Lesson Plan
Curated OER

On the Attack

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore how government restrictions and over fishing impact the ecosystems of sharks and contribute to or curb their danger to humans. They synthesize their understanding of the issues by creating board games in groups.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Stories That Go with the Territory

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Learners investigate various expeditions throughout history to new and/or uncharted territories. They work in groups to develop and 'produce' television news magazine segments about some of these historic expeditions.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Young Faces of Poverty

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore the topic of child poverty in the United States and the government's responses to it in different areas and through different programs and laws. They share their thoughts in letters to their Congressional representatives.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Photo Forgery

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students inspect examples of manipulated photos and explore the technology and issues behind doctored photos. They hold an in-depth discussion about the responsibility of the photojournalist and news editor to show true photos.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Safe Place For Hate?

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore the conflict over the admission of hate-related information onto web portals and other web sites, and, after representing the point-of-view of the constituencies involved in this conflict, posit possible solutions to the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Spirits of Toys Past, Present and Future

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore the evolution of toys and explore how the toy industry has adapted their products in response to advances in technology and changing customer expectations.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Clearing the Air

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students read a New York Times article and investigate a variety of emissions that contribute to global warming. They participate in a mock international summit in which they present recommendations for reversing the global warming trend.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Tackling Race Issues on the Field

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Young scholars explore what it means to be 'in the minority.' students experience what it feels to be treated differently by peers in which they are 'labeled' with statements that determine how others in their groups relate to them.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Tracking Gorillas in the Mist

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Young scholars investigate the technologies used in monitoring and tracking the habitat of the mountain gorilla to better explain how technology is being integrated into conservation efforts.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Babes in Electronic Toyland

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students read a New York Times article in order to explore the use of handheld electronic devices in schools. They investigate, through surveys and essay-writing, the pros and cons of this technology.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Press-ing Freedom

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Learners consider how free speech applies to journalistic practices in light of a legal case involving two reporters. They participate in a fishbowl discussion about journalism codes of ethics and write response papers.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Art as Therapy

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore how they connect with artwork on an emotional level through writing and the creation of an original piece of art.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Crossing Borders, Crossing Boundaries?

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore how the United States government is using biometrics to secure American borders. They examine the pitfalls of biometrics programs and propose possible ways to strengthen the program.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Healthy Relations

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Young scholars draw on their own experiences with health care to create educational skits to better doctor-patient relationships. For homework, they create guidelines and write recommendations for an appropriate government role.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Political Puzzles

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students investigate how different liberal democracies around the world organize their governments and decide major policies. They compare their findings to the American political system, using examples of current political issues.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Dropping (and Adding) Names in Washington

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students research and create profiles of key figures in the current administration and those people who are speculated to play a role if George W. Bush is re-elected in the 2004 election.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Front Page History

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Learners consider how current events are directly and intricately tied to past events, decisions and other influences. The island of Guam is used as a case study as the events of WWII have continued to affect the people of Guam today.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Urban Legends

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Learners consider how people of color and minority culture are represented in video games. After debating the issue as representatives of various interest groups, students reflect on their personal feelings regarding this issue.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

In Good Company

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students research and write a radio or television news special on some of Silicon Valley's most successful companies. For homework, they write lead-ins commenting on new developments and reactions to them.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Radio Free America?

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore the controversy over the recent FCC vote to loosen restrictions on media ownership. After researching the background and position of local radio stations, students evaluate and make recommendations about free speech.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Chilling Predictions

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Learners research and prepare an almanac on the Arctic. They examine the laws that attempt to provide jurisdiction over this area and consider how these laws be affected if geography of the Arctic continues to change due to global warming.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Trading Up?

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore the benefits and drawbacks of free trade from the perspective of the United States, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Chile and Mexico. For homework, they each write a letter to the editor expressing their personal...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Connecting Immigrants In Black And White

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore the many ways that ethnic newspapers help immigrants in the United States stay connected to their cultures and countries of origin. They write articles for ethnic newspapers.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Africa Wants Its MTV!

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students consider the impact of MTV and the introduction of an MTV channel in Africa. They develop original programs for MTV Base that appeal to both local and global audiences.