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Papa Interviews
Working in teams of two, students conduct interviews by playing the role of a reporter and Hemingway. They research their parts, write the interviews, and perform them for the rest of the class.
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Ready, Set, Summarize
Pupils summarize nonfiction text. After reviewing the correct way to read in order to summarize, students independently read a nonfiction article. They write a summary paragraph using the three step-process outlined by the instructor...
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Wildlife Study Comparison
Students compare/contrast two studies that examine the effects of environmental contaminants on animals. They read an article, identify the components of a research study, summarize the article, and complete a matrix.
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Publishing History
Students create an issue of a magazine. They work collaboratively to write articles for the magazine, design a cover and develop advertisements. Students complete their page layout, and create the magazine using information form each...
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To Gol Solar or Not to Go Solar!
Learners evaluate the feasibility of installing a photovoltaic system on the roof of a new school being planned for their community. They research the topoc and then each student assumes the role of a specialist having a specific point...
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Civil War Newspaper
Young scholars investigate the concept of the Civil War while conducting research using a variety of resources. The information is used to create a source for a class project. They create a class newspaper that becomes a summary of some...
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Genetics
Students investigate public policy regarding genetic research and have formed an educated opinion on what they believe the government role should be.
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"Julie of the Wolves"
Fifth graders research life in Alaska and compare life there to their lives in this lesson. They read "Julie of the Wolves." They research through the novel and other reference books facts about the Alaskan climate and geography. They...
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Dogsong
Students read the Gary Paulsen novel, Dog song, about wilderness survival, and research information about the Iditarod dogsled race. Students follow the sled race online each day and complete an Alaska scavenger hunt.
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Background Reading and Coral Dramas
Students create a dramatic play. In this coral lesson, students explore the anatomy of coral. Working in groups, students research the form and function of coral and present a skit to represent their learning.
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The Land and the Water
Third graders read "The Land and the Water," a fictional short story and an article about John F. Kennedy, Jr. and compare and contrast fictional tragedy to a non-fiction tragedy. They fill out a Venn diagram and write an essay using...
National First Ladies' Library
Building a Federal Town: Washington, DC
Young scholars create a timeline of the history of Washington, D.C. from 1787 to 1879. Using the internet, they read specified articles about the design of the capital and city of Washington DC. Students write a newspaper article about...
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Two Sources of Story Ideas for Our Paper
Learners research and identify story ideas for the school newspaper. In this story ideas lesson, students pitch story ideas to their teacher on a weekly basis using a specific format. Learners find the majority of their ideas from print...
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Introduction to Invasive Species
Students explore the environment by identifying invasive species. In this ecosystem observation lesson, students identify the native species that exist in an exotic land such as Hawaii and the impact of invasive plants, insects and...
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Views of JFK
Students review the highlights of Kennedy's campaign and presidency. They least three of the issues related to JFK to research through both print resources and interviews. In addition, they create written summaries from collected...
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Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Fourth graders research and write an author report on Roald Dahl, including books written by him, birthplace, family life, and other information on his writing. Students read aloud chapters in the book. Students create a newspaper...
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How Can We Keep Our Forests Intact and Have Our Chocolate Too?
Fourth graders explore various methods of growing and harvesting rainforest foods in order to sustain its biodiversity. They discuss the various uses for trees from several viewpoints. Students research chocolate demand and land use...
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Activists for Human Rights
Students research prominent human rights activists from U.S. history. They report the biographical facts of their subject along with information on the causes he or she represented. Students also examine local human rights issues and...
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Editorial Writing
Students Write a persuasive essay that contains effective introductory and summary statements; arranges the arguments effectively; and fully develops the ideas with convincing proof, details, facts, examples, and descriptions. They write...
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The Drill on the Spill: Learning About the Gulf Oil Leak in the Lab
Students research the Gulf of Mexico oil spill and complete experiments to study the effects of oil spills. In this oil spill lesson plan, students read the NY Times feature on the gulf oil spill. Students visit various links to research...
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The First Humans: Prehistory-3500 B.C. "Lucy"
Students explore prehistoric times by completing web activities in class. In this human ancestry instructional activity, students identify the archaeological discovery of the "Lucy" skeleton and what it meant for science. Students...
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Ghana's Tropical Rainforests: What Does Their Future Have To Do With Us?
Students examine the human impact on the tropical rainforests of Ghana, and the connection to people in other countries. They research the threats to rainforests by writing a campaigning leaflet and newspaper article.
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Writing a Resume
Ninth graders research a future career and write a resume for the job. In this job skills instructional activity, 9th graders work in groups to identify future job skills and duties. Students then write a resume for the job.
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Young Blood
Students take a closer look at youth crime. In this current events lesson plan, students research the listed Web sites that include information about British teen violence and poverty statistics in the nation. Students then discuss how...