Pupils role-play as pioneers in Illinois river towns. They research and choose a home town and participate in the development of the town. They present their simulation in either a written report or visual presentation.

Second graders discuss the different types of landforms throughout the world. They pick one and research and present it to the class.

Students analyze a copy of the Declaration of Independence to discover how it was adopted, approved, and signed. The tone and style of the document are analyzed for intention through an exploration its the language and vocabulary.

Young scholars research insects that act as pests during the summer months. They investigate how to protect themselves and their homes from these pests. They study the life cycle of the cicada.

High schoolers define term representative democracy, explain how the government responds to the needs of its citizens, describe the role of citizens in a representative democracy, and explain how citizens can influence public policy.

Pupils explain purpose of government, describe functions of government, and explain how the government impacts individuals and society.

High schoolers describe role that money plays in politics, and write an editorial that explains whether or not they think money gives some people too much influence in government.

Students hypothesize, collaborate, and present their ideas on uses of simple machines. They research an invention, make a model of their cartoon or invent a new tool.

Students make animated houses using slab-built clay ceramic techniques. They treat the surface of the house with a technique known as majolica.

Students examine how rules are important for both individuals and groups. They discover how rules are tools so that people can live and work together.

Students examine art related to the Civil War. They participate in activities that allow them to write poetry and drawings. They create their own journal and collect their work in a binder.

Fifth graders study self-portraits done by Andy Warhol and other artists. They define Pop Art, printmaking vocabulary, and create a series of screen prints using the art principle of repetition.

Students listen to the story "A Carp for Kimiko" and discuss its lesson and theme. They design and create their own carp kite in celebration of Children's Day. They discuss gender discrimination and how that makes them feel.

Sixth graders investigate a Japanese dyeing method, Arashi shibori, its history and its process. They are introduced to hachimaki, a Japanese headband, and make their own to wear.

Students create Kokeshi Dolls using paints, dowel ends and glue. They research the traditions and history of Hina Matsuri, or girls' day in Japan.

Pupils role-play as soldiers rescuing lost mountain climbers. Working in teams, they interpret maps to locate the climbers and use flashlights to send and receive coded messages about the rescue. Their goal is to complete the task in the...

Students construct a block model of the Space Station. They develop a description of their procedures, complete flow diagrams of their processes, develop a budget, and present their block model to the class.

Young scholars consider how zoning policy shapes the character of neigborhoods. They see how zoning and loan policies have been used historically in the U.S. to benefit some people and discriminate against others. They examine tensions...

Sixth graders discuss what might happen if United States government took over media ownership, read Junior Scholastic article entitled "China Looks to the Future," and create chart comparing Chinese Communist government to United States...

Seventh graders define dynasty and examine through research how Chinese dynasties functioned politically and militarily. They examine the effects that the Mongols had on China and describe how Mongul rule and strict social hierarchy...

Sixth graders become more aware of how land features, climate, and vegtation affect civilization. Students are divided into groups and research one of China's regions. They make a relief of their designated area.

Seventh graders explore early Chinese civilization. As pupils study Chinese history, they examine its scientific accomplishments. In partners, 7th graders create an advertisement presentation for an advancement of ancient China.

Young scholars engage in a study of the volcanic forces and earthquakes associated with The Ring of Fire in the Pacific Ocean. The people of Japan are researched in how they have dealt with living in the area. Also students write in...

Seventh graders make connections with the history of Japanese art with the modern use of ancient warriors in the popular Yu-Gi-Oh trading cards. They journal and reflect upon the research and comparison of the ancient to modern art.