Curated OER
Case Study: Manzanar
Eleventh graders investigate Japanese-American internment. In this World War II lesson, 11th graders conduct research from the Manzanar National Historic Sites and then write essays based on their findings.
Curated OER
The Revolving Door: U.S. Immigration
Students compare current cultural perceptions of the immigrant experience with ones of the past. They will relate current immigration stories as seen in the PBS documentary "The New Americans" to those of the historical past.
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John Paul II: Statesman of Faith
Young scholars view a documentary on Pop John Paul II. He is the spiritual leader of almost one billion people worldwide and beloved ambassador of peace to untold millions more. After viewing, students discuss what they saw and create a...
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Lyndon Baines Johnson : Triumph and Tragedy
Students view a documentary on Lyndon Baines Johnson. His presidency was both a success and a failure. After viewing, students discuss what they saw then create a poster for LBJ's 1964 presidential campaign. They discuss Vietnam as well.
PBS
Historical Perspectives: Coming Home from War
What do the homecoming experiences of soldiers who fought in WWII, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan reveal about the politics and culture of the US during the time period of each war? Young historians view The Way We Get By, which tells...
PBS
“He Named Me Malala”: Understanding Student Activism Through Film
Malala Yousafzai has become the face of social activism. After watching He Named Me Malala and short student-made films about what young people can do to become instruments of change, class members reflect on what it means to be an...
Curated OER
Evaluating Information on Food Labels
What kinds of foods include corn? Corn syrup? Start by viewing a clip of Food Inc. with your middle or high schoolers. Then, study a list of corn-derived ingredients, encouraging your class to see how many food products contain corn. A...
Curated OER
Sharing Our Legacy of Giving
Middle schoolers explore the concept of philanthropy. In this service learning lesson, students research or interview a local philanthropist. Middle schoolers write a biography about the philanthropist and share it with others.
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Liberty Defined
Fourth graders express their views of liberty through creative writing. They view video segments about the history of the Statue of Liberty.
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American Influences on Eugenics in Nazi Germany
Students examine the Eugenics movement in America. They discover the Nazi's belief in racial purity and how it relates to Eugenics. They also analyze how science has been influential in creating public policy.
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7 Steps for Creating a Socially Conscious Community
Twelfth graders examine the steps that one can take to turn awareness of a human rights abuse into action it. In this Current events lesson, 12th graders analyze the compelling factors which can influence personal action in any given...
Curated OER
Grab Hands and Run: Understanding Human Rights
Sixth graders read the novel Grab Hands and Run by Frances Temple. They explore the effects of war on human rights. Students explore the idea that human rights are protected by the United Nations. They identify the human rights that were...
Curated OER
Persuasion
Students explore the characteristics of a persuasive letter. They label each characteristic and they create a persuasive letter using the correct business letter format. Students recommend a school rule or change of a rule and justify...