriculture in a variety of resources, then read and collect newspaper ads marketing local produce. They suggest food preparation ideas using local produce.
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Truth in Advertising: When to Ask Questions
Young scholars view different commercials and ad campaigns that present opposing notions of "truth." Students use these commercials to evaluate what makes an effective public service announcement (PSA) or advertisement, then choose a...
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Sex, Guise, and Video Games
Students examine the portrayal of women in action-adventure video games and in other forms of entertainment to assess whether or not these portrayals perpetuate positive images of women in today's world. They develop new female video...
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Propaganda Techniques
Learners recognize and separate various techniques of propaganda. For this propaganda lesson, students read a handout about the various types of propaganda and how it is used ina political campaign.
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Understanding Propaganda Throughout History
The exploration of propaganda can provide a motivating way for students to learn about history.
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Is the Internet A Web Of Deceit?
Students become more savvy Web surfers by evaluating the various elements of a Web site to determine its credibility. They conduct a two-part investigation of a Web site, focusing on how one determines if a Web site is credible in...
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Censorship in the Classroom: Understanding Controversial Issues
Students examine propaganda and media bias and explore a variety of banned and challenged books. Following this, students choose a side of the censorship issue and support their position by developing an ad campaign about the banned book...
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Using Primary Sources to Discover Reconstruction
Fifth graders discover how reconstruction had an impact on racial issues in the United States. In this Reconstruction instructional activity, 5th graders are introduced to primary vs. secondary resources and then rotate through...
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The Eyes Have It
Students explore the health risks associated with wearing decorative contact lenses. They research other cosmetic modes of expression that can pose health risks and debate whether these practices should remain legal.
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"Disco Sucks!"
Students examine why disco and other forms of music were not widely accepted.
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Advertising Gimmicks - Critical Thinking Required
Young scholars identify reasons why advertising works, evaluate reasons for its success, and write commercials.
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Conflict Diamonds
Students examine how diamonds are portrayed in American culture. They identify the political and social implications of conflict diamonds and the locations of these diamonds in Africa. They evaluate the effectiveness of the Kimberley...
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Jelly Bean's Galore
Learners investigate the origins of the Jelly Bean. They complete a Scavenger Hunt using the jellybean website. Pupils create a bar graph using information collected about jelly beans. Students discuss the time of year that Jelly Beans...
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Tarantula Shoes
Students read a book about Ryan O'Keefe, a young man who wants a pair of basketball shoes promoted by a basketball star. They explore about spending, saving, opportunity cost, and trade-offs as they study Ryan's decisions throughout the...
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Messages in Art Work
Observe images and discuss what messages they convey. In this critical thinking lesson plan, learners determine whether works of art are trying to persuade their audience. They also consider the media and how they communicate messages to...
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Interpreting Women in Islam
Students examine the progressive movement in Muslim nations. In this Muslim culture lesson, students explore the evolution of Muslim women's rights. Students investigate primary Muslim sources that require them to consider compare the...
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Sculpting a Message: From the Counter-Reformation to the Present Day
Students discuss persuasive messages in art. In this art history lesson, students research 17th- century European sculptures to find the messages given. They create their own sculptures and write press releases to explain their art.
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Pop Shop 4 - Shopkeeping
Students create a store where they sell pictures, tee shirts, and prints. For this store lesson plan, students learn about sales, marketing, and how to run a business.
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The Emerging American Identity
Students define what it meant to be an American early on in the nation's history. In this American identity lesson plan, students examine the noted quotations and determine what was meant by each of the authors with regards to an...
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From Greece to Main Street
Young scholars consider the influence of the Greeks on American architecture. For this American Greek Revival architecture lesson, students identify the attributes of architectural style as they compare the Parthenon with the Lincoln...
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Biodiesel: An Alternative Fuel Source
Students explore the advances that are being made in alternative fuels.In this biodiesel lesson students evaluate different petroleum and alternative fuels.
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TV Survey - Data Collection and Analysis
In this data collection and analysis learning exercise, 4th graders complete a tally chart about the number of hours that fourth graders watch television. They create a bar graph with the information, write a paragraph about the survey...
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Using Primary Sources in the Classroom
Students draw their own conclusions by studying documents created in the past.
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Mathematical Magazines
Students look through magazines and calculate the percentages of the types of ads in the magazines. In this percentages lesson plan, students create a graph to show their results.