Curated OER
The Climate Change Skeptic's Argument: Natural Solar Cycles or Human Activity?
Teachers explore patterns in sunspots and total solar irradiance to understand the counterpoint to the human effect of global warming. In this professional development tool, teachers work through a lesson on the sun's natural...
Constitutional Rights Foundation
Naturalized Citizens and the Presidency
Article II, Section 1 of the U.S. Constitution takes center stage in a lesson that asks class members to assume the role of state senators, debate a resolution to amend the U. S. Constitution to permit naturalized citizens to run for...
Curated OER
Swamps, Shrimp, and Tsunamis: A Simulation of Sustainable Development Issues in Coastal Ecuador
Students examine the economic benefits, environmental losses and dangers of the shrimp farming industry on the coast of Ecuador. They read a script, role-play people involved in the shrimp business, and write an essay of the pros and cons.
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Winds of Change
Students investigate extreme weather patterns. In this current events lesson plan, students visit selected websites to study hurricanes and their causes. Students write reports on their findings.
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Natural Resources
Learners explore Iowa geography and topographic maps. In this geography and topographic maps lesson, student investigate maps, newspapers, Iowa flora and fauna. Students gain an understanding of how different landforms can be identified...
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A Changing Planet
Learners describe climate change and the future impact it could have on our physical environment. They identify the regions of the world that would encounter the most significant effects of a global warming.
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Farming in Ancient Mesopotamia: An Ancient Civil Engineering Problem
Sixth graders identify the major obstacles in farming in Mesopotamia. They work together to design and build a model that solves these problems. They write a short essay that describes the problems and their possible solutions.
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Canada's Arctic Barometer
Students research arctic climates. In this Web-quest investigation, students will identify Arctic climate changes, explain the effects of these changes, relate the changes to other regions, and write their findings in a letter format.
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Muddy Waters: A historical view of land use patterns, water quality, and the conservation movement
Students research the impact that human activity had on Pennsylvania's water supply over time. In this water quality lesson plan, students research, discuss, and write about how Pennsylvania's water quality has been affected and what...
Curated OER
"Water is Life" Global Water Awareness
Young scholars examine and calculate the percentage of potable water remaining on the earth. In this ecology and geography lesson, students brainstorm the main factors affecting water distribution. Young scholars use mathematical problem...
Orange County Water Atlas
Location, Location, Location…
Young geographers discover not only how to read and recognize coordinates on a map, but also gain a deeper understanding of latitude and longitude and how climate changes can vary significantly across latitudes.
Curated OER
A Day in the Life of a San Francisco Native Animal
Students write from an animal's perspective. In this writing lesson students explore the landscape of San Francisco prior to the arrival of the explorers. Students research animals indigenous to the area.
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How Has Transportation Changed Since the 1899 Harriman Alaska Expedition?
Students recognize modes of transportation. They research historical data from a variety of primary and secondary sources including the Harriman expedition journals, related web sites, and photographs from the expedition. Students...
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Global Warming
A series of independent learning activities teaches learners about global warming as it relates to economics and industrialization. The culminating project requires them to create a multimedia presentation identifying the problems,...
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Immigration Lesson Plan
Students examine immigration patterns in Canada and the United States. In this immigration lesson, students compare and contrast immigration patterns and policies in the 2 countries as they conduct research using print and Internet...
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World History: Why Civilizations Fall
Students examine factors leading to the demise of ancient civilizations. They list causes that led to the downfall of these societies. Students conduct Internet research and participate in online archaeological investigations.
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The Hajj: Muslim Pilgrimage in a Geographic Perspective
Young scholars read information on the Hajj. They discuss pilgrimage and ways it differs from going to a church, mosque or synagogue. Students discuss logistical problems that might be posed for the host country of a pilgrimage. Young...
Curated OER
Enduring Patterns: Pre-Columbian Ecuadorean Textile Designs
Young scholars examine Pre-Columbian Ecuadorean design motifs. They view examples of the designs, discuss the motif themes, and replicate the designs on modern fabric using authentic methods.
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The Lesson: Species Under Threat
Students consider the plight of endangered species. In this global studies lesson, students research selected websites about endangered animals and identify global issues that contribute to their demise.
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Democracy Sense
Students define democracy and distinguish representative from direct or pure democracy. Then, with the focus on representative government, students will discuss and trace voting patterns in the United States.
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Populations in the Path of Natural Hazards
Students read "Geographical Mobility: 1995-2000." They examine the maps in the handouts and compare them with maps from an atlas. In the second part of this lesson, students read "In Harm's Way." They receive three more handouts, one a...
Curated OER
Development Issues in the Northern Suburbs
Students demonstrate the ability to obtain geographic information from a variety of print and electronic sources. They use a variety of maps and data to identify and locate geographical features of Minnesota and Anoka County. in...
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Digging, Smelting and Forging: But Why in Pennsylvania
Learners examine the history of the iron industry in Pennsylvania. In this iron industry activity, students learn about Israel Acrilius and his role in the iron industry. Learners identify natural resources used in forging iron. Students...
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Workers in Factories During the Gilded Age
Seventh graders experience what life was like in the factories during the Gilded Age. They explore the reasons behind the move for work place reforms during the Progressive Era. Students discuss the factors that led to work place reforms.