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Understanding and Explaining the Role of the Media in a Free and Democratic Society

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Learners select one from a list of possible research projects about the role of the media in a democratic society.
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Creating a Classroom Magazine

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders examine different types of magazine writing, and discuss how to develop topics into information that is suitable for short magazine articles. They write, edit, and compose a monthly classroom magazine.
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A Photo of Philanthropy

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students identify a key idea in literature that is reflected in every day life. They define philanthropy. They recognize philanthropic deeds within self and others. They identify nonprofit organizations as important parts of the giving...
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Watching the Clock: An activity to build media-savvy students

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students analyze time constraints on broadcast news. They apply data collecting and data display skills. They identify the difference between news progams and the evening news.
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A Changing Planet

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students describe climate change and the future impact it could have on our physical environment. They identify the regions of the world that would encounter the most significant effects of a global warming.
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Creating a Travel Brochure

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students use the internet to research a country of interest to them. Using graphics, they create a travel brochure about the country encouraging people to travel there. They present their information to the class while showing their...
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Writing Prompts: Prose, Pamphlets and Poems

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Young scholars practice reading an atlas and writing prompts. They use graphic organizers to construct their writing prompt. They use the Internet to do their research.
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Autobiographical Writing

For Teachers 4th - 6th
In this unique lesson on autobiographical writing, students compare and contrast three types of writing: narrative, poetry and newspaper. Students prepare to produce a short autobiographical writing based on the framework of one of the...
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Why a Bill of Rights? What Impact Does it Have?

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students explore the Bill of Rights. In this Bill of Rights lesson, students compare the Federalist view of government to the Anti-Federalist view of government. Students consider the impact of the bill of rights as they take notes on...
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Human Rights Defenders Scavenger Hunt: A Computer Lab Activity

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore human rights issues. In this human rights lesson, students use the Carter Center Human Rights Defenders website to complete a scavenger hunt that allows them to investigate the work of those fighting for human rights...
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Discoveries of Titanic Proportions

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students analyze various statements on the moon. After reading an article, they discuss the findings about a new moon around Saturn. In groups, they re-create a press conference in which the new findings were released to the public. ...
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"One Giant Leap for Mankind"

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore the significance of the Apollo 11 lunar landing by interviewing an adult for memories of the mission. They incorporate their interviews into news articles as 'journalists' in July 1969 to document this historic 'step for...
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In Good Company

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Learners research and write a radio or television news special on some of Silicon Valley's most successful companies. For homework, they write lead-ins commenting on new developments and reactions to them.
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Are We Safer?

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Young scholars discuss the meaning of feeling safe in their environment after September 11th. After reading National Intelligence reports and news articles summarizing the findings about national security, they write letters to their...
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Still Suspicious?

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students read and analyze The New York Times news article "An Assessment Jars a Foreign Policy Debate About Iran." They answer comprehension questions, evaluate both sides of the debate, and write a one page report on the article.
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It's My Party

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Learners compare/contrast the Republican and Democratic platforms using Venn diagrams, then read and discuss, "The Conventions Are Over. The Party's Just Starting." students then participate in a mock press conference and write editorial...
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What Sticks from '06

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Young scholars identify significant events that helped shaped 2006. Completing a news quiz, they discuss the importance and impact of each event mentioned. They create their own news quizzes to be used as a class. They create a poster...
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Journalism and Responsibility

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students explore the world of journalism. In this media awareness lesson, students investigate the roles and responsibilities of journalists. Students watch segments of videos and research websites to inform them prior to writing their...
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Some Simple Rules to Sum it Up!

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students observe and demonstrate three steps to summarize text. They read and discuss the three steps to summarizing, then silently read an article about dugongs from "National Geographic Kids" magazine. Students demonstrate the three...
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Getting Fired Up

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore first-person accounts of volcanic eruptions throughout time and use second-hand information about volcanoes. They use both types of accounts to write news articles covering the events of a historic volcanic eruption as...
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Executive Exchanges

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore the April, 2006, overhaul of the White House staff. They research the positions in transition and stage a press conference to introduce these changes to the public.
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The Return of the Taliban

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners view a news program from Frontline. They discover who the Taliban are and identify their locations on maps. They compare and contrast the changes in Pakistan from 2004 to 2006.
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U.S. Constitution Roll Call

For Teachers 1st
First graders simulate the signing of the constitution. In this American history lesson plan, 1st graders take on the roll of newspaper reporters during 1787. Students must pretend to interview signers of the constitution and create a...
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Variations of Pain

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers listen to the song :King of Pain" by the Police. They identify different instrumentation and different rhythmic accompaniments to the opening vocal phrase and explore the text in-depth, discussing the various poetic...