University of California
The Civil War: Secession of the South
Was the Southern states' decision to secede from the Union protected by the United States Constitution? Eighth graders discuss the constitutionality of the South's justification for secession, particularly the secession of South...
National History Day
Challenging the Status Quo: Women in the World War I Military
Why are some so resistant to change? The status quo is often to blame for a lack of forward movement in society. Following the events of World War I, women in America suddenly had a voice—and were going to use it. Scholars use the...
Chicago Botanic Garden
Faces of Climate Change
You know global warming is real when your squirrel feeder is full of popped corn instead of kernels! Activity two in a series of five allows learners to explore climate change through the eyes of another. After briefly analyzing their...
Curated OER
Korean Road Trip
Pupils research the geographical regions of Korea. They plan a hypothetical road trip that could be taken in the country. Students also write a study journal for the trip that records possible events that could take place.
Curated OER
Everything Grows
First graders read about the growth of living things. In this similiarities and differences activity, 1st graders list things that are similiar and different about growing plants. Students then use a graphic organizer to list the...
Curated OER
The Adventure of Negative clue and Alice World
Students read the story "The Adventure of the Negative Clue" and design an Alice World for the story's setting. In this reading analysis lesson, students read the story and complete a story map. Students use the Alice program to design...
Curated OER
Lesson on Ethnic Discrimination
Students study ethnic discrimination. In this discrimination lesson plan, students define ethnicity and ethnic discrimination in the global community as well as steps against it. Students examine their own ethnic backgrounds...
Curated OER
Social Studies: Population Distribution
Students create a population distribution map of Goodland Island indicating where people live by marking the locations with dots. After reading a written description of the island, they write short paragraphs explaining and justifying...
Curated OER
Catch Your Breath
Seventh graders explore the structure, function, and diseases of the respiratory system. They research basic information about the respiratory system and create a concept map to illustrate it. Students research a disease and create a...
Curated OER
The Meat-Packing Industry in Chicago During the Progressive Era
Students examine maps showing the hog and corn distribution of the United States. In groups, they research the reasons why Chicago became the natural hub for meat-packing processing in the United States. They examine changes in...
Curated OER
Sneetches by Dr. Seuss
Students read "Sneetches" by Dr. Seuss. They complete a story map and write about the topic of prejudice. They role-play star-bellied and plain-bellied sneetches and write a persuasive essay about their experiences.
Curated OER
Amazon Rainforest
Seventh graders complete a simulation in which they travel through the Amazon rainforest. Using their map skills, they determine the best route and where to see specific plants and animals. They develop their own database to organize...
Curated OER
Where In the World Are the Resources?
Students use the internet to research the amount of natural resources in a specific area on Earth. In groups, they locate the supply of each natural resource on a map in that area and what can be done to reduce their usage. They also...
Curated OER
Its Electric!
Fourth graders define the differences between static and current electricity by participating in an investigation. In this energy lesson plan, 4th graders utilize electrical supplies to demonstrate the differences between static...
Curated OER
Exploring Mexico
Sixth graders describe images of a characteristic of a cultural group from 4 different time periods of Mexico's history analyzing how it has changed and why the student thinks it changed. They describe maps on 4 different time periods in...
Curated OER
Region Reality
Eighth graders compare and contrast world regions and explore the theme of world regions. In this world geography lesson, 8th graders name regions in the U.S. and mark them on a map. Students discuss the cultural and physical...
Curated OER
All About Me Museum
Students investigate the concept of self-esteem and image with the creation of a personal display of items of significance. They put together a project composed of pictures and writings to describe themselves and are assessed according...
Curated OER
Some Like it Cold: Canada's Northern Communities
Fifth graders examine cultures close to the arctic circle. In this geography lesson, 5th graders consider the impact of climate on cultural development of arctic communities. Students research a given community and present their findings...
Curated OER
Story Pyramid And Comparison
Students investigate the details of a chosen story of literature. They use a pyramid graphic organizer to record information. The information is used to write a summary of the story. Students use a rubric while writing the summary to...
Curated OER
Cod Calamity
Students research the history and aims of sustainable cod fishing in Canada. They read articles, conduct online research, complete worksheets and present their findings to the class. They also complete self and peer evaluations using a...
Curated OER
The Moving Continents from Pangaea to the Future
Eighth graders examine how the movements of the Earth contribute to fossil distribution. In this fossils lesson students make maps of the placement of the continents.
Curated OER
Economics: World Trade Patterns
Students examine world trade patterns and discover the role of commodities in trade. While explaining the benefits of trade, they create maps and flowcharts depicting the patterns of goods and people movement. Also, students write...
Curated OER
Made in the USA
Young scholars map products made in the United States. They discuss regional interdependence and identify goods the U.S. produces and trades. They describe how economic links make Americans more alike, and locate major manufacturing...
Curated OER
Wisconsin
Fourth graders brainstorm a list of places they have visited in Wisconsin. They watch a video "Cultural Horizons." Students use the CD and find on a map several locations in Wisconsin. Students bring in photos, pictures, and artifacts...