Students examine folk tales to determine the basis for scientific myths. They demonstrate through the discussion of the folk tales that the perception of the world has changed as new information is gained. They write their own folk...

Fourth graders examine life of French explorer, La Salle, and how he impacted settlement of Texas and the establishment of Catholic missions in Texas; students write letters from the perspective of an explorer.

Philosophy and religion are the topics of this presentation, though humor is what ties them together. Providing many examples of humor in different religions (Evangelism, Buddhism, Mormonism) and from different philosophers (Plato,...

Sixth graders are introduced to the purpose and design elements of the triumphal arch. They utilize digital media (camera and computer) to create a triumphal arch design that highlights their " triumphs" in life. Students save their...

Students analyze Antigone and its universal issues as well as explore ancient Greece. In this Antigone and Ancient Greece lesson, students read and complete activities for Sophocles' Antigone. Students reconstruct the experience of a...

Students listen to the book, The Mysterious Giant of Barletta, and create paper sculptures based on ancient Greek and Roman statues in the Getty Museum. They write narrative stories told from the viewpoints of their sculptures.

Young scholars identify several key inventions and other forms of technology that were part of city life during the classical Roman and Greek periods. They report on one characteristic or invention that is shared by modern and ancient...

Students view a segment of Prosperity and Decline. They discuss what attributes made the empire strong. Students discuss what caused the fall of the Roman Empire. They write an essay describing the cause of the fall of the Roman Empire....

Learners compare the Roman Empire, medieval Europe and feudal Japan. In this warrior societies lesson, students research the 3 warrior societies and share their research findings with their classmates.

A website looks at how we know so much about Mars—telescopes, robots, and spacecraft—and the search for martian life. Following the informational text are three questions that quiz pupils about possible life on Mars. 

Students complete a project about Ancient civilizations. In this ancient civilizations instructional activity, students explore the contributions made by ancient civilizations and research the scientific and technological achievements of...

Sixth graders begin the lesson by discussing how artifacts are located. In groups, they define the terms supply, demand, resources and trade and discuss how the United States is affected by International trade. They use this...

What were the early Greek myths? Have elementary students examine the Persian Wars and read various Greek myth in order to identify the cause and the results of the Persian Wars. Myths, activities, simulations, and a unit plan are links...

In this Anglo-Saxon learning exercise, students complete 4 extension activities that help them learn more about the Anglo-Saxon life. Students draw a picture of an Anglo-Saxon house, make a list of the steps to make a tunic, research the...

Students listen to the Louis Armstrong song, "What Did I Do to Be So Black and Blue?" and consider it as a protest song. They write in their journals about Armstrong, his music, and civil rights.

Students create a paper sculpture based on ancient Greek statues. In this visual arts lesson, students read the book, The Mysterious Giant of Barletta and use cardstock to create their own statue. Students write a narrative story told...

Students examine the history of air pollution dating back to the Roman Empire. In groups, they research the different types of pollutants in the air and how they can affect the environment. They participate in various experiments to...

This interactive web site invites exploration of Anglo-Saxon history, culture, and daily life. It is easy to navigate, has clear information, and nice features like pop-up definitions when the cursor moves over the highlighted...

In this world history activity, students read, analyze and summarize a short article on Pope John Paul II and then answer nine comprehension questions.

Students discover the background of Pope John Paul II. In this modern history lesson, students research the life of Karol Joseph Wojtyla (Pope John Paul II) in order to understand how his past paralleled his papacy.

Students make connections between the rule and reign of Julius Caesar and the leaders of other countries. They then create a news show that communicates their understanding of four essential questions that are included in the...

Fourth graders discuss the major nations of California Indians, their geographic distribution, economic activities, legends and religious beliefs. They describe the function of Spanish missions and the influence of Catholicism. In...

Students gain an understanding of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. In this drama lesson, students read the second act of the play and then rewrite the original passages in today's English.

Students create a full-length portrait of the Emperor Hadrian that conveys his role through attributes and explain how this bust of Hadrian conveys a story about life as an emperor in ancient Rome.