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"What Do You Mean?" How Language Changes Over Time
Young scholars examine words used at Jamestown in 1607. They predict what the words meant in 1607, write sentences using three of them, then analyze the sentences after they have read the actual definitions of the words.
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Art or Artifact?
Students analyze and discuss illustrations of the New World by John White. They examine the images, answer questions about each one, and write an essay.
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Communication, Day 2: Assertiveness
Students read examples of statements and label them assertive or non-assertive. They demonstrate assertive body language and model it in given situations. They answer questions to end the lesson.
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Communication, Day 4: Hearing "No"
Students read a case study about communicating with others. They identify a second choice if their first item is rejected. They practice accepting "no" as an answer and complete a worksheet.
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What's The Big Deal?
Fifth graders examine the role of the Gutenberg press and its effect on society. Using this information, they write a persuasive paper discussing which form of copying is easier to mass produce. They share their opinions with the class...
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Where Did It Begin?
Students work together to research the oldest forms of writing in the world and the materials used to create them. They explore the cultures that used this early form of writing and draw conclusions about why specific symbols were used....
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Noh Theater
Students explore the roles in Noh drama and the significance of Noh masks while creating their own version of a Noh play in this High School lesson adaptable for either the Language Arts or Theater classroom.
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Exploring Indiana: Tales, Timelines, and Trivia
Students record timelines of Indiana history and include events from their own personal history on it. After using various research sources, the record their timelines using the Timeliner software application. They share their timelines...
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Hoosier Artists
Students examine the paintings of various Indiana artists. Using the internet, they relate the landscapes shown to the history of the state and how it affected Native Americans. Using the information they gathered, they write story...
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The Civil War Homefront
Students examine the human cost of war on both sides of the Civil War. Using the internet, they research the role of women on the homefront and the impact the war had on families. They also read the novel "Across Five Aprils" and discuss...
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The Study of the Spanish-Speaking People of Texas: Daily Life
High schoolers analyze the different ways that photography helps historians understand the lives of people who lived in the past. They examine images from Russell Lee's photo essay and discuss how Texas' has changed from an agrarian to...
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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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Communicating with the World
Students practice their communication skills with people from other cultures. Using predetermined questions, they email their penpal and wait for their responses. They reflect on the value of the information given to them and complete an...
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Using Pictures to Promote Conversation
Students initiate and sustain a conversation of three or more exchanges on a topic while exploring a collection of large photographs pertaining to that topic. The teacher creates a comfortable setting and provide a variety of books...
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Persuade Me
Seventh graders give persuasive presentations based on the questions they have researched. They examine appropriate delivery techniques for effective persuasive presentations. (Note: This instructional activity should be taught, after...
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Identifying and Describing Story Elements
First graders examine how to identify the different elements of a story and how they fit in a definite sequence. The use of comprehension skills is essential to retell the story as desired within the lesson.
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What Difference Does it Make How Old I Am?
Students identify subtle messages advertisers send (often unintentionally) about age in the course of trying to sell products; to analyze the consequences, both positive and negative, those messages have on the American audience; to...
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Teaching Imagery
High schoolers review the terms idyll and imagery. They read "A Winter Idyll" from "Snowbound" as a class. They break into groups of 5 and respond/react to their lines to make connections to the text.
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The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush: Native American Life
Students read," The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush" by Tomie dePaola and discuss the way legends are passed down orally. They then create their own legend and illustrate it on a simulated "Buffalo Skin" made from brown paper.
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Beginning Research
Students begin the research portion of their project after they have chosen a topic. Using their peers, they provide feedback to others to help them stay on track. They compare old research papers with new ones to show student progress.
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Infomercial
Students use the Internet to research a topic for an infomercial presentation. Using the research gathered, students design the layout of a brochure. Next, students use Microsoft Publisher to create a brochure that combines images and...
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The Art of Subtle Persuasion
Students examine a scene from "Julius Caesar." After watching commercials and political ads on TV, students explore the intention of the commercial. They compare and contrast the forms of persuasion used. Students share their writings...
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Lexicheck
Students review the production or reception of word usage. They practice using vocabulary tips in both written and spoken usage. Students incorporate a variety of ways to comprehend unknown words.
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Social Studies: War and the Media
Students examine the impact of the media on various wars, especially the Iraq and Vietnam wars. By examining cartoons and popular music as primary sources, they suggest motivations for the conflicts and propose reasons for public...