Curated OER
What Is Democracy?
Young scholars explore the concept of democracy. They define and describe democracy and choose an issue they believe the government should care about for its people. They write a persuasive essay about their issue.
Society for Science & the Public
Easter Islanders Made Tools, Not War
When studying artifacts, especially tools, how do archaeologists determine what the devices were used for? In what ways might researchers' previous experiences influence their perception of an artifact? An article about researchers'...
Global Oneness Project
Communities on the Threshold of Change
Viewers of the short documentary Santa Cruz Del Islote consider how changes in climate and overfishing impact the life style of the 1,200 residents of a small island off the coast of Cartagena, Columbia.
Curated OER
The Crisis in Darfur
Students examine the history and current humanitarian crisis occurring in the Darfur region of Sudan. In small groups, they conduct Internet research, answer discussion questions, and present their findings to the class.
Curated OER
Legislating neutrality
Eleventh graders explore the Merchants of death thesis. In this American History lesson, 11th graders explain the Neutrality Laws. Students assess the overall effectiveness of US neutrality policy.
Curated OER
The Land of Immigrants
Students access information and data about US immigration using the Internet and other sources. They identify from research data the countries from which the largest number of immigrants to the US come from and create a database of these...
Curated OER
Show Me the Money
Students examine current and past economic crises around the world, using the current recession in the United States as a starting point.
Curated OER
Historical Witness: Social Messaging
Students examine the persuasive techniques of leaders. In this propaganda lesson, students discover the practices that Louis XIV and Caligula used to persuade others. Students watch "The Merchants of Cool" and discuss propaganda used...
Curated OER
Recycling In Japan
Students participate in a lesson that is focused on the concept of recycling. They conduct research to find out about the history of recycling and how it is done in the present day.
Curated OER
"Trails, Rails, and Roads" Lesson 1: "Language and Transportation"
Students, in groups, identify the origins of a number of transportation idioms. They search for current transportation idioms to have a partner explain.
Curated OER
Managing Your Money
Students use the internet to gather information on saving money. They describe the history of money and the responsibilities of the United States Mint. They list their own personal goals and keep a journal as they operate a lemonade...
Curated OER
The Prospect of Democracy in Iran
Learners investigate the Iranian presidential election of 2009. In this world affairs instructional activity, students explore the evidence of democratic values in Iran and consider how the public demonstrations following the elections...
Curated OER
Editorial Cartoons: A Historical Example of Immigration Debates
Eleventh graders analyze political cartoons. In this American History lesson, 11th graders research the Chinese Exclusion Act and the current arguments about immigration to the United States. Students create a graphic...
Curated OER
The Debate over Guest Workers Programs
Eleventh graders examine various immigrant stories. In this American History activity, 11th graders discuss the different proposals for the guest-worker programs. Students debate this system as a whole class.
Curated OER
Colonial Discovery
Explore the 13 Colonies and the daily lives of those that lived there. Learners research Colonial life and express what they've discovered through the creation of murals. The pictorial history of the period is then complemented by murals...
Curated OER
Gray Whales on the Move
Students study whale migration and their natural history. In this migration lesson plan students plot whale migration on a map and describe their ecosystems.
Curated OER
Connecting Past and Present...Virtues of Military Veterans
Students explore personalities of those who served as medical personnel in American Civil War, compare qualities those troops possessed to qualities shown by troops currently serving in Armed Forces, and express appreciation to...
Curated OER
Read a Transportation Story
Third graders research the building of a transcontinental road. In this railroad history lesson, 3rd graders discuss past and present transportation. Students look at historical photos and compare and contrast photos from today.
Curated OER
Lincoln's Spot Resolutions
Learners examine the controversy and varying points of view leading up to the 19th century Mexican War. They research examples of anti-war movements throughout history and write editorials about their findings.
Curated OER
Olympic Biographies
Students create a book of biographies in order to profile famous Olympic athletes through history. In this biography writing instructional activity, students research information about historic Olympians, first by listening to a short...
Curated OER
News Magazine: Special Issue on Iran. (It's about Perspective)
Pupils take on the role of journalists. In this Iran lesson, students explore the condition of the country at this point in history and collaborate to create a news magazine that features current events and cultural issues pertaining to...
Curated OER
The Lewis and Clark Expedition
Students study westward expansion. In this US history lesson, students describe the adventures and hardships faced by the explorers known as Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. Students write a report to the President about the...
Curated OER
Focused Learning Lesson: American History
Eleventh graders use a chart to compare and relate events that have happened in the past to ones that are occuring now. If an event is unclear, they research it and add it to their chart.
Curated OER
A Legacy of War -- The Gold Rush and the Foreign Miner's Tax
Students examine the results of the Mexican War from both countries. They analyze the impact of a war for the losing side. They also compare the politics of the time of the Mexican war with those of today.