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Compare & Locate via the Internet
Seventh graders compare the location of their home city/town with a town in another country (non U.S.) that they have selected and researched utilizing the Internet. They create a binder of their reports for future research.
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Betrayal of Penn's Promise - The Walking Purchase
Pupils role-play the 1737 Walking Purchase. In this Pennsylvania history lesson, young scholars role-play the 1737 Walking Purchase and analyze its effects. Pupils also consider how it would affect their community today.
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Westward Ho: The Difficulties of Emigrants Moving West
Students research the journey west of 19th century emigrants. In this pioneer lesson, students read the letters and diaries of a fictitious family traveling on the Oregon Trail. They mark their route on a US map, create a chart showing...
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Digging, Smelting and Forging: But Why in Pennsylvania
Students examine the history of the iron industry in Pennsylvania. For this iron industry lesson, students learn about Israel Acrilius and his role in the iron industry. Students identify natural resources used in forging iron. Students...
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The Pennsylvania Turnpike: Then and Now
Students study the history of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. For this Pennsylvania history activity, students use primary documents to study the history of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. In a culminating activity, students create an...
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Take Me to the River
Students learn about a different way of life. In this river and dams lesson plan, students discuss the Hoover Dam. Students then view pictures of the Hoover Dam, discuss the impact of dams, and compare life before and after building a...
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Families and Neighborhoods
Learners explore the concept of community. For this community lesson, students explore the cultural flavor of their neighborhoods as they discuss the history of their neighborhoods and draw pictures of their family and a building in...
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Where Did My Lunch Come From? A U.S. Regional Tour
Students explore the regions from which their food comes. For this social studies lesson, students identify the different agricultural products that are found in the major regions of the United States. Students create a lunch menu.
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"The Scientist and The Prince: Two Interesting Early Pennsylvania Immigrants
Young scholars examine immigrants including why people immigrated to America and their places of origin. In this immigrants instructional activity students analyze the importance of immigrants and the obstacles that they encounter.
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Leaving Home for the West - Why?
Students examine primary sources regarding American movement to the west. In this westward expansion lesson, students create broadside posters based on the Homestead Act primary sources they research.
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Guardians of the West
Eighth graders discover the role of American buffalo in Westward Expansion. In this Westward Expansion lesson, 8th graders examine primary and secondary sources in order to create a cause and effect chart that features the treatment of...
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Get to Know Your City
Third graders research the history of their home city and how it's development was influenced by different groups of people. They present their research information to the class.
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Comparing Creation Stories
Students compare and contrast creation stories in different cultures. They write a creative story and design a visual aid showing what their new civilization would look like.
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social studies: Life in Colonial America
Students explore the trials and tribulations early colonial life and note its successes. Through literature, Internet research, and interactive software, they engage in various activities to evaluate early social and cultural development.
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Community Centered Neighborhood Development
Ninth graders explore the culture of the neighborhood. In this Social Studies lesson, 9th graders examine the different development sites in their community. Students research the zoning regulations.
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Geographic Landscapes and Interstate Freeway Development
Learners investigate the topography of the United States through a discovery lesson. They create a hypothetical route for a highway across the United States. Students also conduct research major landforms and define geographic terms.
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Our Way of Life
Students interview Native American Elders about animal migration, traditional food gathering, and subsistence. They research endangered animals, draw a game cycle, and create maps of local migration of animals.
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A Capital Idea
Young scholars write a description of the spatial organization of the former and present location of New Hampshire's state capital. They analyze maps, participate in a class discussion, and calculate the distance of Concord from the...
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Saving Hawaii
Students engage in a activity about the a proposal for a sanctuary in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. They write a letter to the President of The United States in opposition to the proposal based upon classroom activities and research.
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Barefoot and Pregnant
High schoolers address the problem of a reduction in the world population growth rate being offset by a growing world population base. This problem is particularly true with the rapid population growth in many Third World countries. The...
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The Missouri Headwaters: A Confluence of Cultures
Fourth graders research and analyze how people create and change structures of power, authority and government diversity. They review their civic responsibilities. In addition, they identity the major responsibilities of local, state,...
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Mr. Bush in Washington
Students study about George Washington Bush and write a biography about him in a small group. To gain a better understanding of him, they listen to a biography on a tape about him. They visit various sites about him to help them examine...