Students consider the implications of respect. In this character education lesson, students create a list of attributes that people use to size others up when they first meet them. Students discuss how to show others respect.

Eighth graders define caring. In this character education lesson, 8th graders examine the attributes of compassion as they discuss altruism, empathy, and selflessness.

Students understand the definition of integrity and explain quotes about it. In this integrity lesson, students apply quotes about integrity to a personal experience and write about it.

Students determine how religion influences social change. In this religion and social change lesson, students examine how the religious beliefs of Mohandas Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. were inspirational as they worked to reduce...

Young scholars examine the happenings at the Battle of Antietam from all sides. In this American Civil War lesson, students analyze newspapers accounts from different perspectives regarding the battle and then write their own accounts of...

Young scholars discover their family history. For this genealogy lesson, students participate in a discussion about family history and why it is important. Young scholars create a family tree and present the family tree to the class....

Students discuss philanthropy. For this fair trade lesson, students discover the meaning of fair trade. They are given the definition and work in small groups to read further on the topic and answer questions. This lesson includes...

Eighth graders discuss justice and fairness. In this equitable treatment of others lesson, 8th graders say the Pledge of Allegiance and read a passage from a blog. Students discuss the terms: fair, just, and equitable. 

Young scholars discuss the attributes that a hero can have and what it takes to be a Distinguished American, and be commemorated on a stamp.  In this courage lesson plan, students research an everyday hero that they know about and...

Students review census data to correlate to emigration in Kansas. In this Westward Expansion instructional activity, students analyze a painting and create definitions for emigration and discuss why people emigrate. Students read and...

Students investigate life skills by participating in a voice recording activity. In this baking lesson, students identify the ingredients needed to create pizza menu items and the steps which should be taken to bake them. Students...

Young scholars participate in a game using 12 manipulatives.  In this addition and subtraction lesson students play a game originated by the Native Americans and  look at a number of items and calculate how many are...

Young scholars research current world political leaders, as well as the opinions of their supporters and critics, in order to create a "Present Political Leaders Hall of Fame" display for the classroom.

Students explore the Great Depression. In this American history lesson, students examine primary sources in order to research the Stock Market Crash of 1929, the Dust Bowl, and the Neal Deal. Students study the impact on these events on...

Students examine George Washington's Rules of Civility. In this George Washington lesson plan, students investigate how rules influence people, and the roles of citizens in America. Students will discuss and reword rules and work in...

Students participate in a game that promotes group unity while spelling words with letter cards.  In this teamwork lesson, students have to work together to win the game, but may find it hard to do so without making a lot of...

Students explore the importance of family communication and cohesiveness.  In this family life lesson, students complete activities which demonstrate the characteristics of a strong family that is committed to staying together.

Young scholars examine the image of George Washington. In this Washington presidency lesson plan, students use the provided analysis handout to analyze the character of Washington conveyed in several pieces of art and speeches. Young...

Students research and write newspaper articles about current world leaders, using a New York Times International article as a model. They research a current world leader's personal background and political history.

This lesson enables teachers to use blues music to explore the history of African Americans in the 20th century. By studying the content of blues songs, students can learn about the experiences and struggles of the working-class...

Students analyze the ethnic conflict between the Hutu and Tutsi in Rwanda and Burundi. They identify the three elements of ethnic conflict, read a handout and answer questions, examine a timeline, conduct research, and write an essay.

Students create a map illustrating the three branches of goverment. They identify the branches of government and the shared or exclusive powers of each. Students use mapping as a prewriting stategy. They discuss our national...

Students discuss the role political cartoons have played in U.S. politics and public affairs since the 1700's. They analyze some of the political cartoons Dr. Seuss drew during World War II and discuss how these cartoons conveyed his...

Students research the origin of the Purple Heart. In this writing lesson students research personal stories of friends or family who have received the Purple Heart. Students then design their own armed forces award complete with an...