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What Is a Fair Tax?
In this What Is a Fair Tax worksheet, students read about different types of taxes, solve problems, and answer questions (including those requiring an opinion with facts).
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Tragedy at Sea
Students explore the recent Russian submarine tragedy. They examine the facts related to the vessel's sinking, then research the opinions of others regarding this event. They explore the impact this event has on their world.
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Marketing the New Hybrids
Students work together to develop a hypothesis on the natural and applied hybridization of certain species in an ecosystem.  Using the internet, they research this topic and read any recent articles or studies.  They must note the...
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Creature Feature
Students research an animal, and create a video to share their information and pictures with the class.
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Weave a Web of Words
Fifth graders write a first draft of an oral presentation about the American Revolution and take their work through the writing process.
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Independent - To Be or Not Top Be: Press Conference
Fourth graders deliver an oral presentation on the American war for independence to small groups. They use a rubric to give each other peer feedback on the strengths and weaknesses of their presentation.
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Put It In Print
Pupils research immigration reform and immigrant experiences in Indiana. They form their own opinions and voice them. They role-play editors and writers of a newspaper to get their information across.
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Independent - To Be or Not Top Be: Say It Again, Uncle Sam
Fourth graders revise and edit an oral presentation on the American Revolution based on peer feedback. They refine their oral presentation style and pinpoint areas in need of improvement.
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Who To Believe?
Learners interpret meaning from opposing views on the same topic, and discuss that there is often so much "spin" and "hidden agendas" in the media.
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New York Explorers
Fourth graders investigate the early explorers of New York state. They identify their country of origin, reason for exploration, and the results. They produce a PowerPoint based on their results.
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Literature Review
Students review for a literature exam by answering knowledge question, interpretation questions and judgement questions about a novel or story they have just read.
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Letters from Lincoln
Fourth graders explore the childhood of Lincoln and pioneer life in early Indiana. Students respond to literature and write a story using historical fiction. Students explore the writings of President Lincoln and the pioneer community...
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Killer Coal
Students explore some of the environmental health risks involved with both the mining and burning of coal. They read articles on coal in the Balkan Peninsula, view the photographs, and then discuss what feelings and thoughts they have...
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Exploring the History of Canyon De Chelly: The Navajos
Students are introduced to the novel Sing Down The Moon written by Scott O'Dell.  Throughout the book, after each chapter is read, class discussions and journal writing is incorporated into the unit.
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Social Studies: Heroes in American Culture
Students examine heroes and discuss their characteristics, values, and actions. They produce Powerpoint presentations on real-life and fictional heroes. Students interview veterans for an oral history project.
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A Broadside View of Independence
Students are introduced to and read examples of broadsides used during the American Revolution. Using the internet, they review the broadsides and decide whether or not they played a role in the struggle for independence. They report...
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Political Cartoons: Thinking Broadly, Communicating Succinctly
Learners think broadly about the tsunami disaster and its aftermath through studying cartoons. Students critically think about the literary devices the authors/artists use, such as satire, metaphor and personification.
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Independent - To Be or Not Top Be - Day 1, Lesson B: To Arms!
Fifth graders explore the verbal and non-verbal parts of an oral presentation.
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Turning Literature into News
Students analyze the format and structure of various newspaper articles. Then, they rewrite events from literature into news stories about acts of kindness.
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In Defense of Elitism
High schoolers identify the key components of an argument essay. They differentiate between claims based on facts, opinions, beliefs,and prejudice. Students develop skills of critical thinking in this lesson.
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Lesson Plan: Spain has its own immigration issues. How does it compare to ours?
Students investigate the issue of immigration in North Carolina and Spain. They compare/contrast immigration in both and exchange opinions about possible solutions. In addition, they write an essay proposing North Carolina solutions...
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What Did You Say?
Twelfth graders identify main ideas in reading selections. They read newspaper letters to the editor, identify the main ideas, list the supporting details, and present each side of the issue to the class.
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Understanding Wilderness
Young scholars research and analyze an historical wilderness issue or event after discussing opinions on preservation of wilderness and key players and events in the history of wilderness preservation. After research is complete,...
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Controlling Nuclear Weapons: Debating the Non-proliferation Treaty
Students brainstorm about their prior knowledge of nuclear weapons and answer questions related to nuclear weapons based upon this brainstorming.