Assign this PowerPoint to your students to give them a place to explain how a hurricane can cause "scarcity" in a community or area. The directions instruct students how to save their slide. Tip: Instead of completing this on the...

Students examine a case study of contrasting values between cultures. They read and discuss a story of a family of Peace Corps volunteers in Papua New Guinea, write a response to the story, and write a script for a dramatization of the...

Eighth graders are introduced to authors in the conservation community. As a class, they describe a personal experience they have had with nature. They identify examples of an author's descriptive writing techniques and answer questions...

Foster a sense of community by having youngsters work together to create a list of classroom rules. They draw pictures of their hopes for first grade after reading a children's book as a group. They also discuss why it is important to...

Students analyze and apply their personal responses through poetry and film to a challenging and disturbing event-the Holocaust. They use a digital video camera to film each student reading their poem.

Students examine six victims of a crime. They role play characters in the scenario and relate feelings as the scene develops. they brainstorm and role play strategies to increase understanding of the rights and responsibilities of...

Tenth graders identify the different ideas, emotions that different colors represent the significance of color in real life. They examine the significance of the lack of color in The Giver and the movie Pleasantville. They develop...

Fourth graders work together and generate a list of skills needed to work with diverse groups of people. They brainstorm the meaning of "diversity."' Students write as many skills as they can in two minutes. They listen and share ideas...

Students study the similarities and differences between their school and a school in Korea. In this culture study lesson, students discuss and list their classroom's weekly schedule. Students then read about a Korean class schedule and...

High schoolers analyze corporal punishment, debating the pros and cons. Students investigate, collecting background information and interviewing school community members. If high schoolers disagree with the district's policy, students...

Fifth graders discuss how a positive self-image can improve their school community. In groups, they are given a set of card in which they examine the role of each. After being given the presenter card, they create a collage about their...

Frist and second graders explore career options. First they will watch career videos and then prepare to interview school personnel regarding their job responsibilities. They will then send thank you cards to the interviewed subjects...

Having difficulty in class broaching controversial issues? This lesson plan offers several linked online tools to get students engaged in discussion about bullying and homophobia. Coastkid.org offers an interactive scenario activity,...

Students explore script writing. In this beginning of the year "building classroom community" lesson plan, students write several autobiographical sentences and introduce themselves on videotape. Students share the class introduction,...

Third graders discuss citizenship and the meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance. On poster board, the teacher draws a tree and students draw their citizenship ideas on paper or clip pictures from magazines and glue them to the tree.

Students examine the ADL's Pyramid of Hate and use it to identify bullying instances they are aware of. In this character education instructional activity, students discuss their findings and design activities or programs to combat...

Students explore the dynamics of Canadian citizenship. They plan and produce a school wide celebration of citizenship.

Students identify the civic responsbilities of those living in a constitutional democracy. In groups, they brainstorm a list of those characteristics of a good citizen. They participate in various scenerios to identify the...

In order to create a classroom full of active participants, students need to feel that they are part of the decision-making process. Using this 15 question activity, learners can explore the importance of developing leadership skills.

Students explore the components and meaning of philanthropy. In this community awareness lesson, students are able to identify and research agencies and organizations that provide services to children in need, compare and contrast...

Students research stories of teens who care using a website embedded in the lesson.  For this character education lesson, students read about students who performed philanthropic acts and discuss the projects that most influenced them.

Fifth graders explore the roles that an individual may have and how these roles complement their family lives. The concepts are examined through a game of charades.

Students look at "Anne Frank Trust" winners' profiles and discuss what it means to have moral courage. They choose someone they would nominate for the Anne Frank Awards for Moral Courage.

Students investigate values and goals to develop a life-management plan. In this life goals lesson, students identify life choices and factors affecting the choices. Students establish short and long term personal goals and the resources...