Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Indian Removal Act

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Pupils use the Internet to research the Indian Removal Act and write a journalistic article showcasing their findings. They choose from a variety of viewpoints and topics to narrow their focus.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Why Is The State Called Kansas?

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders research how cities are named.  In this states names lesson, 4th graders discuss whom the state of Kansas was named after, work with a partner to write down what they've learned about Kansas, research the origins of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Biographical Scene Investigators

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders become members of the BSI in this research simulation. They apply for Biographical Scene Investigator membership, investigate an individual, keep an evidence notebook and write an investigator's report.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Francophone Tourism Package

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students research and write a report about a French-speaking country and present their research to classmates. They create a persuasive advertising brochure promoting one specific country as the best tourist destination.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Where is the Science?: Design as an Introduction to the Scientific Method

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students work to create a design that will protect an egg from being dropped from a one story floor. They test their prototype after it is completed. They write clear instructions and link aspects of the design process to the scientific...
Lesson Plan
1
1
Channel Islands Film

Eminent Domain

For Teachers 4th - 8th Standards
After viewing the documentary The Last Roundup, a documentary about the transitioning of Santa Rosa from a privately own island to a National Park, class members debate the takings clause of the Fifth Amendment that permits the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Introducing Jane Eyre: An Unlikely Victorian Heroine

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students investigate the expectations and limitations placed on Victorian women and evaluate Charlotte Bronte's position and desire for literary achievement in using the male pseudonym, Currer Bell.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Sneetches by Dr. Seuss

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Pupils read "Sneetches" by Dr. Seuss. They complete a story map and write about the topic of prejudice. They role-play star-bellied and plain-bellied sneetches and write a persuasive essay about their experiences.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Give a Hoot - Don't Pollute at Black Bayou Lake

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders visit Black Bayou Lake refuge to observe the effects of land and water pollution. They photograph examples of pollution. They list the effects of land and water pollution. They write a persuasive letter to convince others...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Song By Any Other Name Would Be a Poem

For Teachers 12th - Higher Ed
Students examine the poetic elements of a piece of music. They discuss favorite songs, select a song, and write a persuasive essay identifying the poetic qualities of the song lyrics.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Who Is That Ghostly Character?

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders listen to a taped version of the radio play, "The Hitchhiker". They write a conclusion to the play and work with a partner to evaluate it before a final revision.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

TEACHING STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

For Teachers Higher Ed
Students are introduced to teaching strategies for meeting the needs of students with disabilities in general education settings. Teachers become familiar with the various modifications, interventions, accommodations and strategies that...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Lesson Plan: Global Warming

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore the concept of global warming. In this climate change instructional activity, students explore the provided links to PBS NOW sources and research the greenhouse effect and the effects of global warming. Students...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Persuasion

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers explore the characteristics of a persuasive letter. They label each characteristic and they create a persuasive letter using the correct business letter format. Students recommend a school rule or change of a rule and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Spinning Your Wheels

For Teachers 9th - Higher Ed
Students read various articles related to transportation and land use. They cite textual references as they engage in panel discussions, shared inquiry discussions and debates. They write a persuasive essay on the topic.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Early Suffragists

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Students research early suffragists in an effort to find the most influential leader of the movement. They give presentations and the class chooses a winner. They write letters to the postmaster suggesting they be placed on a stamp.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Lifestyles of the Tribe, or Tomorrowland?

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders identify with and analyze through writing various Indian cultural values and how they fit in the modern world. Students organize data utilizing Educational software programs and present their opinions and inferences in a...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Candide: Problematic Situation

For Teachers 12th - Higher Ed
"Would a rational and well-regulated world include human suffering?" "If the plight of human suffering is the 'best of all possible worlds' do humans have freewill?" Class members develop their position on an issue raised by Candide,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Phineas Gage: Four Corners Discussion Strategy

For Teachers 6th - 8th Standards
How far do your pupils think we should go in the name of science? Class members respond to questions relating to chapter three of Phineas Gage: A Gruesome but True Story About Brain Science and then participate in a four corners...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Kids These Days!

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars create a scrapbook of college student life during the 1960's using digital archives and Internet research. They read and discuss the article "What's the Matter With College?" and then compare college experience of today...
Worksheet
Polk Bros Foundation

Harold Washington's Acceptance Speech - April 12th, 1983

For Students 9th - 12th
Harold Washington forged a coalition of voters and won the Chicago mayoral election of 1983. In doing so he became the first black mayor of that racially and ethnically divided city. Excerpts from his speech are included in a...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

That Was Then, This is Now: When I Was Puerto Rican

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explain how geographic/cultural setting influences identity by comparing/contrasting Esmeralda's Puerto Rican self with her American self. They closely read text to pinpoint when Esmeralda was no longer Puerto Rican. Students...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Summer Fun! Vacation Destination Postcards

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Students design a postcard with a graph and text. They research their favorite vacation spot. Pupils write a friendly letter to their parents requesting to visit this vacation destination. Students use a Circle Map, to help fill in their...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Swallowing Stones by Joyce McDonald Unit Plan

For Teachers 10th - 11th
Students read Joyce McDonald's, Swallowing Stones while investigating the literary elements used in the writing. They define a large number of vocabulary words to be applied when reading. Finally, they write a persuasive essay.