Brown University
Considering the Role of Values in Public Policy
Strong opinions come from deeply held values. Young citizens explore the values that are most important to them in a class discussion and activity. As they prioritize a list of values cards that include freedom,...
Georgian Court University
Introduction to Marsh Ecology
Compare and contrast the characteristics of fresh and salt water marshes. After exploring the typical plants and animals found in each marsh type, participants use a set of flash cards to sort into fresh and salt water marsh life. Their...
American Press Institute
High Five: Media Literacy and Newspapers
Teach the five different types of media with the first of three in a media literacy unit. Learners create and propose a final newspaper project, which must address information covered throughout the unit.
National Endowment for the Humanities
George Washington: The Precedent President
Everyone knows that George Washington was the first president, but do your scholars know why that was so important? The lesson plan, the third in a sequence of three, allows learners to understand how George Washington set a precedent...
Humanities Texas
Primary Source Worksheet: Frederick Douglass, “Expression of Gratitude for Freedom”
Here is a fantastic primary source analysis activity regarding Frederick Douglass' speech delivered at the unveiling of the Freedmen's Monument in 1876. The follow-up discussion questions and activities highlight Douglass' discussion of...
Our White House
The Our White House Inauguration Celebration Kit for Kids!
Get the youngest American citizens involved in the presidential election and inauguration with a set of social studies activities. Focusing on the history of presidential inauguration ceremonies, learners draft their own poems, design...
Nazareth College
Create Your Own Tornado
Third graders identify key concepts and definitions about tornados. They work in small groups of three to four to create mini-tornados. After reading Tornado Alert as a class, 3rd graders discuss tornados and fill out a KWL chart.
Curated OER
"Et tu, Brute?" - The Characters, Conflict and Historical context of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar
Students analyze the Shakespearian play, "Julius Caesar" in this seven lesson unit. Through readings, hands-on projects, and the study of plot development, comparisons are made to the movie and the historical records available.
Curated OER
"Julie of the Wolves"
Fifth graders research life in Alaska and compare life there to their lives in this lesson. They read "Julie of the Wolves." They research through the novel and other reference books facts about the Alaskan climate and geography. They...
Curated OER
Dialect Poems of Paul Laurence Dunbar
Students examine the life and works of Paul Laurance Dunbar. In groups, they read various poems of his and use a database to examine the covers of his books. They also discuss the criticism he faced during his life and how he dealt...
Curated OER
House on Mango Street
Students complete a guided reading study and autobiographical essay for Sandra Cisneros' House on Mango Street. In this literary analysis lesson plan, students read the novel, complete novel response activities, book review worksheets,...
Curated OER
Haiku - Poetry of the Samurai Warrior
Young scholars research the Samurai and their Haiku Writings. Students use internet research to gather information about the ancient Japanese Samurai. The young scholars then create individual Haiku writings, and a cultural day is...
Curated OER
Ethnobotany Research Paper
Learners are introduce and discuss Ethnobotany and develop their own research writing. Pupils research plants that have already been identifyed as having medicinal or cultural/historical value around the world. They investigate...
Curated OER
MiSFiTTs: Mighty Strange Field Trip Team
Third graders read several Magic School Bus books, compile list of criteria for good places to visit, research two possible destinations for magic field trip, and prepare and deliver presentation to "convince" classmates to choose...
Curated OER
What Your Signature Means to You and Others
Students discuss significance and value of writing their signatures on various documents, recall times they have signed their names, and demonstrate understanding that signatures are important representations of people, and symbols of...
Curated OER
Good Health Manners
Students review what they know about good manners and create a list of good manners. They read a list of good manners and discuss why they are important. They practice good manners and explain how they will keep the flu away.
Curated OER
Comparing Fairy Tales
Learners read and review common fairy tales and come up with a list of characteristics from them. The Teacher models filling out either a compare & contrast graphic organizer comparing two fairy tales.
Curated OER
International Research Project and Feast
Students research countries around the world. They develop and write a research paper that includes maps, photographs, and diagrams. They describe the culture, society, economy, religious beliefs, government structure, and history of...
Curated OER
Probably Passage
Young scholars apply reading strategies to improve understanding and fluency. They use their imagination and create their own short stories. They identify words as various parts of the story - including setting, character, problem,...
Curated OER
News to the Core Reported by Very Special Students
Students create news articles that help them build their knowledge, skills, and academic confidence. In this special education lesson, students use previous knowledge to write a newsletter and demonstrate their understanding of various...
Curated OER
Hearing the Poetry of Langston Hughes Through the Sounds of Jazz
Students have an appreciation of Langston Hughe's poetry and his use of jazz rhythms, have the ability to read poetry closely, and freewrite to gain a fresh perspective on music and literature.
Curated OER
Critical Consumerism
Students investigate the ways companies target the teenage demographic. In this advertising instructional activity, students discuss in focus groups what they like to buy. Students also complete a related worksheet.
Curated OER
How To Read A Movie
Ninth graders respond to films they have seen using literary, dramatic, and cinematic terms. They reevaluate their role as a moviegoer. Students analyze their favorite film in order to discover what good films have in common.
Curated OER
Finding the West
Students question the idea of a geographic space called 'the West.' They first examine a map of the United States and hypothesize what region constitutes the West, then read two passages that critically discuss the notion of a geographic...