University of Chicago
Ancient Egyptians and Death
What archaeological evidence remains of ancient Egyptian burial and mortuary practices, and what can this information tell us about ancient Egyptian society?
Curated OER
Haiku and Beyond: Exploring Genres of Japanese Literature
Fourth graders compare and contrast the literature of Japan as they study the culture, history and geography of the island nation. They read various genres of literature, describe geographic and landform features of Japan, and find...
Curated OER
In Perfect Harmony: Teaching the World to Sing
First graders listen to music as the impetus to learn about the concept of Japanese harmony as it is understood in Japanese culture. They use the New Seeker's song, "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing," to compare America and Japan...
Curated OER
Walk in My Shoes
Students discover how culture, geography and history affect how someone views an area of the world. They role play the role of a Palestinian, Jew or Briton and examine how they felt about Israel during its formation. To end the lesson,...
Curated OER
Exploring Islamic Lands
Young scholars examine the lives of Islamic teens. In this global studies lesson, students explore selected Internet sites to discover the attributes of Islam, the cultural traditions of Islam, and information regarding Middle Eastern...
Curated OER
The Phoenicians
In this Phoenicians instructional activity, students read a 4-page selection about Phoenician culture and then respond to 2 short answer questions based on the selection.
Curated OER
The Nile: A Gift to Egypt
Sixth graders discover the Egyptian culture. In this Nile River instructional activity, 6th graders examine why the river is so important to Egypt.Students study the religions, geography and the people of Egypt. Students create an...
Curated OER
The Olympic Dream: East Asia
Young scholars engage in research in order to establish a context for comprehending the historical event of the Olympic Games being held in China. They use the internet and other resources to find information.
Foreign Policy Research Institute
Islam and Islamic Culture
Whether democracy will ever take hold in Islamic nations continues to be a topic of great debate. Here, a series of questions, research, and discussion provide a foundation for class members to come to their own conclusion which they...
Curated OER
Constructing a Timeline of African History
Students create a timeline of African History. In groups, they research and describe eight different important periods in the country's history. They apply this information to compare and contrast them and how it has allowed Africa to...
Curated OER
Culture Sharing: History, Politics, Government
Pupils explore types of governments and political systems. In partners, students share information about their home country. Classmates work together to prepare a presentation about the history and government of a specific country.
Curated OER
The Roar of the Twenties; The Crash of the Thirties
Eighth graders, after assuming identities of prominent figures from the 1920's and looking at slides and data from the era, relate, in diary form, the cultural, economic and political changes that happened in America between 1920 and 1939.
Curated OER
Lesson: Jeremy Deller: Conversing about Conflict
Bridge cultural awareness, community, government, and art with an introspective and thought-provoking lesson. Upper graders become globally and socially aware as they analyze and explore the art of Jeremy Deller. They consider his images...
Oklahoma State Department of Education
Narrative Prompt
Reading about history is nothing like experiencing it firsthand. Encourage your eighth graders to do the next best thing with a historical narrative prompt, in which they describe the experience of a first-time traveler on the...
Curated OER
What the Empire Lost: The Ottoman Empire
In this Ottoman Empire worksheet, students read a 1-page selection about the decline of the empire, examine the provided map on the topic, and then respond to 5 short answer questions about the information presented.
Curated OER
Teaching the History of Religion
A study of the history of religions around the world can lead to many interesting activities and projects.
Curated OER
Guidelines for Governing: Utopia and The Prince
Young scholars explore the power of the Church in government. In this literature lesson plan, students read Sir Thomas More's Utopia and Niccolo Machiavelli's The Prince. Young scholars respond to questions regarding the works and...
Curated OER
Perceptions of War
Tenth graders share perspectives on war with Iraq with students from various countries, and write position papers expressing specific stance on issues.
Curated OER
Ooooh, The Oud
Students listen to a performance of the instrument, oud. After watching a video, they discover how many parts of the world it is used in and locate the countries on a map. They compare and contrast the oud with other instruments from the...
Curated OER
Being There: Exploring China And Japan
Students discover the culture, society, geography, and history of Asia through games, food, art, and literature in this multi-day instructional activity about China and Japan. An exciting instructional activity for upper-elementary or...
Curated OER
Origami Paper Fun
Learners explore the art of Origami. They listen to various stories about Japan, create Origami shapes by following step-by-step directions, sing Japanese songs, locate Japan on a map, and take a quiz.
Curated OER
The Basis for Our Moral Code (Judaism and Christianity)
Students consider the history and significance of the Judao-Christian culture through this nine lesson unit. Scenes from the Old and New Testaments are reenacted as students unearth some of the foundations of our Western Culture.
Curated OER
The Roots of Religion: Teacher’s Guide
Students explore ancient cultures. In this ancient religions lesson, students study the civilizations of ancient Mesopotamia they watch "Garden of Eden" and discuss their impressions. Students then research Sumer and prepare...
Curated OER
Beyond Chopsticks and Rice
Students explore the stereotypical American images of China. In this English and World History lesson, students read a novel to become familiar with China and its people. Students research various events in China's history and report...