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Back in Time - Next Stop the Middle Ages
Students are introduced to the Middle Ages through Powerpoint presentations and books. During the presentations students work on various reading skills by reading made up papers about the Middle Ages detailing certain events in history.
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The Lost Colony
Eighth graders act as FBI investigators to "solve" the mystery of the Lost Colony of Roanoke Island. They decide how they would investigate the situation and develop their own conclusions of what happened these colonists.
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Bermuda Triangle
Young scholars explore what the Bermuda triangle is and the theories as to why it is so mysterious. In this mystery lesson students read and discuss the history and the mystery behind the Bermuda Triangle.
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Yo-ho, Yo-ho a Viking's Life for Me
Students complete a unit of lessons on the Vikings. They analyze maps, read and discuss myths, summarize the main ideas from resource materials, watch videos, sing a song, draw a picture to illustrate Norse mythology, and define key...
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Westward Expansion and the Frontier
Students explore U.S. history by researching a historic map. In this westward expansion instructional activity, students discuss the mystery of the western U.S. in the early 1800's and the impact expansion had on Native Americans and...
Mr. Roughton
CSI: Florence
Who done it? Class groups adopt the role of crime scene investigators and examine exhibits (primary source documents) to determine who attempted to assassinate the members of the Medici dynasty.
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Investigating the Mammoth Mystery
Fourth graders go on a virtual dig to find out where the mammoth bones found in a rural U.S. county came from. They determine whether the bones were created by humans or were they the actual remains of mammoths who walked the area during...
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The Mystery of History - Original Sources
Students examine and discuss the differences between primary and secondary sources. They brainstorm examples of each, locate examples of primary and secondary sources on the Internet, and identify three primary sources from home.
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Artifacts 2: Artifacts in Context
Students will explore an archaeological mystery that demonstrates the importance of context in learning from artifacts. Factors such as the artifact's location, its proximity to other artifacts, and the number of similar artifacts found...
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New World Meets Old
Students demonstrate understanding of basic facts about Christopher Columbus and different theories regarding his background. They try to solve the mystery of Christopher Columbus' background and write an essay offering their own opinion.
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Amelia Earhart: Queen of the Air
Students watch a video about Amelia Earhart, an uncommon heroine, a legendary aviator and the center of one of the greatest mysteries of modern time.
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Benedict Arnold: Triumph and Treason
Young scholars explore Benedict Arnold, and how his name is synonymous with treason, betrayal, and defection. Why did he turn on a young nation in its defining moment? BIOGRAPHY journeys back to the days of the colonies to solve the...
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Language Arts: Chasing Vermeer - A DaVinci Code for Children
Students read the mystery novel, Chasing Vermeer, research the artist and his works. Through observation of his works, they create their own pencil sketches of selected paintings. Finally, students simulate Vermeer's interiors with...
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Megabeasts
In this biology activity, learners use their mathematical skills to create a three dimensional scale model of an ancient insect. They draw a diagram of their insect and label it with as much information as possible.
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Ancient Egypt: Unearthing the Past
Sixth graders imagine traveling the River Nile, excavating sacred burial tombs, investigating ancient rituals, exploring Wonders of the World, and translating ancient writings.
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Playing Historical Detective: Great Grandmother's Dress and Other Clues to the Life and Times of Annie Steel
Students draw conclusions about an mystery person based on documents and artifacts provided. In this drawing conclusions activity, students become detectives by reading and analyzing evidence provided. This activity includes...
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Women in Science
Students study the roles that women have played in science throughout history. They work in small groups while visiting the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.
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Nevada Mines 1850-1880
Students explore the Nevada mining of 1850-1880. For this history lesson, students investigate the Comstock Lode and examine the mining tools that were used to search for silver and gold.
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Art of Egypt Activities
Students understand the visual arts in relation to history and cultures and reflect upon and assess the characteristics and merits of their work, and work of others.
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Birdman or Birdbrain
Students become history detectives as they research, and later discuss, various theories about Rapa Nui. They study written language using symbols and create their own symbol language.
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The Christmas Tree
Learners recognize that the Christmas tree is one symbol of Christmas, then demonstrate their ability to identify symbols. They compare the lightstock (Christmas pyramid) with the Paradise tree and apply their knowledge about the history...
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Stones, Bones & Telephones: Analyzing Artifacts Using Bloom's Taxonomy
Seventh graders define metacognition, Bloom's Taxonomy, and artifacts. They, in groups, try to identify a mystery artifact using the Artifact Analysis sheet. They present their findings to the class.
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Mythology in the ESL Classroom
Young scholars study myths, mythological figures, and the ancient classics. They develop a sensitivity to the beliefs, values, attitudes, and views of man's development at that time. They illustrate the powers of each god discussed...
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Harvest Happenings
Young scholars explore the history of agriculture and develop a personal connection to agriculture. Students investigate how farming practices have evolved through the years and create poetry relating to harvest.