Young scholars use literature to examine the violence and loss of innocence during the 1960s. In this U.S. history activity, students read Robert McCammon's Boy's Life to investigate the social unrest, violence and loss of innocence...

Students discuss the first people to live in North America and the types of evidence we have of their existence. They complete a set of worksheets and explore their answer in group discussions.

Students read and respond to the book, Dear Mrs. Parks. In this African-American literature lesson, students read the text and examine several vocabulary words from the text. Students answer 11 discussion questions and participate in...

Students examine how different countries deal with juvenile offenders. Using the internet, they research what offenses are punishable by death and how the laws protect students. They interview local authorities and discuss possible...

Students examine use and principles of currency as it relates to the establishment and continuation of credit and banking systems.

Learners study different religions and factions within the religion. They examine the political agenda of religious factions in civil war zones in Africa, Asia, or Latin America. They investigate high crimes against humanity in the name...

Middle schoolers examine the class systems of New Spain. In small groups, they create a five-day diary about the family life, food, occupation, and government involvement of an assigned personality from the time of Colonial Latin America.

Students research the factors that are important in winning a battle in the Civil War. In a second activity they are assigned the role of a specific type of person during the Civil War and asked to describe what it's like being that person.

Pupils participate in a simulation game to experience the societal effects of the Black Plague during the Medieval Period. Information garnered during the game is used to discuss the current state of communicable diseases in our world...

Students explore the Chautauqua movement. In this Pennsylvania history lesson, students use primary documents to explore what the Chautauqua was and how it made a difference in the American way of life.

Students examine the Appalachian region and its people. They write a journal entry, discuss the definitions of hillbilly and Appalachian, analyze cartoons and jokes, explore various websites, and develop a presentation.

Eighth graders research different aspects of the Civil War using various multi-media techniques. Students create a report based on their research that includes views of the war from the point of view of the North, South and slaves.

Young scholars view a variety of pictures from September 11, 2001 either online or a slideshow. They discuss how the pictures make them feel and then complete a KWL chart highlighting what they already know about 9/11, and what they...

Students identify acts of philanthropy. In this philanthropy lesson plan, students define the term "hero" and read the book Stone Soup. Students discuss soup kitchens and complete a Venn diagram analyzing the differences between...

Students research Abraham Lincoln in a variety of ways. For this Abraham Lincoln lesson plan, students use primary sources, vocabulary activities, books, and more to research and learn about Abraham Lincoln.

Students defend their stances regarding topics. In this writing process lesson, students read The Sunflower by Simon Wiesenthal and participate in writing activities that require them to determine how the feel about a...

Eighth graders analyze the criteria used to identify "Soul of a Champion" athletes.  In this Current Events lesson, 8th graders write, edit and organize a script for a “live” documentary on the athlete. Students rehearse and perform...

Students study the history of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. For this Pennsylvania history instructional activity, students use primary documents to study the history of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. In a culminating activity, students create...

Students group together into fairness teams and reflect on how to be fair. In this fairness lesson plan, students read about The Sneetches and discuss how racism singles people out. Then they discuss their own experiences and group...

Students consider how colonial citizens chose sides in the American Revolution. For this Revolutionary War lesson, students role play Loyalists, Patriots, and undecideds in a classroom simulation. Students research their positions so...

Fifth graders read Dear Mr. Henshaw and identify the character trait of self-respect as exhibited by Leigh throughout the story. They evaluate the author's use of letters to tell the story and discuss how the story would be different if...

Students model the writing style of the author of a piece of literature and present them to the class.

Students consider Rafe's classroom secrets and teaching methods.

Students compare forms of electronic media. They watch a news broadcast and take notes on the content being conveyed. After viewing the broadcast, they read newspaper articles or news magazines to locate articles with similar content to...