PBS
Evaluating Conflicting Evidence: Sultana
What sunk the Sultana? Scholars become investigators to uncover the facts behind the 1865 sinking just after the end of the Civil War. Through group work, videos, and primary documents, they research and analyze why 1,800 men died....
Captioned Media
Creating Dramatic Monologues from The Grapes of Wrath
Set in Oklahoma in the 1930s, The Grapes of Wrath presents a powerful view of life during the Great Depression. An insightful lesson plan takes a closer look at the characters in John Steinbeck's classic novel, combining the...
Curated OER
Historical Locations of The Civil Rights Movement
A geographic perspective helps historians learn about significant eras such as the civil rights movement. Through research and source analysis, learners create a report depicting a significant location of this time. They synthesize their...
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All Aboard
Explore the U.S.S. Nevada. Researchers use primary sources, secondary sources, children's books and websites to study the naval ship. Their study commences with a class alphabet book on the ship. Intended to be part of a lesson on...
Curated OER
From the Source to the Sea: The Nisqually River Watershed
Students research the conflicts over different uses of the Nisqually River resources and role play as mediators between Chief Leschi and other interested parties. They cite and interpret relevant artifacts and primary and secondary...
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When It Rains it Drains
High schoolers examine the major paths of water on the Earth's surface, and to investigate the many factors that contribute to those paths. Students demonstrate their understanding of a watershed by identifying the defining features of a...
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The Mekong River
Junior geographers explore the region through which the Mekong flows, its pathway, the landscape, how people depend on the Mekong, and future uncertainties. They apply the five themes of geography to examine the region. They create a...
Curated OER
What is a Watershed?
Students create a classroom size model of a landscape to define the concept of a river watersheds. They spread crumbled newspapers around the floor to simulate different elevations then cover the whole landscape with a sheet. They pour...
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Water Quality Tests Explained
Students define all eight water quality parameters and list at list one source for each of the eight water quality parameters. They determine how each of the eight parameters affect river ecosystems.
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The Spanish Entrada
In this Arizona history worksheet, students read a 5 page selection that includes primary sources about time periods in the state's history. Students then respond to 5 short answer questions based on the selection.
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Stories of the Wrights' Flights
High schoolers examine primary sources to understand the work of Wright Brothers. In this aviation history activity, students study how primary documents and images are analyzed and write essays about the signifcance of primary...
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Chain Across the Hudson Lesson Plan A - Locating the Chain
Learners read a letter from George Washington requesting them to identify on a map a location that would stop the advance of British warships. They choose a location and justify their choice.
Curated OER
Tall as a Mountain, Flat as a Plain
Students examine a variety of landforms that are found on the Earth and compare and contrast the distinguishing qualities of these forms. A topographical model of the landforms is made.
Curated OER
Creating Energy From Water
Students study water and its energy. In this water energy instructional activity, students discuss hydroelectricity and make models of water turbines.
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Down By the River
Students examine how watersheds work and determine the difference between point and nonpoint source pollution. They research management practices to reduce pollution and investigate how everyone can participate in reducing water pollution.
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Science: Draining the Land - the Mississippi River
Learners use topographic maps to identify parts of rivers. In addition, they discover gradient and predict changes in the channels caused by variations in water flow. Other activities include sketching a river model with a new channel...
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Harvesting the River Lesson Plan: Taking an Oral History
Pupils practice researching history through oral traditions. In this U.S. History lesson, students examine an online exhibit titled Harvesting the River, in which pupils interview someone from the story. Students utilize...
Curated OER
A River Through Time
Learners explore how construction of a dam on the Gila River affected the lifestyle of Pima Indians. In this social studies lesson, students locate the Gila River and the Coolidge Dam. Learners record dates on a timeline and discuss how...
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Ethnic Culture and Identity in the Columbia River Basin, 1850-1950
Students explore cultural history of immigrant groups that settled in the Columbia River Basin from 1850 to World War II, and examine various primary sources to explore role cultural and social customs played in keeping alive immigrant...
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African Americans in the Columbia River Basin
Students research the Columbia River Basin Ethnic History Archive (CRBEHA) and use a variety of primary sources to explore the history of blacks in the region.
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Kansas River: Where Do They Come From? Where Do They Flow? Which Ones Make the Kansas River Grow?
Students identify major rivers in Kansas, identify the direction which they flow and identify tributaries of the Kansas River. Students examine what occurrences upstream influence water quality downstream.
Curated OER
Rollin' On The River II
High schoolers explore the importance of the Platte River to the state of Nebraska. They investigate the river's historical, social, economic, and political importance to the development of Nebraska. Students explore the ecosystem of the...
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What Does Waste Do to a River?
Students develop a graphic way of visualizing the concept of a million by utilizing what had happened to the Nashua River due to the dumping of raw sewage in 1962.
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The Life and Times of the West River 1776-1896: A Study of Early Industry in Westville
Students examine the role of the West River in Connecticut in providing water power to local industries. In groups, they determine and discuss what needs to be considered before building along a river. They also research the other...