Lesson Plan
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Regulating the Harvest

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students study the effect of trapping in the Illinois Territory in 1805 and compare it to trapping today. They participate in a role playing activity in which they discover how practices in early Illinois Territory led to wildlife...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Choosing the Lincoln Statue

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders research photographs or artwork depicting Abraham Lincoln during the time when he was traveling the 8th Judicial Circuit and practicing law in Champaign County. They develop a Powerpoint presentation of the results of the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Branches of Government

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Students participate in a sorting activity to research and categorize the three branches of government. They listen to teacher read aloud and write questions for a game based activity
Lesson Plan
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Comparing the House and Senate

For Teachers 6th - 7th
Learners create posters and write descriptions on the responsibilities and powers assigned to the United States Senate and House of Representatives. Students compare and contrast the two houses' powers and responsibilities as well as...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mighty Minerals

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students identify the characteristics of minerals. They complete proper identification tests and record the data in an organized fashion. They list important uses for minerals as well.
Handout
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Concealed Handguns

For Students 9th - 12th Standards
Should adults be allowed to carry concealed handguns? Pupils use the website to research the topic thoroughly and weigh the pros and cons. They read background information on gun control and learn about the main arguments surrounding the...
Handout
ProCon

Israeli - Palestinian Conflict

For Students 9th - 12th Standards
Many people think the best solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a two-state solution. After reviewing the available resources, scholars determine whether they agree with that approach. They analyze graphs and charts about...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Newspaper Article

For Teachers 4th - 8th Standards
Have your class participate in an interview activity using an informational text about the Amazon. After reading a Cultural Connections story about a person from the Amazon, middle schoolers write interview questions based on the text....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Clinometer

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders build their own Clinometer and using the tangent of angles, estimate the height of trees. Then these students develop and lesson to show whole class and determine the tallest tree on school property.
Lesson Plan
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Lost Illinois History

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students discuss "The Trail of Tears," why it happened, what it is, and where it began and ended. They work in groups to complete a reading section and answer a series of questions then share the answers with the class. Students take a...
Lesson Plan
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Lesson 10: History of Illinois 1700's Dual Timeline

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students create a journal that includes historic events that occurred in Illinois in the 1700's that features entries on the same topics from different perspectives.
Lesson Plan
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The Eiserloh Story

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students read "The Eiserloh Story" and evaluate decisions made by the government in time of war. They determine if the government violated the rights of innocent civilians. They identify the Bill of Rights and analyze each Right.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Prairie In A Bottle

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders observe images of prairie ecosystems and discuss the needs of living things. They create a prairie habitat in a closed jar to observe the water cycle and plant growth.
Lesson Plan
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An Acquaintance with Darkness, a Civil War

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders explore the Civil War, and people and events surrounding the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and his funeral procession.
Lesson Plan
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Parallel Timelines

For Teachers 12th
Twelfth graders research the history of how a particular environmental issue moves through the Conservation Movement. They create timelines that show the progression of public sentiment and the legislation about the issue.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Parts of a Spreadsheet

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners create their own spreadsheet. They identify the different parts that make up a spreadsheet and organize their data. They practice using functions and formats.
Lesson Plan
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Is Government Necessary?

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students investigate the purpose of Congress and determine how it affects them. They explain what life would be like without government.
Lesson Plan
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A Picture: Worth One Thousand Words?

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Learners examine photographs from the Civil War. Using a primary source document, they discover the conditions of a private during the Battle of Chickamauga. In groups, they use the sources to determine the authnecity of the documents.
Lesson Plan
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Lincoln’s Political Theology

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students consider the weight of Lincoln's spiritual life on his political life. In this Abraham Lincoln lesson, students read excerpts from speeches delivered by Lincoln and determine whether they reveal information about Lincoln's...
Lesson Plan
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Life of Lincoln

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Young scholars describe the social and political life of Abraham Lincoln with a focus on his contributions and how they changed the United States of America.
Worksheet
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American States and Their Capitals

For Students 5th - 8th
In this United States capitals worksheet, students match the 15 states on the left side of the sheet to their respective capitals on the right side of the sheet.
Lesson Plan
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Gulf of Tonkin Resolution

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Students analyze the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution. They read the background to the Vietnam War and the social, political, and miliary issues surrounding the War and how they affected President Lyndon B. Johnson's Great Society Program. ...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Lincoln: The Constitution & the Civil War

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students examine the presidency of Abraham Lincoln. In this Abraham Lincoln instructional activity, students analyze the political and constitutional issues that Lincoln dealt with during his time in the White House as they play an...
Lesson Plan
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Functions of the Three Branches of Government

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students research the branches of government and write summaries about both the state and federal systems. After conducting reaserch in texts and online, students create Venn diagrams displaying the governmental functions of the three...