Students use different pieces of music and writings to explore the theme of self-reliance and individuality. After viewing a video clip, they discuss how the images made them feel. They keep a writing journal to evaluate their own...

Tenth graders discover how various writers approach the themes of : alienation and solitude, living life "deliberately" and "phonies." Through reading, journaling, class discussion, and writing assignments they realize the power of the...

Seventh graders create a final project called Industry X (which was previously researched in the unit) has plans to build in town. There is a special town meeting scheduled to discuss this matter and allow everyone to express their...

Students explore the concept of entrepreneurship. For this entrepreneurship lesson, students read an article about a man who turned a magazine company into a success. Students compare and contrast two companies, one that is a financial...

Seventh graders explore the essence of Gandhi's teachings. In this nonviolent protest instructional activity, 7th graders select service projects based on the teachings of Gandhi.

Pupils research Muhammad Ali's act of civil disobedience. For this civil disobedience lesson, students research Ali's defiance of the Vietnam War draft and compare his reasoning to Martin Luther King's thoughts on the war. Pupils debate...

Learners analyze how people solve conflicts. In this conflict resolution lesson, students look at Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King's nonviolence movements. They see the reasoning behind nonviolence and how it works. 

In this Antebellum South worksheet, students read assigned textbook pages on the Antebellum counterculture and society and respond to 37 short answer questions.

Young scholars engage in a lesson that is concerned with the findings of the environment that is around them. They make observations and think reflectively about nature. Students make cognitive connections from the world around them and...

Pupils use the National Archives to researcj cout coduments related to Martin Luther King, Jr.

Pupils, in groups, research various philosophers and the historical context of their work. They discuss the necessity and interaction of laws, regulations and human freedoms and consider the importance of the Canadian government to its...

Students work collaboratively to analyze the various religious beliefs of Zen Buddhists. Emphasis is placed upon class discussion and the ideal of a Utopian environment or society.

Young scholars explore life of author Louisa May Alcott, define Transcendentalism, discuss the children's books Alcott wrote, read two selections she wrote, and compare the writing style of one of her children's stories with a story she...

A proponent of social and environmental rights, Henry David Thoreau is featured in this brief biography highlighting his contributions to literature. See Teaching Tips and Author Questions for discussion ideas.

This site provides the full text of Thoreau's essay, "Civil Disobedience," in three parts. Content also includes a brief background as to how Thoreau wrote this essay and links to related sites.

The Thoreau Reader includes a full online text of Henry David Thoreau's compelling book-length commentary on nature and society, "Cape Cod." Also includes maps, reviews, and further links and information to this work.

By watching a short video and engaging in two primary source activities, young scholars will explore the philosophy, writings, and impact of Henry David Thoreau.

July 23, 1846 Henry David Thoreau is arrested and jailed for civil disobedience against the Massachusetts Poll Tax. Take a look at the events of that day as well as the life and legacy of Thoreau.

Here you can find a series of movie clips with children's author Richard Smith portraying Henry David Thoreau. These clips portray Thoreau on a personal level as he answers numerous questions about his life and work.

From the Library of Congress "Today in History," this website provides biographical information about Henry David Thoreau along with photographs of Thoreau and Walden Pond. Provides links to online text for Thoreau's work, links to...

Essay on Emerson, Thoreau and the Hudson River School and the legacy it left. Section for guiding student discussion and scholar's debate.

Thoreau is remembered for his simple life and passion in his proclamation on "civil disobedience." A brief biographical article highlighting his life and political enthusiasm during the era of Transcendentalism.

This is the annotated text of Chapter 5, "Solitude" from Walden by Henry David Thoreau. In this chapter, he explains his walks around Walden Pond and his oneness with nature.

Learn more about the author Henry David Thoreau when you explore this resource. This site provides links to lesson plans and activities for some of his works.