Middle schoolers discover how writing is affected by mood and emotions. They learn proper mood descriptors and read sample pieces of writing to better explain mood.

Students read the narrative, Runaway Journeys, and examine other countries' policies towards fugitive slaves from the U.S. They research the laws from various countries, and write a five-paragraph essay.

Students read "Chasing Vermeer," and then study the author's writing process. They make connections between the book and the author's real life experiences. They then write an original mystery story, following the writing process.

Young scholars practice persuasive writing by creating a travel brochure.  In this creative writing lesson plan, students research a popular tourist destination they would like to visit and create a brochure enticing readers to...

Students research the life and daily activities of a slave during the nineteenth century. They write an essay role playing a slave during this time period.

Students explore the pros and cons of the emigration movement and research major groups and people involved in it. They view a multi-media narrative imbedded in this plan, then compose an essay stating their point of view.

Students practice biographical and autobiographical forms of writing: autobiography, biopoem, character traits, classmate biography.

Students research walruses using the library and the Internet, then write an essay from what they find in their research.  In this investigative lesson students view a video on walruses then write an essay after researching. 

Students examine the Fugitive Slave Law as a motivating factor for slaves to emigrate outside the United States. After discussing the relationships between fugitive slaves and North American and Caribbean countries, they write essays...

Learners examine the African-American migrants entry into the political process. They summarize their findings in a short essay.

Students compare and contrast experiences of European immigrants and African American migrants in U.S. cities. After examining the topic, they write essays evaluating the differences and similarities of the groups' experiences.

Students examine the cause-and-effect relationship between the Agricultural Adjustment Acts of the New Deal or the 1965 Voting Rights Act and African-American migration. They write an essay evaluating the effectiveness of the Voting...

High schoolers use the site maps and other resources to research one of the influential Caribbean immigrants or descendents of immigrants mentioned in a narrative they have read. They write an essay about an influential immigrant.

Fifth graders research fast food options and write an essay on the topic. In this fast food instructional activity, 5th graders pretend they are a babysitter and research fast food restaurant options to eat at while they are...

Students examine the migration of rural African Americans to northern cities following World War !!. After predicting the effects of cultural and economic factors, they write essays explaining the impact of migration on communities and...

Students analyze and discuss illustrations of the New World by John White. They examine the images, answer questions about each one, and write an essay.

Students read and analyze fairy tales. They discuss the story elements of a fairy tale, compare/contrast various fairy tales, complete an Anticipation Guide, and write an essay comparing the structure of a fairy tale to the structure of...

Eighth graders take photographs for a photo essay contest. Using primary source documents, they review various types of artwork and discuss how some of the images have become commonplace. They use the internet to view examples of...

Young scholars discuss the pros and cons of recycling on the environment. They sort and classify objects for recycling and write a brief narrative about the experience. This lesson plan is intended for students acquiring English.

Young scholars read and discuss essays about Alaska Native cultures. They discuss changes that have occurred in Alaska over the last 50 years.

Seventh graders examine how the environment can affect biological processes. They identify the best conditions for the germination of bean seeds. They record and analyze their data. They write about their observations in an essay.

Pupils examine the Mars Exploration Rover mission. In groups, they design their own mission while participating in a webquest. They write an essay using the information they gathered to propose their mission to the President. They...

Young scholars investigate Thomas Jefferson's intentions for the Declaration of Independence. In discussion, they consider what parts of the document are most useful today and to what purposes does it address the most. Finally,...

Eleventh graders finish presenting their one minute novel evaluations while choosing one of the novels to read independentally. They view a variety of graphic organizers to strategically plan out their website content. In addition, they...