Star Wars in the Classroom
"Shakespeare and Star Wars": Lesson Plan Days 8 and 9
How does an author's choice of artistic medium influence an audience? What about how an author chooses to transform original source material? These are the questions class members grapple with as they compare scenes from episode IV...
Curated OER
Reign of Terror?
Learners research acts of terrorism around the world over the past thirty years to create a visual timeline of these events for the classroom.
Curated OER
Bug Eyes
Third graders observe, predict, record and report on a series of experiments with a praying mantid to test its visual acuity. They study the parts of an eye and compare human and mantid eyes.
Curated OER
American Families
Learners research psychology by participating in a role-play activity. In this human relationship lesson, students define the term "family" and read assigned text which discusses how family relationships work. Learners answer study...
Curated OER
Words That Hold Court
Students research legal terminology used in the Supreme Court. In this legal terminology lesson, students study a quote from President Obama about the Supreme Court. Students make a list of facts about the Supreme Court and the justices...
Curated OER
You Be the Judge
Young scholars research and evaluate a case considered by the U.S. Supreme Court regarding the jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act. They watch a Bill Moyers video, conduct a debate, and write about the decision they would make if they...
Curated OER
Words That Hold Court
Young scholars recognize the importance of the Supreme Court. In this legal terminology lesson, students define a list of words to understand the Supreme Court and the language used in cases. Young scholars revise a case summary.
Curated OER
Starting at the Beginning
Sixth graders develop basic band skills through in-class instruction, individual practice, and the Essential Elements band method. Instruction is teacher-led with examples and drill/practice. National Standards for the arts are...
Curated OER
Patriotism and Foreign Policy
Twelfth graders create a museum of Patriotism and Foreign Policy. They participate in discussions and work in committee's to determine which objects shall be displayed in the museum. They present visual and performing arts along with...
Curated OER
Participating in Democracy
Young scholars analyze film clips in class. For this democracy lesson, students identify the differences between civil liberties, democracy and freedom. Young scholars view a video regarding Japanese internment and answer study questions...
Curated OER
Tropical Treehouse
Students examine the tropical rainforest and issues involving the uses of rainforests. They explore the plants and animals that live in each level of the tropical rainforest. Students examine and discuss a case study involving the rights...
Curated OER
Digital Photography and Landforms
Fifth graders create a picture book of local landforms using digital cameras. They also illustrate two vocabulary terms by hand and locate pictures of other geography vocabulary terms in magazines. Students take picture-taking field...
Curated OER
Night by Elie Weisel
Students read "No News from Auschwitz" and answer the study questions as an introduction to the novel. They record reactions to the essay and compare with reactions after reading "Night".
Curated OER
Should the Ming End the Treasure Voyages?
During the first century of Chinese Ming dynasty (1368-1644), the government sent out a total of seven voyages into the Indian Ocean. Young historians will discuss, explain, role play, and compare the decisions made by rulers during the...
Curated OER
What Portraits Reveal
Students examine how portraits can tell us more about people of the past than just what they looked like. They compare three portraits of U.S. Presidents, analyze portraits of Americans from the Revolutionary War, and write a report on...
Curated OER
Paper Weaving
Practice the native concept of weaving with traditional classroom items. Using assorted colors of construction paper, your class will simulate how to weave. This is a great activity to connect to a Native American, Mexican, or other...
Curated OER
The Bartered Bride
Students explore the ways music is used to convey ideas about a culture. They define folk art by viewing and comparing visual folk and fine art. Then they analyze the musical piece," The Bartered Bride" and relate it to how folk art can...
Curated OER
Happy Accidents with Watercolors
Students practice the basic characteristics of painting with watercolors. They learn basic color theory using the color wheel and will be able to identify primary and secondary colors.
Curated OER
Painters as Musicians-CD Cover Design
Students create CD cover art to project the image of the artist or what those artists might sing about.
Curated OER
The Artist As Entrepreneur: Getting Down To Business: Get Organized
Students examine the various business structures and select the best one to use in a art business plan that they have developed. They compare the benefits and risks of each business structure then discuss in small groups the merits of...
National First Ladies' Library
"Rolling Out the Red Carpet," and Other Idioms
Pupils study the idiom as a form of speech. They practice using idioms by developing a Jeopardy game using a provided template.
Curated OER
Rebirth and Renewal
Students identify and compare ancient Egyptian and contemporary symbols of rebirth and renewal and use artwork and writing to visually illustrate their opinions.
Curated OER
Building a School Model: An Academic Challenge
First and second graders explore aspects of design. They discuss and design the ideal classroom building complete with window and door placement. Additionally, students observe and note features found in neighboring classrooms as...
Curated OER
Drawing Upon Our Five Senses
Fifth graders identify the parts and functions of the body's five senses. In this biology instructional activity, 5th graders create a replica of the nervous system highlighting its parts. They create a scrapbook containing information...