Students explain how the availability of natural resources has affected human settlement patterns. They recognize the interactions of human populations on environments and compare the growth of two ancient cities in relation to natural...

Middle and high schoolers read and discuss articles about the mussel industry in Arkansas. They pay close attention to the history of pearling and button making industries on the Black and White Rivers of Arkansas. This impressive,...

Eighth graders are exposed to different types of media in order to investigate the tendency of being exposed to a set of values that run contrary to conservative values. They role play a television program in order to communicate the...

The women working for equal rights in the early 20th century weren't a part of one large group; rather, they were members of dozens of small groups focused on social reform. Explore the ways groups in the Progressive Era like National...

Young scholars talk about how their peers can influence their behavior. In this peer pressure lesson, students complete a KWL chart on peer pressure, read a handout on peer pressure and break into groups to discuss the information. Young...

Students explore the techniques used by advertisers to sell toys and snack foods, increase awareness of consumer habits and media influences and differentiate between information and selling.

Students examine how Louis Armstrong's fame spread from the African American community to the whole world. They examine how his singing style influenced both popular and jazz musicians by participating in guided listening of his musical...

Students investigate commercial fishing by exploring the technical methods.  In this environmental lesson, students identify the fish that are most commonly consumed by humans and trace their path from ocean to plate.  Students...

Students define the terms "interest groups" and "public policy". In groups, they discuss the ways in which interest groups can have an effect on how a Board member votes. Using examples, they discover the effectiveness of interest...

Students research the governments role is preserving the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. They discuss the proponents and the opponents side of the issue.

Get out a clean sheet of paper and get ready to take notes on the Italian Renaissance. Kids can easily follow along as you progress through each informative slide. They'll take notes on humanism, classical learning, city-states, and...

Students research a location of their choice using the internet. They list the characteristics of the location and why they chose it as their ideal vacation spot. Using maps, they pinpoint their destination and trace their route. They...

After reading a review of the meaning and usage of affect and effect, pupils complete a practice exercise to demonstrate their understanding of this tricky pair. An answer key is provided.

Students analyze data to investigate the influence of water depth on size among deep-water crabs. They interpret results from this data, and apply the results regarding appropriate fishery regulations.

Students identify the influence of television on gender roles and talk about how they are changing.

Students develop estimation skills by using real life situations. In this estimation instructional activity students collect data about their television watching habits. They make hypothesis about the number of hours they...

Students study the effects of advertising on the music industry.

Ninth graders participate in class discussion about culture and how it influences our lives then complete an analysis of advertisements from popular magazines to derive what effects they have on our culture. They use analysis of adds to...

Students explore the role of government in the economy market. In this economics lesson, students analyze the decision making and how it takes into consideration additional cost, benefits and public awareness of what they are trying to...

Fifth graders look at advertisements paying close attention to the people in them, then create an advertisement based on a healthy body image. In this health lesson, 5th graders analyze magazine or television advertisements for the...

Students research visual messages by completing a media quiz. For this television programming lesson, students identify the many programs and commercials which use sexual imagery to sell their program or product. Students discuss methods...

Seventh graders examine how the Plains Indians vied with white commercial buffalo hunters for the millions of Great Plains buffalo. They create an illustrated broadside supporting the interests of either the Indians or the commercial...

Students watch two commericals from previous presidential elections on the topic of healthcare. After reading an article, they identify the position of the various candidates for the 2008 election. In groups, they brainstorm their own...

Learners watch tapes of televised presidential debates dating from 1960. They analyze debates and participate in mock debates.