Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Social Studies and Children's Literature

For Teachers 1st - 2nd
Students are read a story about Alejandro and how he builds an oasis to attract animals. Using the text, they discover the needs of the animal not only for water but for safety. They discuss different environmental issues as well as...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Understanding Korean Culture

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders investigate the meaning of immigration by looking it up in the dictionary and discussing it. They determine the location of Korea on the map and brainstorm ideas about it. They listen to a read aloud of Helen Recorvits, My...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Title: Rivers as Borders

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd
Students are introduced to the concept of borders. They read maps and identify rivers that separate different countries and states. They examine how or why a landform such as a river border might be the reason for different cultures.
Lesson Plan
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The Tet Offensive and the Vietnam War

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners discover how the United States became involved in the Vietnam War, the importance of the Tet Offensive in turning American public opinion against the war, and how the Vietnam War is still a part of American life and culture.
Lesson Plan
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Will There Be a White Christmas This Year?

For Teachers 3rd - 12th
Young scholars examine historical weather data, and create map and color key that illustrates the likelihood of a white Christmas in different locations across the United States.
Lesson Plan
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Tailoring Two Cultures to Adapt to Wisconsin's Biotic Zones

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students examine the effect of the various ice ages on Wisconsin. In groups, they create a map representing the five geographic regions of Wisconsin. They must write out a description of each region to be placed on a poster board. ...
Lesson Plan
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N is for Natural State

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
For any pupils who live in the state of Arkansas, this would be a fabulous educational experience to help them get to know their state better. Through the use of activities in literature, art, mathematics, science, social studies, and...
Lesson Plan
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Tobacco: Exploring Tobacco Culture

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders are introduced to the tobacco planting process. Using primary sources, they identify the steps necessary to grow the popular crop. They create a flow map to organize the process graphically. They discuss the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Between the Rivers

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders compare and contrast historical American cultures.  In this American history lesson, 2nd graders participate in reading, writing, oral, and hands on activities. Students discuss the similarities and differences...
Lesson Plan
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The Hopi Indians

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders read and look at maps of the Hopi Indians and compare and contrast their lives with the Hopi Indians. In this Hopi Indians lesson plan, 4th graders learn about different cultures and answer short answer questions.
Lesson Plan
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China

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders complete a variety of activities surrounding a unit on China and Chinese culture.
Lesson Plan
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Japan: Yesterday and Today

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students study the geography and culture of Japan and discover important historical events. They look at the religions of Japan. They determine similarities and differences in the lives of teenagers in Japan and the US. They read and...
Lesson Plan
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"Pass the Potatoes" (But, where did they come from?)

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders explore various cultures around the world.  In this cultural instructional activity, 8th graders prepare foods that belong to different cultures.  Students examine the climate in the places of origin of their...
Lesson Plan
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All Things Chinese-- Building a Classroom Museum

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Students explore China.  For this introduction to Chinese culture lesson, students bring in items or pictures from home that represent Chinese culture. Students create a "Chinese museum" by putting these labeled items on display,...
Lesson Plan
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Traveling on the Sea of Gold: An Adventure in Japan Through Literature

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Learners explore the geography and culture of Japan through the story "Sea of Gold" by Yoshiko Uchida. They draw a travel poster of Japan, label a map of Japan, use chopsticks to eat Cheerios, read and discuss various books about Japan,...
Lesson Plan
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Taking it to the Streets

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explain the concept of cultural diffusion. They give examples of cultural diffusion throughout history; e.g. the development of Cuban music and dance. Students explain how cultural diffusion impacts civilizations, past and...
Lesson Plan
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Spanish Influence in America

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers try out instruments from South America. In this multiculturalism lesson, students discuss the attributes of Latin American music and play instruments from South America.
Lesson Plan
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Clothesline Sleuth

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders investigate the effect of North American colonization on human history. In this colonization lesson, 5th graders explore the global impact of colonization of North America. Students investigate the impact of geography on...
Lesson Plan
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Social Studies: Kyrgyzstan Bride Kidnappings

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Young scholars examine the Kyrgyzstan bride kidnappings and compare wedding traditions there with those in the United States. They explain these differences and similarities in a fictitious letter to a peer in Kyrgyzstan.
Lesson Plan
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American Symbols

For Teachers 1st - 2nd
Students explore the symbols of the United States. In this U.S. history lesson, students create an American flag puzzle and research facts on the flag. Students view a Powerpoint presentation on other symbols of America.
Lesson Plan
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Mapping the News

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students explore cartography.  In this map skills and map making lesson, Students work in groups to create wall size world maps including legends, compass roses, latitude and longitude, and physical features.  Students collect...
PPT
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Louisiana History-Unit 4: Early People of Louisiana and a Meeting of Different Worlds

For Teachers 6th - 7th
The Poverty Point Culture of Louisiana is described in detail within four slides of this six-slide PowerPoint. Four detailed paragraphs help describe the economic legacy that existed in Louisiana. A table, map, and photo are included to...
Lesson Plan
Texas State Historical Association

Tejanas and LULAC

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders explore the Latino Civil Rights Movement. In this civil rights lesson plan, 7th graders discover the role of the League of United Latin Citizens (LULAC) as well as the women's arm of the organization and write essays that...
Lesson Plan
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The Power of Maps & Native American Cultures

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders discover where and how five Native American cultures lived in North America in what is currently the United States. They examine their way of life and the regions they inhabited. Additionally, 6th graders will understand...