Ninth graders publish a magazine during a ten week marking period. They make individual contributions to the group project that is based on career choices. They write and publish articles, poems, entertainment pieces, and a play that...

Learners consider the role of editorial cartoons on American politics. For this editorial cartoons lesson, students discover the history of the cartoons in America, analyze some cartoons, and then draw their own cartoons that make social...

Fifth graders discover how reconstruction had an impact on racial issues in the United States. In this Reconstruction instructional activity, 5th graders are introduced to primary vs. secondary resources and then rotate through...

Students examine the sources, location and availability of local food, develop mapping skills, interact with Elders to gain pertinent information, and examine subsistence issues of the past and present.

Students read the novel, Fallen Angels, and examine the theme of coming of age during the Vietnam War. They create timelines of the 1960s, highlighting important issues of the era. They write research papers focusing on one particular...

Young scholars view video clips of Shakespeare's plays. They discuss issues in his plays that challenge his authorship. They discuss the concept of a genius and identify what qualities a writer has.

Students consider how the institution of family suffered under slavery. In this slavery lesson plan, students watch segments of "Slavery and the Making of America". Students examine the structure of the Driggus family and discuss...

Middle schoolers examine the presence of religion in public institutions. In this ethics lesson, students focus on one aspect of the presence of religion in public institutions, and the controversy surrounding religion in the public...

Students explore how their choices affect others.  In this character development and ecology lesson, students debate choice-making issues.  Students listen to The Lorax by Dr. Seuss and identify choices the characters made...

Students reflect on the lives of older people they know, then research and debate the key issues surrounding scientific experimentation in anti-aging. They write a short story that reflects their own philosophical beliefs on aging and...

Students explore surrealism through the artwork of Hieronymus Bosch. In this surrealism lesson, students understand the characteristics of the art of Bosch and create an original artwork and poem to go with it.

Learners examine the many facets of the term "class," defining the term and exploring some of the ways that class plays into life in American society. They participate in a poll about class-related issues.

Students investigate how the United States acquired land after the Revolutionary War ended. In this establishing borders lesson, students use maps to identify territories acquired by the US and the states that later developed. Students...

Third graders explore homelessness in their local community. In this service project/social studies lessons, children research local areas where homeless people reside, discuss global acceptance and unity, and visit a local food bank.

Students explore issues related to tenants' rights in New York City, or in the area in which they live. They then create informational pamphlets designed to inform tenants of their rights.

Students share the difficulties they have in determining what to write or draw for a project. In groups, they view examples from three different artists and discuss how their personal experiences affected their art. They brainstorm a...

Students examine the life and works of Leonardo and produce a portfolio of information which may include written reports, art works, and invention models.

Middle schoolers critique the Creation of the U.S. Constitution. They list some ideas proposed and debated during the Constitutional Convention. Discussion of the important issues requiring compromise are examined.

Fourth graders explore writing as a way to communicate. In this writing lesson, 4th graders articulate how they feel about an issue in their lives. Students share their works.

Students explore how class is represented in the media by developing ideas for television pilots that deal with class issues. They compile short lists of television characters from working, middle and upper classes.

In this social studies worksheet, learners investigate the history of paper money and coins. Students read paragraphs about what early people used for money and what kinds of banks were used. Learners complete a crossword puzzle.

High schoolers develop a business plan to address the issue of homelessness. In this "Homeless in New Orleans" lesson, students learn how to develop a business plan, interview homeless people, brainstorm ideas and present their final...

In this implications of Google books, a virtual library worksheet, students use the Internet to research the virtual library, online collaboration, and social networking. This page has several links to web resources.

Fifth graders study the Civil War, discuss the life and policy decisions of Abraham Lincoln and the concepts/issues that developed to create North vs. South. This lesson is meant to be used before visiting Ford's Theatre.