Lesson Plan
Curated OER

I spy (Camouflaged Animals in Art!)

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students create a picture of a camouflaged animal in its habitat. In this visual arts lesson, students look at Hans Hoffmann's painting A Hare in the Forest and discuss the animal's camouflage. They research their own animal to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Balance of (Nuclear) Power

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students research the 11 nations that are either known or suspected to have nuclear weapons. They draft treaties to effect nuclear non-proliferation or disarmament among these 11 countries.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Love It or Leave It?

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students identify flags by country, then research the symbolism and history of those flags in preparation for writing and delivering oral presentations. For homework, they write essays reflecting on the relationship between flags,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Connecting Immigrants In Black And White

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Learners explore the many ways that ethnic newspapers help immigrants in the United States stay connected to their cultures and countries of origin. They write articles for ethnic newspapers.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Salem Witchcraft Trials

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students research the Salem Witchcraft Trials and conduct a mock trial.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Muddle East

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. They research various perspectives, discuss the events in context, and write statements from the perspective of a country or organization involved.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Ancient Egypt Alphabet Book

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students research Ancient Egypt using a specific letter of the alphabet as a guide. In this Ancient Egypt lesson, students independently research their assigned topic using ProQuest or other research software. Once students have...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Comparing Cultural Holidays

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders explore art that reflects their cultural background. In this writing and research lesson students compare and contrast the Halloween with El Dia de los Muertos. Students study the visual art of these holidays. Then students...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Declarations of Independence

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students examine what they know about American Indians past and present, then research key issues facing American Indian tribes today. To synthesize their learning, students write letters taking the perspective of an American Indian.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Land of Macondo

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers research the culture, geography, music, myths and legends of the Caribbean coast of Colombia using online tools. They determine how these factors influenced the writing style of Gabriel Garcia Marquez. They design and...
Lesson Plan
National First Ladies' Library

Workers, Take a Holiday! the Beginning of Labor Day

For Teachers 4th - 8th
When your upper elementary class returns in the fall, have them identify and define the beginnings of the labor movement and Labor Day in the United States. They thoughtfully reflect on changes that have occurred in the way we think...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Runaway Ads

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders distinguish between primary and secondary sources while creating an underground railroad presentation.  In this underground railroad lesson, 4th graders research the underground railroad using copies of primary and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Unmasking the Middle East

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore many of the countries in the Middle East, developing research-based posters and a spider web illustrating the relationships among the countries. They write letters to fictional peers in Middle Eastern countries.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Married Math

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Young scholars participate in a two-week real-life math unit. In pairs, they calculate salaries, taxes, and a budget, plan a vacation, buy insurance, make a will, and design a room. They conduct Internet research to plan the vacation,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Yuccy Situation

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Learners examine the concept of nuclear waste storage. In this interdisciplinary lesson, students research Yucca Mountain in order to compare and contrast opposing views regarding the nuclear waste site there. Learners compose a letter...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

African Country Study and PowerPoint Presentation

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students investigate the geography of Africa.  In this African culture lesson, students research the lifestyles of African residents and create a PowerPoint presentation based on a single African country.  Students share their...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Impact of Ancient Rome on Life Today

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students research the  importance of ancient Rome to the world today.  In this ancient Rome lesson plan, students view video and research to gather information for a slide show about Ancient Rome. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Music To My Ears: The District of Columbia Quarter

For Teachers 2nd - 5th
Students practice identifying different genres of music by creating posters.  In this music appreciation lesson, students research Duke Ellington and complete worksheets based on his style of music, Jazz.  Students collaborate...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Lewis and Clark

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders use the Internet to research a topic.  In this expeditions instructional activity, 5th graders answer questions about Lewis and Clark based on the movie they watched previously, use the Internet to research Lewis and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Trials and Tribulations

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore their beliefs about objectivity and the United States justice system. They examine the facets of a criminal case by researching various aspects of the judicial system and apply what they have learned to the Michael...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Trading Up?

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Young scholars explore the benefits and drawbacks of free trade from the perspective of the United States, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Chile and Mexico. For homework, they each write a letter to the editor expressing their...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Rosa Parks Refused to Do What?

For Teachers 1st
First graders listen to two books about Rosa Parks. They contribute factual information for a web. They listen to an interview with Rosa Parks on the internet, adding more information to the web. They write and illustrate a book using...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Calling on Congo

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students listen to an interview with a former news coorespondent in Congo. They discuss an article about the instability in the country following their elections. They research Congo's history along with its connection to the United...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mission Makeover

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students examine their prior knowledge of the space program. After reading an article, they explore the conclusions of the Columbia accident. In groups, they research various space programs and discover the scope of NASA. They write...