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Who's in Charge of This Animal?
Eleventh graders study wildlife management and identify the appropriate government agencies that are in charge. They examine different wildlife management techniques. They write a letter showing interest in the activities of one of the...
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Living Under the Illinois Black Codes
Students use the text of the Illinois Black Codes to examine the laws in place. Using this information, they draw their own conclusions about why the laws existed in a free state. They also identify the purpose of these laws and how they...
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An "Unconstitutional" Act? The Suspension of the Writ of Habeas Corpus
Students explore the implications of habeas corpus. In this Civil War lesson, students analyze the writ of habeas corpus by Lincoln during the war. Students examine primary sources from Lincoln and Chief Justice Taney. Students design...
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The Popular Bully
Fifth graders investigate bullying and nonviolent ways to deal with bullies. In this conflict management lesson, 5th graders discover the definition for the word ahimsa and examine ways to incorporate that philosophy into their social...
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Radio Free School
Students explore radio news formats, styles, and sequences, and then write segments for a student-centered news radio program. In small groups, students develop and write news segments for a student-centered radio program.
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To Infinity and Beyond
Students examine NASA's next flight commander, Colonel Eileen M. Collins. They explore other extraordinary American women in various fields and create biographies celebrating their achievements.
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Darwinist Dogma?
Students debate whether teachers should be mandated to present theories challenging evolution in their classrooms. For homework, they write letters to their local school board expressing their own opinions.
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Resolving a Cross-Cultural Misunderstanding
Students resolve a cross-cultural misunderstanding in a constructive manner. They read about the way in which individuals in the Dominican Republic misunderstood an American Peace Corps Volunteer who was doing something that in the...
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The Protestant Reformation and the Counter-Reformation
The Protestant Reformation and Counter Reformation provide a wealth of lesson and activity opportunities.
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The Disappearing Fish
Students examine the theories behind the drastic decline of the wild salmon population and the ecological ramifications of this decline.
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Code Black
Eleventh graders gain an awareness and an appreciation of slave spirituals as part of their American Literature/American History heritage.
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What Now?
Learners consider local and national divisiveness over the presidential elections by examining a New York Times editorial and then writing op-eds suggesting how to address post-election discord in their schools and/or communities.
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Right About Now… and Then
Students discuss significant figures in music history and read an article about the Smithsonian's Hip-Hop exhibit. In groups, they develop and curate an exhibition of hip-hop music and history using artifacts that represent relevant...
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Russia's Conversion From Communism to Capitalism
Students study Russia's conversion from a communist nation to a capitalist nation.
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R U Talkin 2 Me?
Learners discuss how they use communication devices. They read an article about communication technology. They create a poster depicting the impact of such devices on future generations. They also write a paper about what they have...
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Cultures and Cuisines WebQuest
Students create and present a powerpoint presentation. For this cultures and cuisines research lesson, students select a country, interview someone from that country and visit a restaurant from that country. Students complete research...
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Lost on Superstition Mountain
Students review the concept of responsbility and relate it to the own lives. Using the internet, they research the search for gold on Superstition Mountain in Arizona and locate it on a map. They also examine the culture of Mexico and...
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The Japanese Empire: The Beginning
Ninth graders explore empires by researching Japan's history. In this Japanese research lesson, 9th graders discuss the history of Japan and the elements of World War II that caused Japan to become an enemy of the United States. Students...
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By the People for the People
Learners explore, using discussion, writing, and data collection, how different social factors affect civic participation and equality across the country and in their own school community.
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King Cotton
Fifth graders examine the manufacturing of cotton. In this cotton and slavery lesson plan, 5th graders review background information about cotton and slavery. Students examine a real cotton ball and discuss why it was painful to pick....
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The Roles of the President
Students explore presidential duties. In this executive branch lesson, students examine myths regarding the role of the President of the United States and discuss them. Students view a PowerPoint presentation that feature the President's...
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What is Bullying?
Students brainstorm ideas or create a definition of what bullying is. They write their ideas on the board. They then break into cooperative groups giving each group a form of bullying from a list and discussing it among themselves.
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Autobiography and Interviews
Students prepare for a visit to a retirement home using a personal time-line. In this personal time-line instructional activity, students ask their family members for help in making the time-line. They write an autobiography that will be...
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Global Migration Patterns
Students explain immigration to the United States and identify major international migration streams. They evaluate the impact of migration on U.S. population and explain the impact of major refugee movements on both source and host...