Core Knowledge Foundation
Columbus Sailed the Ocean Blue
Young adventurers embark on a journey, setting sail along the blue ocean with Christopher Columbus. Teachers will find that this unit makes their lesson planning smooth sailing!
Curated OER
Michelle Kwan: Heart of a Champion
Who is a champion to your class? Elementary and middle schoolers think of a role-model from their lives. Then, in their journals, they write evidence of that person's perseverance. They identify the character trait of perseverance with...
Curated OER
RBG Dr. Martin Luther Jr. Studies Lesson Plan-Guide
Explore Martin Luther King Jr. Young scholars listen to a speech given by Martin Luther King, and interpret his message. They discuss civil rights and how Martin Luther King Jr. exhibited good citizenship, then brainstorm ways in...
Curated OER
Latino Literature: Poetry
Under construction, this lesson focuses on Canto Familia, a collection of poetry about Gary Soto's experiences growing up in California's Imperial Valley. Representative of the experiences of many Latinos, the poems also address themes...
Curated OER
Similes and Metaphors
Use the Civil War and important figures from that period to help your class write poetry. You'll need to create a list of similes and metaphors, but you could also consider having your learners create this the day prior. They will use...
Curated OER
Geography: Puerto Rico
Take a trip to Puerto Rico! Learners engage in a web quest, identify Puerto Rico on the map, and gather information related to physical features and cultural factors. Their efforts culminate when they design a brochure comparing the...
Curated OER
Oral Presentation
Practice public speaking in this oral presentation lesson plan. Middle schoolers list the characteristics of a powerful speaker. They watch a video of two speakers, compare them and discuss the qualities of a good speech. Afterwards,...
Curated OER
Persuasive Writers
Use the power of the pen to persuade others to get involved in community issues! Individuals reflect on personal service learning activities and the writing process. They compose essays regarding service to others. While designed for...
Curated OER
The Social Skill of Communication
Fifth graders explore communication by analyzing manners. In this social skills lesson, 5th graders review the different forms of communication and how to present yourself in a phone conversation, face to face meeting, e-mail, etc....
Curated OER
Career Skills
Seventh graders work together to focus upon the skills needed for career development. They work together to find the kind of responsibilities that are needed in the contexts of home, work, and school. They create a poster based upon the...
Curated OER
Reaching English Language Learners Through Cooperative Learning
Students in ESL, ELL take part in small groups according to their language proficiency skills and to determine how to problem solve with a language barrier.
Curated OER
Culminating Writing Assessment: History
Students reflect on power, privilege, and standing in American society. In this writing skills lesson, students respond to the question, "If you are denied power, privilege, and equal standings with other Americans, how would you respond?"
Curated OER
Geography of Africa
Students examine the geography of Africa and understand its diverse ethnicity. In this African geography lesson, students create a mental map of Africa. Students label the maps and list the languages of Africa. Students compare the...
Curated OER
The Geography of Aboriginal Languages in Canada
Students study the relationship between geography and the Aboriginal language communities.
Curated OER
Food and Languages of the World
Students engage in creative bead making while discussing Africa. In this diversity and arts lesson, students create African necklaces while being introduced to the African culture.
Curated OER
Street Language and Learning
High schoolers examine the type of language they use on the street in the city. In groups, they brainstorm ideas about a topic they decide on from a cluster of words. Using those ideas, they organize them into a written paper using...
Curated OER
Social Studies: When in Rome...
Students conduct Internet research on selected countries. They simulate a business trip requiring airplane flights, car rentals, and hotel reservations. They present their virtual trips in written reports after sharing their findings...
Curated OER
Teaching a Language Function Based on Communicative Principles
Students, through the creation of several natural dialogs, experiment with social parameters of the language. They work with how languages vary depending on the relationship between the speakers and the types of tasks being discussed....
Curated OER
Political and Social Impact of World War II
Sixth graders study the life in Jewish ghettos during World War II and learn about tolerance and compassion. In this WWII lesson, 6th graders discuss Jewish ghettos but with a mistreatment of the kids with stickers to signify the Jewish...
Curated OER
What's in a Word: Investigating the Language of the Brown v. Board Era
Students focus on the development of the language used surrounding racial segregation, particularly in schools. They identify the key issues surrounding Brown v. Board and identify the effects of the Court's decision. They analyze the...
Curated OER
he Media and Social Justice Around the World
Students will activate literacy skills in internet medium, and will use reading, critical thinking and writing skills as they work with their groups to collect and organize information. The follow up activity will allow them to augment...
Curated OER
Curriculum Plan for Vietnam Study Abroad Project
Students compare and contrast the education system in Vietnam and Michigan. They study activities being addressed in changing Vietnam's education system and create presentations to demonstrate their understanding.
Curated OER
Foreign Language Dictionary Unit
Eighth graders create a Spanish or French language dictionary using online resources. They decide on a theme for their dictionary. They complete the template sheet by adding a word for each letter of the alphabet and inserting graphics...
Curated OER
Understanding Daoism through study of the Daodejing
Young scholars work in groups and study Daodejing. They describe how Monkey's behavior (from the Monkey Stories) is governed by the Yang and the Yin powers.