DocsTeach
To What Extent was Reconstruction a Revolution? (Part 1)
Some scholars consider the Civil War and Reconstruction a second American Revolution. Class members weigh in after examining primary sources, including a Congressional resolution calling for the Fifteenth Amendment and the credentials of...
American Chemical Society
Different Substances React Differently
Looks don't tell the whole story. Young experimenters explore reactions with substances that look similar. They observe the reactions that take place when combined with baking soda and use indicators to conclude they react differently...
DocsTeach
Effects of Food Regulation in the Progressive Era
Moldy canned goods, exploding ketchup, and filthy conditions: These were some of the issues the reformers of the Progressive Era targeted with legislation such as the Pure Food and Drug Act. Using images of food factories and documents...
DocsTeach
The Vietnam War Timeline: Understanding the Nature of a Controversial Conflict
The story of the Vietnam War is often told through images. Young historians analyze images and primary sources —including the Vietnamese Army's Seven Commandments poster and photos of the daily life of soldiers—to construct a...
Newseum
Free Press Challenges Through History: Analyzing Historical Sources
The debate over the integrity of stories in media is not new. Young journalists analyze historical sources that reveal freedom of the press controversies and draw parallels to challenges freedom of the press faces today.
Curated OER
Teaching Voluntary Reading
Students participate in a variety of activities to increase their fluency and read for pleasure. They read books of their choice, participate in author talks and book talks, write book reviews, and select favorite books for a class...
Curated OER
I Highly Recommend It
Sixth graders read, "The Watsons Go to Birmingham", and submit a critical review to Amazon Website online by copying and pasting their text onto the site.
Curated OER
Mixed Plate
Students locate a sample restaurant review in a newspaper or magazine. They examine the review to find the opinion of the reviewer and discuss reviews that convey mixed opinions. They compose an original review in a similar style to...
Curated OER
100 Years...100 Movies
Young scholars watch one of the top 100 movies to view, research critical reviews and then, write their own reviews.
Curated OER
The Sundance Kids
Students discuss independent filmmaking industry, focusing on the 2000 Sundance Film Festival. As a class, students develop a storyboard for their own independent film, then write movie reviews from the point of view of a film critic on...
Curated OER
Activity Plan Mixed Ages: Sunny Science
Students develop problem-solving, observation, and critical-thinking skills. In this early childhood lesson, students explore the topic of the sun as they notice shadows and light.
Curated OER
Advertising Gimmicks - Critical Thinking Required
Young scholars identify reasons why advertising works, evaluate reasons for its success, and write commercials.
Curated OER
Reformation Review
Students reflect on the main concepts of the Reformation. In this World History instructional activity, students view several paintings and images from the Reformation, then answer questions about each of them.
Curated OER
Critical Pedagogy
High schoolers read Ruthanne Lum McCunn's Thousand Pieces of Gold and as a class, discuss the Chinese practice of foot binding. They work in groups to read further about how women of different cultures attempt to conform. They write...
Teach Engineering
See the Genes
"If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough" - Albert Einstein. The sixth installment of a seven-part series teaches young scientists about the importance of being able to communicate scientific research and...
Curated OER
Portfolio Reviews
Students engage in a lesson that is concerned with the steps needed to put together a teaching portfolio. They collect artifacts to accompany the portfolio and then present them as a part of a cumulative project grade. Some students may...
Curated OER
Critical Analysis of Arthurian Internet Website
Students use a worksheet to rate the material on different websites. They complete a critical analysis of the site. They demonstrate information they learned during viewing of the different websites.
Curated OER
Critical Review of Human Resource Management
Students discover different recruitment methods used by businesses. They identify the positives and negatives of the selection process. They use the information they gathered and apply it to different scenerios.
Curated OER
Critical Review for Radio
Students will produce a short radio feature about a favorite entertainer or group, consisting of 45 seconds to one minute of copy and one-to-two minutes of music "clips." In writing this copy, they will use a modified prewriting...
Curated OER
Linear Approximation
In this algebra worksheet, students solve problems using estimation and the derivative. They calculate the critical points, domain and indicated intervals. They calculate the first and second derivative. There are 5 problems.
Curated OER
Rudyard Kipling's "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi": Mixing Fact and Fiction
"Rikki-Tikki-Tavi," from The Jungle Book, offers young readers a chance to examine how Rudyard Kipling uses setting and personification to bring to life the brave mongoose who battles cobras to protect his family. Class members...
Curated OER
A River Runs Through It; Writing Assignment
While reading A River Runs Through It, have your high schoolers work on their final project, a multi-genre research paper. There are 10 clear steps for completion but not much additional help. For early high schoolers (or...
The New York Times
Revolt! Comparing Historical Revolutions
What elements are needed to have a revolution? How do historical revolutions from across the globe and generations compare with one another? This is an excellent activity that incorporates group work, source analysis, and an engaging...
Curated OER
I Am An Author
Analyze and interpret a literary work your class has read during the course. After reading a variety of literary works, middle schoolers alter the ending of a selection by creating an alternate ending. They generate five comprehension...