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Weed Out Propaganda
Young scholars study four essential propaganda techniques: Simplification, Exploitation, Exaggeration, and Division (S.E.E.D.). Individuals select an example of propaganda from the past and present then compare how the key elements have...
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Propaganda: Making a Commercial
Seventh graders study different propaganda techniques. In groups, they write and perform a 60-second TV or radio commercial. Classmates rate the effectiveness of the commercial and whether or not they might buy the product.
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Cultural Issues
Students observe another culture using a provided simulation script and then make assumptions about that culture based on what they witnessed. They will later be debriefed and talk about the assumptions they made that were not accurate.
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Without Limits
Seventh graders research about the important contributions of two scientists they chose from the list. In this science lesson, 7th graders develop a creative presentation such as skits or news program about their research. They present...
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The Lion and the Mouse
Students write a story. In this critical thinking and writing lesson, students read a fable, answer the provided thinking skills questions, and write their own fable.
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How Are We Different?
Students discuss the differences between boys and girls. In this acceptance instructional activity, students view pictures of boys and girls and use a Venn Diagram to chart their differences. Students discuss boy activities...
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TV TELLS IT ALL
Learners identify the influence of television on gender roles and talk about how they are changing.
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Lincoln's Legend and Legacy
Students evaluate Lincoln's impact on American History. For this Civil War lesson, students view a film clip of writings about Lincoln. Students take notes and compare how the writings define his legacy. Students write their own poem or...
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The Harlem Renaissance
Students, after researching/analyzing the movement "Harlem Renaissance" and Africa as well as reading literature from that time period, create lists of the major characteristics of the movement and its important writers. They bridge the...
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Students Press Law and Ethics
Learners research the rights and the responsibilities of journalists in dealing with First Amendment issues. In this First Amendment lesson plan, students research the Alien and Sedition Acts and study the five elements of...
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Anne Frank: The Island of the Skog
Students read and discuss The Island of the Skog by Steven Kellogg and examine the illustrations, keep a "discrimination log," and write about one example of discrimination and how they could have intervened to stop it.
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Whose Buffalo?
Seventh graders examine how the Plains Indians vied with white commercial buffalo hunters for the millions of Great Plains buffalo. They create an illustrated broadside supporting the interests of either the Indians or the commercial...
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To Kill a Mockingbird
Young scholars explore the components of racismas they read through Horton Foote's, "To Kill a Mockingbird." The trial of the main character reveals instances of justice in the face of prejudice and forms the focus of the lesson.
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Our Small World
Students explore indigenous and Native cultures, and promote appreciation for the contributions from these cultures. They explore the concept of cultural conservation and gain more understanding about the issues that tribes face today. ...
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Your Angle on the Story
Students review several articles on same current event, and then cover news issues themselves while assuming secret identities of various individuals who have vested interests in issue. Students write newspaper articles from these...
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Laurence Yep's Dragonwings
Students read independently the novel, "Dragonwings," by Laurence Yep and make connections between a text and the world. They summarize, paraphrase, analyze and evaluate skimming and scanning techniques when reading a novel. Each student...
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Important Contributions to American Culture
Fifth graders explore the contributions of different cultures to the American landscape. Students work in groups and use a variety of resources to create a presentation about a group that emigrated to America.
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It’s a Big, Big World
Young scholars examine the role of the explorers. In this explorers and conquistadors, students create word puzzles (Wordles) regarding the time period in history. Young scholars conduct research regarding a particular explorer and...
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Web of Deceit
Check the validity of Internet web sites analyzing the accuracy of the information. Students will use this knowledge to create their own web site about a person of their choosing.
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Teaching with Primary Sources Across Tennessee: Debunking Civil War Photographs
Students analyze photographs and texts using primary source analysis. In this primary source lesson students determine whether the photographs and text are truthful.
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News Coverage
Students compare and contrast methods of media coverage. In this media awareness lesson, students keep track of news regarding a world or national issue for the period of 1 week. Students collaborate to describe the type of coverage...
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Emerson's Essays Quiz
In this online interactive reading comprehension worksheet, learners respond to 12 multiple choice questions about Emerson's Essays. Students may submit their answers to be scored.
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What Do Halloween Costumes Say?
Learners analyze Halloween costumes they find in magazines to categorize their findings. In this holiday instructional activity, students discuss their findings about the costumes based on four different elements.
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Critiquing A Speech Contestant
What makes a speech effective? Middle schoolers critique a speech for content and presentation. They view a video of a middle school student presenting an informational speech, They outline the content of the speech and critique the...