Curated OER
Star Wars – a Relaxation Lesson
Take young padawans on a journey towards ultimate relaxation with a series of Star Wars themed yoga poses. Following a mindful and imaginative story, the force is strong with stretches including the Rey's Pole, R2D2, Yoda, and more!
Friends of Fort McHenry
Sensory “Star Spangled Banner”
Music can help us to access memories and events in a meaningful way, and Francis Scott Key used specific words to convey what he had seen and felt when writing what would become America's national anthem. Help your class connect to the...
Curated OER
On the Beach: Disabled and Mother's Pride
What do an early 20th century poet and a 1980's rock star have in common with a novel from the 1960's? Using Wilfred Owen's poem "Disabled" and George Michael's song "Mother's Pride," learners answer questions about the lyrics and themes...
Curated OER
The War Lesson Plan
Students view video clips of the film "The War". Several classroom activities are included and address major themes found in the film. The lessons incorporate video clips from the film as well as additional resources provided.
Curated OER
Number the Stars Lost Freedoms
In this reading worksheet, students examine the theme of lost freedoms in Lois Lowry's novel Number the Stars. Students answer 10 essay questions about this theme in the book. Note: There is one typographical error on the page.
Penguin Books
An Educator's Guide to The Green Glass Sea by Ellen Klages
A lot of secrecy shrouded the creation of the atomic bomb. Readers uncover some of that secrecy using an educator's guide for the novel The Green Glass Sea. Three weeks of lesson plans feature discussion questions and reading...
Curated OER
Number the Stars
Learners read Number the Stars. In this social studies lesson, students read the story and use a map of western Europe and identify the countries involved in the war. Learners locate the cities of Denmark that are discussed in the story.
Curated OER
Number The Stars
Students read a book about prejudices that occur in our daily lives. They describe characters in the book. Students discuss real life events of World War II and the Holocaust. Students simulate hiding Jews from the German soldiers. ...
Curated OER
The Star-Spangled Banner
Students explore the Star-Spangled Banner. In this civics lesson plan, students read the lyrics of the song as well as a handout that details its creation. Students respond to discussion questions from the handout.
Curated OER
The Vietnam War: A Popular Music Approach
Students explore the Vietnam War in music. In this Vietnam lesson, students listen to and analyze popular music from the Vietnam era in order to understand the use of propaganda regarding the controversial war. Students develop questions...
Curated OER
Phenomenology Lesson Plan #7: Theme Part 2
High schoolers summarize the Phenomenology unit in this instructional activity. They identify character and universal themes from different films. They create a ten question survey for reviewer responses.
Penguin Books
An Educator's Guide to Matched by Ally Condie
Even supposed Utopian societies have their flaws. Using an educator's guide, individuals explore the society Ally Condie creates in Matched. Reflective writing prompts double as discussion questions and cover key themes in the novel, as...
Curated OER
Bringing Facts Into Science Fiction
Students develop a setting, plot and characters for a science fiction story based on current news themes, and then individually write drafts of the story.
Curated OER
Rescuers Who Made a Difference
Middle schoolers explore the many ways that people helped Jews during the Holocaust. In this World War II lesson, students read and discuss The Yellow Star by Carmen Agra Deedy. Middle schoolers journal about times when they were...
Curated OER
Addressing the Nation
Students examine the leadership skills of Civil War leaders. In this American Civil War activity, students describe attributes of effective leaders and then debate the effectiveness of leaders during the war.
Curated OER
Adventure and Escape
Students are exposed to literature that is focused on the theme of adventure and escapism. They are encouraged to enjoy the story and remember times of play with significant others.
Curated OER
Remember the Bridge: Poems of a People
Fifth graders explore poems of African Americans. They research a famous African American, write a report, create a timeline of events in African American history, create a map of the New World, and research Molly Walsh. After...
Curated OER
Year of the Impossible Goodbyes by Sook Nyul Choi
Students analyze Korean culture from their literature piece. They investigate the theme of oppression by an occupying army. Students encounter courage, resistance movements and explore the underground railroads.
Curated OER
Holocaust Research Project
Students research multiple aspects of WWII. In this Holocaust lesson, students will use several primary source documents to write a 3 page pater on subjects concerning WWII, such as Kristallnacht, Ethnic Cleansing and the Holocaust.
Curated OER
Simulated Underground Railroad Experience
Fourth graders participate in a simulation activity that culminates their study of the Underground Railroad. They climb on obstacles while bells rings and older students act as conductors. They work in a darkened area with only one light...
Curated OER
Can You Carry a Tune in a Bucket?
Students use water filled pipes to play a tune and consider the mathematics behind the sound waves. In this sound wave instructional activity, students play a tune with water filled pipes. They create a mathematical model to evaluate the...
Curated OER
The Secret to Freedom Teacher’s Guide
Students read the story "The Secret to Freedom" and participate in active reading to personalize what they have read. In this reading lesson, students follow several writing activities and discuss their work . Students integrate their...
Curated OER
Simulated Underground Railroad Experience
Fourth graders travel through a mock Underground Railroad.
Curated OER
Lord of the Rings: Borrowed Mythology
Students complete a research project. In this mythology lesson plan, students identify the similarities between world mythology and The Lord of The Rings trilogy. Students complete character plot diagrams for each episode of the trilogy,...