Bully Free Systems
Bully Free Lesson Plans—Eighth Grade
Middle schoolers are likely very familiar with the concept of bullying and cliques. Discuss their experiences and brainstorm ways to handle peer conflict and feelings of exclusion with a poem that focuses on bullying, and a second lesson...
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Flexible "Glass" Sculpture
Older artists create 2-dimensional surfaces with paint, then use these paintings as the components of a 3-dimensional sculpture. They assemble a free-standing sculpture that may be viewed from any angle by using wire to create the shape....
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Pine Cone Owls
Students create pine cone owls. In this visual arts lesson, students use a pine cone, acorns, glue, and feathers to create an owl pine cone. Students may use paint to decorate their project.
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Paving the Road to the Constitution
Eighth graders argue for or against the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. In this U.S. government lesson, 8th graders complete four activities that encourage them to examine the strengths and weaknesses of the Articles of...
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Animation Station
Students examine clay animation. In this technology lesson, students use the Internet to investigate the history of clay animation. Students use story boards and clay figures to create their own "animation."
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Justice Demands an End to Segregation, But it Does Not End
Learners define human rights and describe how it applies to politics, economics and cultural rights. As a class, they watch a video how the Constitution was made and discuss its purpose. In groups, they present information to the class...
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A Day in the Life of a Homeless Person
Learners examine the day in the life of a homeless person. In this humanitarian lesson, students examine the life of a homeless person while discovering the importance of social justice in our society.
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Papier Mach¿ Monsters
Students view various pieces of art and interpret its meaning in terms of a particular culture. Using papier mache, they create prototypes for a movie sequel in which they represent various cultures. They share and explain their...
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Stained Glass Heart Sun Catcher
Students experiment with the effects of color and light as they are exposed to the basics of working with stained glass: cutting, assembly, soldering and finishing.
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Consumerism Scavenger Hunt
Students explore consumerism. In this economics lesson, students work with a partner to complete an Internet Research consumer scavenger hunt. Students discuss information collected and conflicting answers to various questions.
PBS
Reading Adventure Pack: Cooking
A Reading Adventure Pack focuses on cooking. Scholars participate in three hands-on activities after reading the fiction book Easy as Pie by Cari Best and the nonfiction book How Did That Get in My Lunchbox? by Chris Butterworth....
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Snowman Soup
Students make gifts. In this art lesson, students place hot chocolate mix, chocolate kisses, mini-marshmallows and a candy cane in a cup and write a poem or a little note for the person who is given the cup.
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In God We Trust; All Others Pay Cash
Learners review their knowledge on the First Amendment. After reading an article, they identify specific church and state issues. Using the Internet, they research President Bush's proposal from a specific point of view. They summarize...
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Perseverance and the First Amendment
Students investigate the right to petition and assemble. For this Bill of Rights lesson, students read the First Amendment and discuss the rights guaranteed by the amendment. Students research selected groups and movements that have made...
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Dazzling Digital Poem Project
Eighth graders create a digital poem using PowerPoint, Audacity.com, and www.freeplaymusic.com. In this digital poem lesson, 8th graders write and edit original poems. Students utilize figurative language and imagery in poems and review...
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Very Hungry Caterpillar
Students read "the Very Hungry Caerpiller" by Eric Carle and create their own caterpillers using the same art techniques found in the book in this excellent early elementary lesson. Included with the lesson is a vocabulary list and a...
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Paper Maracas
Students create paper maracas using basic art supplies, paper plates, beans, and decorative materials in this Art and Music instructional activity for the 1st and 2nd grades. The instructional activity includes resource links, a...
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Writing Newspaper Articles
Students write newspaper articles regarding their service learning experiences. In this writing skills lesson, students review the writing process skills to develop high-quality articles. Students write articles regarding the their acts...
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Animal Rights Vs. Animal Welfare - Understanding the Issue
Students explore the difference between animal rights and animal welfare. They take a field trip to a farm to explore the producing animals for human use. After researching and collecting information from animal welfare/rights...
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Why Burn Books?
Students identify the role of free speech in the selection of library books. They choose one banned book to read and evaluate the reason for its censorship. They create an argument for or against the selection of the book.
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The Daily News
Young scholars use headlines to recall and write about important events in the school day. This activity can be done with the whole class at circle time, at the beginning or end of the school day, individually in daily news journals....
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The Terminology of Governance
Young scholars explore the parts of Canada's federal system of government. They construct a concept web using the terms related to government and the institutions of Canada. They make lists that relate to Canadian and American government.
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Law & Ethics for Photojournalists
Students identify and discuss First Amendment rights, examine how to make sound legal judgements regarding photographs of private individuals, examine difference between public and private figures as far as libel law is concerned,...
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First Amendment and the Future
Students read the Knight report and discuss key findings before deciding what aspects of the findings students can replicate in their own school and conduct a survey. They write survey questions and test them on sample group before...