Curated OER
The Dialogues of Difference
Learners research the 1067 Newark riots and examine photographs of the riots for clues as to when they were taken and what was going on. They view different historical perspectives on the riots and then write dialogues based on the...
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No More Freedom Fries?
Learners discuss the May, 2007, French presidental election of pro-American, right-wing candidate Nicholas Sarkozy. They reflect on both the historical and contemporary relationship between France and the United States. Students work...
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Tread Lightly
Learners investigate the use of carbon fuels and how they effect the environment. They conduct research using a variety of resources. The information is used from the reading to calculate one's personal influence upon the environment.
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Upcycled Garment or Art Work
High schoolers explain the importance of recycling waste products. In this art lesson, students research different upcycled fashion designs and accessories. They design their own product and present it in class.
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Diplomatic Duties
Tenth graders research and illustrate the diplomatic policies of American presidents, and write letters critiquing the policies of specific presidents. March 17, 2003)
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Hmong Among Us
Young scholars examine the Hmong community in Minnesota, then research and write case studies on refugee communities from the top ten countries with approved applications to the U.S. They write first-person stories from the perspective...
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Tragedy at Sea
Students explore the recent Russian submarine tragedy. They examine the facts related to the vessel's sinking, then research the opinions of others regarding this event. They explore the impact this event has on their world.
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Local Leaders and Why They Are Successful
Students research local leaders and create a web page showcasing the leader.
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Biome Web Quest
Third graders create paper mache globes, paint them and label the oceans and the continents. In groups, they research a biome, write about it and create an artistic visual representation of the biome and present it to the class.
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Exploring diversity: Finding ways to learn about our multi-cultural community
Students discuss ways to research our multicultural communities, set personal goals for learning about others, and outline a plan with specific goals to achieve their goals.
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Social Studies and Children's Literature
Students write a journal in response to literature. The story that is read is about prairies. The subject of prairies becomes an object for research. The culminating activity is the making of a map where prairies exist in the United States.
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Deportation in Narration
Students explore both sides of the United States immigration issue. Through research, they explore the increase in the deportations of undocumented immigrants over the last year, and the impact deportation has had on one immigrant...
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Read (or Scroll) All About It!
Students compare written headlines found in print and online news sources while using The New York Times. They conduct research with the top stories from the newspaper and have discussion that involves critical thinking skills.
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Words from the Wise
Students explore how famous people, through newspaper Op-Ed articles, often inform the public about issues of national importance. They write Op-Eds in the voice of famous people on current news topics.
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How to Write a Biography
Looking for a great lesson on how to write a biography? Here, middle schoolers draw from magazine articles, novels, historical figures, and current events to choose a person, or character to write about in a biography. They follow a...
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The Original's Sins
Are history textbooks plagiarized? The New York Times article, “Schoolbooks Are Given F’s in Originality,” looks at this question and forms the basis for a lesson on textbooks and plagiarism. The very detailed plan includes resource...
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My 3 Day Lesson on Courage
Second graders focus on what having courage means. They listen to a story about the Holocaust, then create posters which reflect courage, tolerance and acceptance.
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Evaluation Techniques
Students study the indicators that determine a Web site's credibility.
Mary Pope Osborne, Classroom Adventures Program
Mummies in the Morning Egyptian pyramids, hieroglyphics
Visit the Magic Treehouse and take your class on a trip through time with a reading of the children's book Mummies in the Morning. Using the story to spark an investigation into Egyptian culture, this literature unit engages...
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Cloning Around
Review concepts of cloning and genetic engineering and participate in a round-table discussion based on the ethics and potential of cloning with your class. Each learner then writes a formal essay on the topic, stemming from the debate.
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Searching for Answers
How does a judge in the federal judicial court decide on a verdict? Give your middle and high schoolers a better idea of how final decisions are made in the judicial system. Then split your class into four groups, assigning each group a...
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A Pill with a View
Students brainstorm a list of potential uses for micro-video technologies. After reading an article, they analyze the development of a new pill-sized camera. In groups, they create a children's book that shows them the various systems of...
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Word Up!
Study the importance of word choice in informational text. Middle and high schoolers locate unfamiliar words and phrases in newspaper articles of their choosing, and use online word sites to explore the definitions and histories of each....
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Remembrance of Things Past
Engage critical and social thinking by exploring the value of language and word choice. The class considers the article "The Silence of the Historic Present" and analyzes several presidential speeches. They engage in class...