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Pleistocene Mammals
Students research the causes of the extinction of Pleistocene mammals. For this Pleistocene mammals lesson, students read essays to understand the Pleistocene epoch. Students write an essay about the personal impact of this...
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The Middle Ages Gazette
Seventh graders research and obtain information about topics from the Middle Ages and write news reports that be compiled into a Gazette or newsletter. The reports can be on feudalism, castles, jousts and tournaments and/or the Crusades.
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Unit Plan for Mark Twain and American Humor
Students create brochures about the humor of Mark Twain. In this literature-analysis lesson plan, students read "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County" and other short stories by Twain. Students write analytical paragraphs and...
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Freedom and You
Students research the American Revolution. In this Revolutionary War lesson, students research facts about the American Revolution, write an expository essay, and peer edit for good content. The paper is suggested to be written after...
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Does One Tree a Forest Make?
Students take a walk around the schoolyard looking at and identifying the trees. One leaf for each tree is collected. A chart is developed that represents the population of trees on the school ground. They keep journals and write an essay.
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Regions of the United States
Fifth graders collect data about regions of the United States using the Internet, library books, and encyclopedias. They write an essay persuading people to visit their state.
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Drinking and Driving
Students select resources relating to alcohol relate dissues of drinking and driving. They explain the dangers of mixing drinking and driving. Students discuss the dangaer of drinking and driving using notes from Internet investigations....
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1968 – A Generation in Revolt
Tenth graders compare and contrast the revolts that took place around the world in 1968. In this global studies lesson, 10th graders research the youth revolts that took place in Paris, Prague, and Chicago in 1968 and create posters and...
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Where is the Trail? The Journey of Lewis and Clark
Middle schoolers explore the trail followed by Lewis and Clark on their journey across the United States. For this United States History lesson, students complete several activities to establish the Lewis and Clark Expedition, including...
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Folk Groups
Students study the characteristics of a folk group, themselves and their folk groups, and write about a folk group that is meaningful to them. They identify various folk groups within the school community and discover that everyone,...
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Am I Really Free?
Fourth graders write about slavery and freedom. In this freed slaves lesson, 4th graders read historical information about free blacks during slavery and explore books, objects and slave narratives to learn more. Students...
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Local Habitats
Students create dioramas that depict a habitat. In this habitat lesson, students use a variety of art items to develop either a marine, freshwater/pond, or forest habitat in a box. They write an expository essay about their habitat, and...
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Lessons of the Indian Epics: Following the Dharma
Students examine how the epic poem, "Ramayana" teaches dharma, one of Hinduism's most important tenets. They read the abridged version of the "Ramayana," identify the main plot points, complete a chart, and write an essay on a moral...
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Fantasy Creature
Middle schoolers, in groups, create three-dimensional sculptures from found objects. They paint their sculptures and write essays that reflect on the collaborative creative project.
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What's in the Water?
Students make a water sampler and use proper techniques to collect water.They write a essay explaining the inter-relationship of factors such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, nitrates, and phosphates in a lake that might cause a...
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Propaganda, WWII, Ghetto‘s, and Analysis of Primary Resources
Learners consider the implications of anti-Semitism. In this World War II lesson, students examine selected documents and images featuring the propaganda that promoted Jewish persecution. Learners write essays that highlight how the Nazi...
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Separation of Powers
Students examine the separation of powers in local and federal government. Using case studies, they review several instances of separation of powers. After reading the case studies, they write a brief opinion essays supporting their...
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The Election of Barack Obama 44th President of the United States
High schoolers consider the historic implications of Barack Obama's election. In this election of 2008 activity, students research Obama's accomplishments and determine how his election signifies the success of the American Civil Rights...
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Genetically-Modified Food
Students investigate the pros and cons of genetic engineering. They watch a short Bill Moyers video, conduct Internet research, create a poster, participate in a pro/con debate, and write an essay expressing their personal feelings on...
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The Nineteenth Amendment: Susan B. Anthony
What would your scholars do if Susan B. Anthony walked into class? Shock them to attention with this lesson, which has the school secretary (or any willing participant) dress as the famous suffragette and answer questions as a surprise...
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Research Paper
Ninth graders continue to work on their research papers including to credit and cite all resources used, incorporate a style manual, electronic databases, online resources as well as a Works Cited page. In addition, they orally present...
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Preparing Arguments
Students review the information from the previous lesson on persuasion essays. In groups, they brainstorm a list of arguments to use to support their trip to Six Flags. They also develop counterarguments and gather information to put...
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Family Traditions
High schoolers research their family traditions. They select a tradition that has meaning to them and write about the traditions. They retell the story to a partner and add details. They write a draft of their story to a partner and...
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Learn About Centers -- An Introductory Activity
Students discover how to travel from one learning center to another by participating in a human train activity. They sing a song which highlights the center activity as they travel along from center to center.