Students practice their writing skills by composing an opinion letter in response to a topic identified by a writer to Dear Abby or Dear Ann Landers. Effective communication skills form the basis of this instructional activity.

Young scholars compare the violence in ancient Rome and the violence in American society today. They research and write an essay that requires comparison and contrast techniques as well as supporting personal opinions about violence in...

Young scholars demonstrate understanding of basic facts about Christopher Columbus and different theories regarding his background. They try to solve the mystery of Christopher Columbus' background and write an essay offering their own...

Eleventh graders analyze the social impact media plays in relation to peer pressure. In this peer pressure lesson plan, 11th graders listen to Afroman's "Lets All Get Drunk" and read the lyrics. Students write about the song and view a...

Eighth graders complete a unit of lessons on the characteristics of Henry Moore's sculpture. They examine and discuss examples of Moore's sculpture, identify the defining characteristics, write an essay, and create a sculpture in the...

Students investigate the current legal status of fetal tissue transplantation. Students engage in a role play discussion of a specific case study. Students explore the ethical controversies surrounding this procedure. Students formulate...

Whether you are planning a unit on F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, or simply want to improve your pupils' descriptive writing, this lesson could be a good addition to your class. Using the Six-Trait Writing process, pupils...

Teach young adults how to become advocates for their privacy in the modern information age. In a series of five lessons, learners explore their beliefs and opinions about privacy vs. the actual laws regarding who has the right to access...

Help develop assertive, critical-thinking skills that enhance growth and change while teaching economics. In groups, select a topic from a list and then discuss the pros and cons of each topic. Debate why advertising is necessary to our...

Students practice critical thinking skills by defending their beliefs orally in a "hot seat". In addition, they communicate their feelings about an inssue in writing.

Students research a Nobel Peace Prize winner to gain understanding of their philanthropic contribution to the global community. In this global peach instructional activity, students identify a Nobel Peace Prize winner, reflect on how...

Students read the story of "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." Based upon the story, students perform reinforcement and discovery activities, according to their ability level. Pupils may write an essay, perform computer research,...

Middle schoolers read and discuss several informational cards about John Brown, the historical context he lived in and his abolitionist cause. They complete a character chart and write an epitaph that conveys their opinion of his actions.

Students investigate the social and religious contexts that surrounded the Salem Witch Trials. The research is guided using the worksheets included in the lesson plan. The culminating assignment is writing an editorial of personal...

Newspapers are the perfect medium through which to explore different perspectives in informational text. After researching the fur trade and resultant colonization, groups write a newspaper, including an editorial page, selecting one of...

Students define whistle blowing and research its consequences, interview both employers and student employees for their opinions on reporting wrongdoing in the workplace, and write article that explores situation locally.

In this essay worksheet, students read the quote by John Adams, "A government of laws, and not of men." Students write an essay about what they think this means.

The name itself may have your scholars' heads spinning: Eyjafjallajökull. Its recent volcanic eruption spurred many political cartoons on unrelated topics- using an analysis handout scholars examine the use of metaphor in 2 cartoons...

Add some writing to your class's reading of Cold Sassy Tree! With this plan, readers assume the role of journalist and create a segment of a paper with their peers. Suggested segments are included, and a worksheet dividing the text into...

A good story is a great way to support skills that are necessary for encouraging strong reading skills. Here is a class I do, You do, We do style lesson that stars the tale, Ming Lo Moves the Mountain. Included are two fun pre-reading...

Known as the day that will live in infamy, the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 was a shock to all. But why was the United States unprepared on that December morning? Study a series of primary sources in a document-based question that...

Let's make a deal! Are real negotiations as simple as they are in the game show? Scholars learn the art of negotiation during the 8th lesson in a series of 15. The activity kicks off with a fun group negotiation, then explores the topic...

Sixth graders select a book from the Newbery list and read it. They write a short summary of the book without giving away the ending and then research the book's author. They write a book review and, finally, incorporate all of this onto...