Columbus City Schools
Poetry Speaking and Listening Standards
Celebrate April's National Poetry Month or enrich a poetry unit with a wealth of language arts material. Class members develop an oral interpretation of a poem and/or develop a podcast interview with a poet.
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The Lesson: Kenya
Pupils consider how recent historical events have impacted Kenya. In this global studies lesson, students visit selected websites to discover information about President Mwai Kibaki, Kenya's statistics, and Swahili. Pupils share their...
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Class Forums: An English Language Arts Lesson for Information Resources
Tenth graders listen to a controversial piece of writing. They with opposing viewpoints face one another. After ground rules are suggested and adopted by the group, 10th graders articulate their positions in successive turns.
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Bioethics: Debates in the Science Classroom
Learners defend one side of a genetics ethics argument. They pull together a portfolio of human genetics and decision making skills. Students are allowed to prove what he/she has learned and express a personal opinion. They also are...
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Problem-Based Research Lesson: Wal-Mart Debate
To prepare for class, learners will read several articles (links included). Students discuss the articles, and ways to deal with the proliferation of big-box stores in rural areas. The class takes two minutes to generate a research...
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Trade Wars: the Candidates Take a Stand
Students research topics related to trade, and develop a graphic organizer. They debate and discuss topics related to trade.
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Over the Borderline?
Students study President Bush's proposal for immigration policy in the US and examine various perspectives on immigration that are currently being debated. They read and discuss an online New York Times article.
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America 2000: Federal Round Table Discussion
Eighth graders examine the United States Constitution and identify the beliefs and values Americans follow today. In groups, they compare and contrast state's rights and federal rights and the issues affecting them. They debate the...
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History of Miss America
Students make a time-lines of of decades using images from Miss America. For this history lesson, students looks at the country's beauty pageant and how it changes the lives of women in America. Students debate issues...
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Take a Stand
Students defend their stances regarding topics. In this writing process activity, students read The Sunflower by Simon Wiesenthal and participate in writing activities that require them to determine how the feel about...
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Symposia: Scholarly Parties
Young scholars hold a symposium during which students debate the benefits of democracy in ancient Greece and the United States. By doing this, young scholars explain the role of symposia in ancient Greek culture and politics.
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More Harm Than Good?
Students explore the controversial 'harm reduction' approach to drug use and debate the various sides to this approach.
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Them and Us
Students consider social class issues in Great Britain. In this current events instructional activity, students visit selected websites and participate in a classroom discussion regarding social justice issues and segregation of social...
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Financial Security
Students take an economic angle on social security, working in small groups to create a reader's guide to the program and the current debate.
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Patriots v. Loyalists
Students consider how colonial citizens chose sides in the American Revolution. In this Revolutionary War lesson plan, students role play Loyalists, Patriots, and undecideds in a classroom simulation. Students research their positions so...
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Finding the Positive
Fifth graders meet the "Famous Artist." They are introduced to the topic of self-concept. Students work in small groups and get organized to create collages. They create a collage that represents characteristics of positive self-concept.
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In Your Opinion: Are Athletes Heroes?
Young scholars identify athletes that could be classified as heroes. They participate in a debate in which they argue whether or not they should be classified as such. They are evaluated on how they work together and the information...
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Organization of Nations Project
Learners research the priorities and needs of an assigned country. They come together and debate current events from the point of view of the country they are representing.
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What Causes AIDS?
Twelfth graders in an ESL classroom use the internet to research the causes of AIDS. As a class, they discuss the topics mentioned in the various websites and determine if they are viable causes for the disease. They create a...
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A Songwriter Not Silenced - Lesson 2
Students discuss how a musician's message can influence society and government. They debate if political viewpoints should be publicized in music.
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Checks and Balances: Japanese-American Incarceration
Students examine the three branches of the Federal Government and their decision to place Japanese-Americans in camps during World War II. They analyze debates made by leaders during this time period.
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Just Don't Do It!
Students examine a debate over teaching sex education in public schools. After reading an article, they discover how school officials are trying to inform their students but please a diverse audience. They answer discussion questions...
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Reading: Chartiy Stops
Students are introduced to the topic of chartiable giving. They examine people who are on tight budgets.