Curated OER
I Am a Book
Third graders discuss books that have been banned and the things that they have in common. They explore the concept of freedom of speech and write poems based on their discussion.
Curated OER
Calling Names
Students explore how language shapes debate by researching the names and tags both advocates and opponents use when discussing a topical issue. For homework, they create name collages and write prose poems.
Curated OER
To Kill a Mockingbird
Young scholars explore the components of racismas they read through Horton Foote's, "To Kill a Mockingbird." The trial of the main character reveals instances of justice in the face of prejudice and forms the focus of the lesson.
Curated OER
The Printing Press
Students explore importance of Johannes Gutenberg's invention of the printing press during the Renaissance by copying short poem or sentences and using pre-arranged alphabet stamps to make copies.
Curated OER
The White Stuff, Winter in Canada
Students write sound poems inspired by works of art they have viewed, create paintings with snow as subject, create zines about their perceptions of winter, and update one of Robert Harris' winter sports illustrations.
Four lessons on...
University of New Mexico
César Chávez: Migrant Farm Workers and Their Leader
During the first week of instruction, middle schoolers research biographies on Cesar Chavez and make a pictorial collage of his life. For the second and third week, they maintain a seven-day diary of a farmworker and write a poem. For...
Curated OER
Gratitude Journals
Students brainstorm ideas of thankfulness or being grateful for things and use these ideas to create a personal gratitude journal. They build a book using copy paper, twigs and rubber bands then explore different techniques to create a...
Alabama Learning Exchange
Nocturnal Animals Lesson #4: Owls
Students investigate the owl food chain. They discuss owl facts, explore various websites, dissect an owl pellet, create a picture of the owl food chain, read the book, "Owl Babies," and write an owl poem.
Curated OER
Uncovering Personalities in Othello
Students explore a unique way to view the personalities of the characters in William Shakespeare's play "Othello." They facilitate online research "deconstructing" poetry and performing scenes from the play with costumes and props.
Curated OER
Reaching for the Sky
Students consider features of skyscraper using descriptive words, reflect on notion of skyscraper as orientation point in a city, and explore New York Times Building in Manhattan by reading and discussing article, "Pride and Nostalgia...
Curated OER
Land Ho! Cole Vs. Van Gogh
Students compare and contrast the landscape works of Thomas Cole and Vincent Van Gogh. In this landscapes lesson, students understand vocabulary related to artworks. Students compare and contrast the artists work through a Venn diagram....
Curated OER
What's The Scoop?
Students explore the properties of matter. In this cross curriculum three states of matter science lesson, students listen to the poem "Eighteen Flavors" by Shel Silverstein, and predict what will happen if listed ingredients are...
Curated OER
A Strange Fish
Young scholars research the sea horse. In this sea horse lesson, students use the Internet to find information about the sea horse on sites bookmarked by the teacher. The young scholars write these facts on a page and create a sea horse...
Curated OER
Headless Horseman, Heady Author
Twelfth graders explore figurative language as it appears in Washington Irving's original text, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, answer questions based on story, and write sequels to it by using the different types of figurative language...
Curated OER
INTUITION
Students explore the concepts of intuition, insight, imagination and the reasons not to ignore it, but to enhance it in one's lifestyle. In doing this, one increases the ability to draw deeper meaning from art, poetry and symbolism. In...
Curated OER
Mythical Beasts
Students explore literature and art forms containing creatures that are part human and part animal, such as the Greek Sphinx, Neptune, or the Green Centaur. Individually, students write a poem or short story to create a character with...
National Endowment for the Humanities
A Raisin in the Sun: Whose "American Dream"?
How does Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun factor into a discussion of the American dream? High schoolers define the American dream and recognize the historical setting of the play. Additionally, they identify...
Curated OER
Rhythmic Movement Skills
Learners explore rhythmic movements. In this performing arts lesson plan, students create their own movements and then repeat the each others movement. Finally, learners create movements to the Haiku generated by the entire class.
Curated OER
My Personal Pyramid
Students complete a WebQuest that explores three different food pyramids. In small groups, they explore the websites, complete a Venn diagram, and design a mini-poster of a food pyramid that meets nutritional standards and includes their...
Curated OER
Life of a Navajo Weaver
Students explore Native American weaving patterns and dance movements. In this Native Americans lesson, students view examples of weaving patterns on the Internet and compare the patterns to a Native American dance. Students demonstrate...
Curated OER
Gandhi's "Good Life": The Spiritual Dimension
Students investigate awareness and spiritual transformation by researching the life of Gandhi. In this philosophy lesson plan, students discuss living in an aware state by practicing yoga, eating vegetarian, and becoming immersed...
Curated OER
Flight Dreams: Birds Flew First
Students observe how bird flight and machine flight are similar. For this aerodynamics lesson, students observe how birds fly and the shapes of their wings, and investigate how observing birds helped develop the concept of machine...
Curated OER
Environmental Awareness — Think Global, Act Local
Students identify the different hazardous wastes and the dangers they post to the environment. In this physical science lesson, students brainstorm ways to dispose them properly. They create a short story, song or poem to conclude the...
Curated OER
Earth Day and "The Lorax" Lesson Plans
Earth Day can be a way for students to explore their relationship to the world around them and read great literature like "The Lorax."