Carnegie Mellon University
Hydroelectricity
Use a simple PowerPoint presentation to introduce you environmental studies class to hydropower. Hold a debate about the pros and cons of developing this form of alternative energy. Power up your class with this simple lesson on a topic...
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American Colonies
Students record information in a database about the three American colonies. They are comparing and contrasting them. They are to log into a given database and fill in the corresponding sections. Once it is filled in the similiarities...
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Young Author Books: I Am a Leaf on My Family Tree
Fourth graders create family tree books. They discuss culture and brainstorm interview questions for family members. They write stories, poems, and captions for family photos. They interview family members and assemble the interviews...
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Checks and Balances: Japanese-American Incarceration
Students examine the three branches of the Federal Government and their decision to place Japanese-Americans in camps during World War II. They analyze debates made by leaders during this time period.
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Tribal Traits
Fourth graders will analyze the similarities and differences between early Texas Indian tribes, compare and contrast two tribes, select to which tribe they would rather belong, and determine their location today.
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The Cuban Missile Crisis in 10 Steps
Tenth graders research the events of the Cuban Missile Crisis. In this Cuban Missile Crisis instructional activity, 10th graders work in groups to order a group of ten events of the crisis.
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Science as a Source of Social Controversy
Students research the two opposing views and biographical information about Ptolemy and Copernicus in order to be familiar with the societal viewpoints that influenced the thinking of these two scientists. Students role-play supporters...
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Techno-correspondent
Students play the role of a correspondent and write a news article about a famous landmark. In this correspondence activity, students use a computer template to build word processing skills. Students edit a story in order to...
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Early Navigational Tools And Nautical Developments of the Early European Explorers of Africa And America.
Young scholars identify navigational tools. They describe and label seven of the nautical advances that enabled European explorers to travel to Africa and America thereby initiating a new era of exploration.
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World War II: Causes And Consequences
Middle schoolers discuss the U.S. economy, society, and politics in the years following World War II. They explore the boom in advertising during this period by reviewing print advertisements from the late 1940s and early 1950s. ...
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Underwater Forensics
Students explore shipwrecks. In this forensic lesson, students watch a video about a shipwreck and how scientist use forensics to answer questions about the ship. They research and report about a shipwreck from the teacher's approved list.
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Timeless Totems
Students respond an email from Roger Totem, who is the curator of a new museum opening. students discuss with the art teacher to explain the project and get support. Students, in accordance with the guidelines, divide into groups...
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The Civil War
Learners are able to describe all of the Civil War terms. They are able to wonder why things happened. Students are able to tell that the United States used to be two countries.
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Leonardo da Vinci: Creative Genius
Students examine how Leonardo da Vinci exemplified the Renaissance period. They explore various websites, conduct Internet research, complete a chart, explore virtual da Vinci notebooks, and write an essay.
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The Presidential Nominating System
Students examine the process by which candidates for U.S. president are nominated by the Democratic and Republican parties. They identify the differences between primaries and caucuses and key terms and issues related to the primary...
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Around the World Calendar
Students examine world landmarks and monuments. They create a 12 month calendar featuring a significant site for 12 different countries.
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This Is America! Flag Collage
In a visual essay of their thoughts about "What America Means to Me," kids of any age can create a collage about their country. Originally intended to be created physically, learners could share their projects online by using an...
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Communities
Students are introduced to the concept of communities. Using a map, they locate and describe different communities of all sizes. They watch a video and answer questions on a worksheet to complete the lesson.
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What's Black and White and Read Later?
Students work cooperatively to research important events or "lasting news" from the year they were born. They complete a WebQuest and write a newspaper based on the research.
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Passport to the Eastern Hemisphere
Seventh graders explore the Eastern Hemisphere. They investigate the customs, currency, climate, location and other facts needed in order to travel to a specific country. Students receive a stamp on their "passport" when their research...
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Charge and Defeat
Learners discuss traditional tools used by historians and archaeologists. They conduct a debate on the advantages and disadvantages of rewriting the past and discuss which side of the debate has the strongest case.
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The Emperors of Rome
Students research an emperor assigned to them both form on-line sources and paper sources. They locate at least one image of the emperor or a building he authorized to use in their presentation. They create a 5-10 minute presentation to...
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Up, Up, and Away
Middle schoolers research hot-ballooning using Internet resources including an around-the-world balloon flight. They determine fact from opinion, examine point of view, and determine main idea, and details. They write a journal entry...
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Exploring Scientists/Presentation
Young scholars research a scientist of their choice. They write a research paper on him or her. They select ten important facts from their research paper and prepare a PowerPoint presentation using their facts.