PBS
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
What rights are guaranteed to students? Do they align with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was approved by the United Nations in 1948? Middle and high schoolers present persuasive arguments about the rights they believe...
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Debate the Daily Dilemma
Have your class practice their persuasion skills by participating in a class debate. They will discuss a dilemma and detail each point of view. Divided into both sides of the argument, they work in groups to create a well-rounded...
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Native Americans - Searching for Knowledge and Understanding
What do you know about American Indians? Upper graders compose an informational essay based on the research they conduct. They choose a Native American group to study and, using the provided list of web links, gather information and...
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"Shooting An Elephant": George Orwell's Essay on his Life in Burma
Students read an essay by George Orwell's life in Burma and place it in its cultural and historical context. They identify the main points of the essay and Orwell's use of symbolism in the essay. They explain how each persuasive tool...
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Elmer the Elephant
Students read "Elmer" by David McKee. They answer comprehension questions and discuss how Elmer looks and how he is different from the elephants they see in the zoo. They complete a project in which they celebrate their individual...
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ourney Through Time: Art Tells the History of Nebraska
Fourth graders discuss early Nebraskan history. They view and discuss the painting "Sodhouse Family." Students are directed to the artistic elements of the painting, such as the horizon line. They follow a prescribed procedure to create...
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Sticking Together: Sharing Our Stories, Our Differences, and Our Similarities
Learners create a classroom community. In this character education lesson, students discuss the functions of communities and then work in small groups to write stories to be shared with their classmates.
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The Name of the Game
Students explore the cultural significance of various sports from around the world. They then teach their classmates about these sports by participating in a Global SportsFest as both instructors and players.
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Getting to Know You
Learners complete an getting to know each other activity. In this personal names lesson, students play a name game, read a book about names, and then discuss why names are important. Learners design a name card on oak tag rectangles and...
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Writing in Different Viewpoints
Young scholars read and analyze the point of view of a selected classic short story. They take notes while reading the story, select a character, and rewrite the story from a different viewpoint.
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Perspectives in Writing
Students consider various perspectives in writing and write a short story. They view a painting and discuss its theme and the idea of personification as perspective. Choosing three different viewpoints, they write a story about the...
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Lesson Refresh: Plan with the END in Mind
Fourth graders identify literary techniques by participating in a class discussion. In this organization lesson, 4th graders practice public speaking while presenting ideas for a story to their classmates as well as critiquing the ideas...
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Documents of Diversity
Eighth graders explore the cultural diversity in their own families. They examine the cultural profile and historical development of their own community through developing a walking tour, in booklet or web-based form.
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Getting to Know You
Students participate in tactile and visual exploration. For this tactile and visual exploration lesson, students listen to John Archambault's, Grandmother's Garden, and sing the song, "Friends Are Like Flowers." They participate in ice...
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Abraham Lincoln on the American Union: " A Word Fitly Spoken"
Students consider Lincoln's perspective. In this presidential perspectives instructional activity, students explore the political thoughts of Lincoln through a series of lessons that make use of primary source analysis. They hypothesize...
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Foods and Languages of the World
Students learn about the foods of Italy. In this Italy lesson plan, students learn about the different types of food from Italy, create their own pizzas using paper and markers, share their pizzas with the class, and go to the cafeteria...
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Conservation at a Crossroads Lesson 1: What Is Conservation and Why Does It Matter?
Young scholars explore the concept of conservation. In this conservation lesson, students read articles and primary documents about the Conservation Movement in the United States and compare the movement to today's environmental...
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Harlem Renaissance
Students discover the Harlem Renaissance. In this early 20th century lesson, students use various primary sources including handouts, worksheets, maps, music, and poetry to examine aspects of African American culture. Students will...
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Center Stage—Focus on Poverty
Young scholars explore the concept of philanthropy. For this service learning lesson, students examine stereotypes and discrimination based on socio-economic status. Young scholars prepare to work with people of diverse backgrounds in...
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My Worst Best Sleepover Party
Students read the book The Best Worst Sleepover Party and discuss their feelings about bullying. For this bullying lesson, students discuss anxiety bullying, and what qualities a friend should have. Students design classroom expectations...
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AccessABILITY
Young scholars examine certain disabilities represented by children with disabling conditions in the class. In this generic differences and disabilities lesson, students design an art project depicting one word or phrase regarding...
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Celebrating Diversity
Students gain a better understanding about cultures. They find similarities and differences between cultures. Various resources ranging from web sites to trade books to email addresses of people are provided. This lesson incorporates...
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Intergenerational Life Writing Lesson Plan
Students meet with an older adult to complete a writing assignment. Using a topic suggested by the teacher, they each write a story about their own lives and compare and contrast their perspectives. They share their viewpoints with the...
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Genetics
Students identify literary elements in each selection while learning about diversity and the struggle for equality in the United States. They use their knowledge to express the emotion and key literary elements in each piece through...