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Grown-ups at Play

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students realize that adults entertain themselves at work and in their private lives and that much of adult play, like children's play, is part of adults' folklife and that they play in various folk groups. They consider the elite,...
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Birth and Early Childhood

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders read and compare creation stories of different cultures around the world. They identify and define the concept of the cycle of life and collect and analyze birth and childhood folk beliefs and stories in their families...
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Lake Tahoe Then and Now

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students investigate the differences in Lake Tahoe from the past to the present. In this geography lesson, students read the book Washoe Seasons of Life and identify the descriptions of the land and lake. Students create a Venn diagram...
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Reach for the Stars

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Learners investigate the Underground Railroad. In this slavery lesson, students read books about slavery, the Undeground Railroad, and how slaves escaped the south. Learners develop knowledge about coded songs and constellations that...
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The Cleverest Thief

For Teachers 1st
First graders read The Cleverest Thief and participate in various activities across the curriculum areas. In this story lesson plan, 1st graders arrange an anagram of the word monastery.  Students complete worksheets to alphabetize...
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Rooster's Off To See the World Number-Sense

For Teachers 1st - 2nd
Learners recognize how numbers are used in number stories.  In this Rooster's Off To See the World lesson, students participate in the story. Learners complete a number activity and work on the computer to illustrate a number...
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Historical Markers

For Teachers 6th - 10th
Students read the "Chicago Tribute Markers of Distinction," and pick one famous person to write about. In this creative writing worksheet, students write about this person's home. Additionally, students pretend that 100 years from now, a...
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The Human Costs of War

For Teachers 6th - Higher Ed
Students explore the concept of civilian cost to armed warfare. They explore the role of the military, civilians and of press coverage during armed conflicts, creating posters illustrating their research on post-WW II military conflicts.
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Manifestations of the Manifesto

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore the workings of FARC, a Marxist guerilla group in Colombia, as well as study the basics of Marxism. They examine the discrepancies between Marxist theory and Marxism as it is actually realized in Colombia and other parts...
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Diseases Without Borders

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students use the European Union's struggle with Mad Cow Disease as a starting point to study the spread of infectious diseases across geographical boundaries.
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High Profiles

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Young scholars research and write newspaper articles about current world leaders, using a New York Times International article as a model. They research a current world leader's personal background and political history.
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Life, Camera, Action

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students investigate the history, politics and culture of Somalia. They analyze media coverage and portrayal of the country. They focus on the role of media in reporting on Somalia and the current debate over the film Black Hawk Down.
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Stories That Go with the Territory

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students 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.
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See You Later, Alligator

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore the historical and social significance of animals as cultural symbols in various countries around the world, as well as the impact that humans have made on the population and natural habitats of these animals.
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A World Torn by Drugs

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore different drug issues that have affected international relations.
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One China, Two Systems

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students study the term 'peaceful coexistence' and the role it plays in the Chinese process for reunification with Taiwan. They research and assess the political ideologies, economic stability and national identities of the countries...
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Secret Services

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students examine news about an espionage case. They work in small groups to research espionage and spy trials of the Cold War era. Students create oral presentations detailing presentations in specific cases.
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Only Skin Deep

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Young scholars examine and compare notions of beauty in cultures around the world and explore the connection between what is deemed 'beautiful' and cultural history. They Develop a "Beauty Around the World" collage representing beauty...
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Plant Parts with Sequencing Cube

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders listen to the story, Jack's Garden by Henry Cole. They learn the parts of the plant by looking at live plants.
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Seeking Super Cities

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students view a Powerpoint presentation on various cities in the U.S. They conduct research on two cities, complete a data chart on the two cities, and decide which one they would prefer to live.
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Viral Diseases

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students research three viral diseases of humans, plants, or animals and report their findings to the class through a presentation using a visual aid.
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Choice Not Chance

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students examine diets from another country and compare it to the US Food Guide Pyramid. They study the effect the diet has on an individual's health.
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Creature Feature

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Students research an animal, and create a video to share their information and pictures with the class.
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Closing the Gaps

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students examine the defining characteristics of their own generation. They apply their analysis to learning about previous generations, and synthesize their learning by creating improvisational skits and writing creative essays.