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Our Global Community
First graders experience literature which shows how communities live around the world. In this global community activity, 1st graders read books such as Whoever You Are, by Mem Fox and create a work of art based on their feelings about...
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The Power of Fiction
Learners explore fiction that moves individuals to social action. In this literature lesson, students read The Jungle by Upton Sinclair and analyze its literary worth as well as its investigative journalism. Learners investigate other...
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Researching Chocolate
Students work in groups to research one part of the chocolate processing procedure. They will publish a written report to present to a younger class.
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Social Studies and Children's Literature
Students are read a story about Alejandro and how he builds an oasis to attract animals. Using the text, they discover the needs of the animal not only for water but for safety. They discuss different environmental issues as well as...
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Digital Picture Books
Second graders create digital picture books reflecting their experiences during the school year on field trips and various classroom activities. Using digital pictures taken during the year, they write captions for each picture and...
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Grandpa's Mountain
Fifth graders read the book Grandpa's Mountain and discuss how land was taken away for "the good of the country". In this social studies lesson plan, 5th graders then create a newspaper, poster, poetry, interviews, surveys, or other...
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The Eleventh Hour
Students examine their own understanding of the issues and events that are framing this year's presidential race. They explore the candidates' stances on eight issues and present their findings to the class.
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First Amendment Rights
Fifth graders participate in a problem-solving and decision-making process involving the First Amendment rights to analyze and implement a solution for a school-related issue. They are given a variety of scenarios to apply the First...
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Harry Potter Debate
Students read a short article about the upcoming release of the new Harry Potter novel. They debate the issues surrounding the marketing of students's books and films after internet research to support or oppose the topic.
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Changing Perspectives on the Japanese Internment Experience
Students explore the issue of Japanese-American internment. In this World War II lesson, students analyze historical biases regarding Japanese-American internment as they analyze literature, research print and Internet sources, and...
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Do the Write Thing
Young scholars take stands on issues that matter to them. In this philanthropy instructional activity, students read Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl, discuss the act of advocating for others, and write letters of support for issues...
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The Row Behind Death Row
Students investigate several controversial issues in the criminal justice system relating to death row and give oral reports explaining how their issues safeguard or contaminate the issue of fairness in capital punishment. They offer...
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A World Torn by Drugs
Students explore different drug issues that have affected international relations.
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Mother's Nature
Students discuss the term "women's issues". Students read "Pulling Strings: Invoking the Moral Authority of Moms." Students explore and evaluate women's movements throughout American history. Students synthesize discoveries by...
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Human Migration
Students explore human migration, refugees and human rights. They read articles about immigration, create a migration journal, and participate in a mock human rights commission meeting. After collecting information about immigration,...
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Dude, I'm Interviewing the President
Student define issues and questions they would discuss with a president. Learners read "Bill and Leo's Excellent Encounter". Students choose famous personalities, research their celebrity, and create a mock interview with them.
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Will the Supreme Court Vouch for Vouchers?
Students investigate past Supreme Court decisions that have centered on education issues and assess the ways in which those decisions have impacted American education. They consider the controversies surrounding the issue of school...
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Using Primary Sources to Discover Reconstruction
Fifth graders discover how reconstruction had an impact on racial issues in the United States. In this Reconstruction lesson, 5th graders are introduced to primary vs. secondary resources and then rotate through stations to view...
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Ethics on the Job
Young scholars examine ethics in the workplace. In this Career and leadership lesson plan, students will pair up to discuss various issues surrounding workplace ethics. This lesson plan includes 3 different activities, and assessment and...
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Religion and Globalization
Learners consider the influence of religious values in global perspectives. In this global issues lesson, students research noted articles and documents about globalization, discuss the implications of living in a global society, and...
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Off to Work We Go!
Students create a book about The Great Depression in West Virginia. In this West Virginia history lesson, students visit the West Virginia State Museum, answer questions about West Virginia history, and create a book entitled...
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Clear and Present Danger
Students assume identities of lawmakers, judges, writers, and protestors during times in American history when freedoms of speech and press were limited because country was on the brink of war or fighting one. Students use primary source...
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Heroes
Students demonstrate racial awareness. In this diversity activity, students read the book Heroes by Ken Mochizuki. Students participate in a discussion about how the character was discriminated against. A follow-up reading of How...
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The Pentagon Papers
Young scholars examine national security issues. In this Vietnam lesson, students research the background and controversy surrounding the Pentagon Papers. Young scholars discuss press rights in light of maintaining national security.