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The Haitian Political Crisis: What Role Should the U.S. Play in Foreign Governments?
Students examine the political situation in Haiti. They share their opinions on the role the United States should play in foreign governments. They identify the causes of the turmoil in the country as well.
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The President's Day Has Arrived
Young scholars state and defend their opinions regarding all aspects of the impeachment proceedings against President Clinton after completing a survey and researching the topic. They also consider opinion polls, media bias and global...
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Riding the Pony Express
Fourth graders list the four W's of the Pony Express. They also write an article about Buffalo Bill Cody and discuss the important facts about the Pony Express.
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My Brother Sam is Dead: A study of the Revolutionary War
Fifth graders complete an analysis of the Revolutionary War through literature. After "My Brother Sam Is Dead," students create a time capsule containing items that would be relevant during the Revolutionary War. They identify key...
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A Delicate Balance
Young scholars reflect on racial balance in their own schools, debate merits of policies that seek to create and maintain school racial diversity, and write essays on whether their school should promote racial balance.
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Crossing the Color Line
Students watch the series "Unforgiveable Blackness". They analyze Jack Johnson's life to investigate the legal system and interracial relationships. They examine how segregation was threatened by peole allowing to marry ones out of their...
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Star Politics
Students discuss the advantages of a celebrity running for a public office. After reading an article, they examine the results of the California governor recall vote. In groups, they research the aspirations and career of a celebrity...
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Characteristics of Africa
Students describe basic land features and characteristics that make up the continent of Africa, describe the people of Africa, where they live, and how they live and get a sense of what it is like to live in Africa.
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Holocaust Theme
Students complete a unit of lessons on the events of the Holocaust during WWII. They write daily journal entries, create a collage, view and discuss videos, read and analyze novels and poetry, and complete a novel project.
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Science Current Events Lessons
You can use current events to increase student understanding of both science concepts and language arts skills.
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Cartoons for the Classroom: How about a Bailout for Ailing Newspapers
In this current events learning exercise, learners analyze a political cartoon about economic bailouts in America and respond to 3 talking point questions.
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Good For You?
Students discuss nutrition and compare nutritional values of a snack product claiming health benefits with a candy product.
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The Salem Witchcraft Trials
High schoolers research the Salem Witchcraft Trials and conduct a mock trial.
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Let's Sleep on It
Young scholars research sleep following a class discussion on an article in The New York Times. Students use their research information to create a health and wellness exhibit that addresses topics related to sleep.
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A Nation's Voice
Students research the Constitution and the War Powers Act in order to determine what the powers of the government are in times of conflict. They answer a series of questions then write a legal brief either supporting or condemning the...
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Sojourner Truth
Students research Sojourner Truth. In this African-American history instructional activity, students read the speech "Ain't I A Woman?" and brainstorm descriptive words that describe Sojourner Truth. Students discuss why her acts were...
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The Plight of Four Million Newly Emancipated Slaves: Reconstruction - 1865-1877
Students study the Reconstruction Era after the US Civil War. In this Reconstruction lesson set, students examine the problems that were encountered by the South after the Civil War, look at different plans for Reconstruction, and...
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Identifying the Theme in a Story
Students recognize Theme through the use of simple, short stories. Using Pro Quest, students begin by researching the literary element, theme, and how it can be identified. They then identify the themes in Aesop's Fables and...
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John Brown's Raid on Harper's Ferry
Fourth graders discover facts about John Brown. In this Harper's Ferry Raid lesson, 4th graders evaluate the lyrics to the song "John Brown's Body", and write a descriptive obituary about John Brown. Students also view pictures of...
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What Type of Community?
Learners compare and contrast suburban, rural and urban communities. They read books such as The Little Red Hen and identify the type of community in each book. Using computer software, they write about each type of community and...
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Inference Lesson Plan
Students practice assessing graphics to infer and identify an author's implicit and explicit meaning in a piece of text. They evaluate the effectiveness of information found in maps, charts, tables, graphs, diagrams, cutaways and through...
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Chameleons Are Cool!
Have your learners review what they know about camouflage using this lesson plan. Learners fill out a graphic organizer listing what they know or have questions about. This could be enhanced with the addition of a writing assignment in...
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Gifts from the Hopi
Learners examine the gifts a community of long ago can give the community of today in terms of artistic, economic and spiritual areas. Using the Internet, they conduct searches to find information about kachina masks and pottery. They...
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Labeling the World
Sixth graders conduct research on the countries found on the labels on their clothing. They locate the countries on a map, research the labor practices on countries that export clothing to the U.S., and create a graph using the information.