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Power of Germs
Students view the film, Guns, Germs, and Warfare. They create projects based on the impact of germs on the development of societies and countries.
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Immigration
Learners explore the concept of immigration. In this immigration instructional activity, students read literature, analyze photographs, and evaluate political cartoons that reflect feelings about immigration in America during...
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Manifest Destiny
Pupils identify the implications of Manifest Destiny. In this Westward Expansion lesson plan, students view a PowerPoint presentation on the topic and then respond to questions based on the details of the presentation.
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Oceans of the World
Second graders demonstrate their ability to find the five oceans on a globe and on a world map and relate their knowledge of mountains and other physical characteristics of land masses to the physical characteristics of the ocean floor.
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TEACHING OUR MANY GRANDCHILDREN
Students study the connection between where Villages are set up and the natural resources nearby. They interact with Elders to gain historical appreciation of their culture and investigate how their Village came to be located where it is.
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Scavenger Hunt for Ancient Egypt
Seventh graders do a scavenger hunt in order to investigate Ancient Egypt.
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Louisiana Purchase
Pupils use maps to locate and describe the area purchased by the Louisiana Purchase. In groups, they write a letter to Thomas Jefferson in which they evaluate the topography, climate and geography of the land. They determine the land's...
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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 plan, 8th graders examine primary and secondary sources in order to create a cause and effect chart that features the treatment...
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The Moravians: What Does It Take to Build a Religious Community
Young scholars study a Moravian community, its town structure, and compare the town to other non-religious communities. In this religious community lesson plan, students research a Moravian community using the town plan documents and...
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Crawford Grill: Opening the Doors of Opportunity
Analyze the role the Crawford Grill played in the history of Jazz music. Budding historians research interviews and video clips to learn about the Crawford Grill in Pennsylvania and black music history. The lesson culminates when...
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THE DIVERSITY OF ARCHITECTURE: HOW HEALTHY IS MY NEIGHBORHOOD?
Students observe and investigate, on a walking tour, what elements create a healthy neighborhood. They examine the significance of the relationship of the built environment as well as the important details of architecture.
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U.S. History: What Happened Here?
Students apply the global positioning system to create maps of local historical sites. By collaborating with local historical groups, they research events and relate them to broader, national history. In addition to writing essays...
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PA Watersheds, Many Ways to the Sea
High schoolers examine the water cycle and the factors that interact with watersheds. In this watersheds lesson students describe the purification process, trace the flow of infiltrate water through aquifers, and research the...
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African Country Report
Sixth graders describe the relationship between the people of Africa and their environment. They examine the climate, economy and inhabitants of this land. Using maps graphic organizers and writing a report, 6th graders demonstrate how...
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Spice Up Your Life
Second graders identify major spices found in the world. They link spices with countries they are grown in and the uses for these valuable items.
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Changes in the New Nation
Young scholars explore how technology has slowly changed the world, starting in the 18th Century. In this United States History lesson, students work in teams to complete numerous activities that compare and contrast life before...
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Role Playing in North America: Mid 1600s-Mid 1700s
Eighth graders apply their knowledge of North American history from the mid 1600's through the mid 1700's to a role-playing scenario. In small groups they plan, write, and perform a dramatic skit of a group that was affected by events in...
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Create a City: An Urban Planning Exercise
Students explore the effects of population growth in Arizona. In this history lesson, students work in small groups to create a "perfect" city. Activities include examining the Arizona census results then discussing the importance...
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Site and Situation: Right Place at the Right Time
Students put their geography skills to work. In this geography skills activity, students research maps and other primary and secondary sources to simulate the site selection process for the Pennsylvania Railroad Shops post World War II....
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Physical Features
Students draw physical land features using ClarisWorks or Kid Pix, write their definitions, create slideshow, and create class geography book.
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Meet the Underground Railroad
Students research and learn about the Underground Railroad. In this Underground Railroad lesson plan, students take 2 weeks to research an individual, complete journal writings, read passages in small groups, list major events, and more.
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Cartographer and Journalish as Storytellers
Students collaborate in groups of four students to create a written description of their community during a specific year. They analyze data provided by maps and newspaper articles. They meet as a whole class to discuss their conclusions.
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A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words
Students complete a population pyramid for a city they are studying. They may complete a population pyramid for their city and another one for the country in which the city is located. They compare and contrast the results of the two...