Curated OER
Language Arts: Persuasion
Students examine the characteristics of persuasive writing. They identify arguments, supporting details, and discuss how to reorganize and present information in more effective ways. Students compose their own essays and discuss their...
Curated OER
Choosing a Family Dog
Fourth graders research types of dogs and recommend one that would make the best family pet. They work in cooperative groups of three using Kidspiration to map out the essential question before beginning their research, write reports,...
Curated OER
Modern Makeovers
Students consider what "modern" means and explore memories and opinions about the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. They design or renovate a local building for the 21st century.
Curated OER
Making Headlines
Young scholars consider their personal opinions about the news and politics, read about the public relations drive behind the 2004 presidential election, and gather information for a press release promoting either Mr. Bush or Mr. Kerry.
Curated OER
Fabulously Famous ABC'S
Sixth graders write a script for an imaginary two-minute radio interview with a famous (past/present) talk show host. .Working in groups of two or more, 6th graders practice their interview with another.
Curated OER
I 695 (The 30$ License Tabs Initiative)
Students research the bill I 695 issue. They discuss the topic before they research the issue of I 695. Students discuss how new laws are always being created and the differences in opinion about these laws. They see how this initiative...
Curated OER
Latin America: Our Neighbors at Home and to the South - Newspaper Project
Students work in pairs to create a comprehensive newspaper depicting the major themes covered during the study of Latin America. The activity includes writing, reading, social studies and technology.
Curated OER
What's The Big Deal?
Fifth graders examine the role of the Gutenberg press and its effect on society. Using this information, they write a persuasive paper discussing which form of copying is easier to mass produce. They share their opinions with the class...
Curated OER
Social Studies: Jeffeerson and the Declaration
Students investigate Thomas Jefferson's intentions for the Declaration of Independence. In discussion, they consider what parts of the document are most useful today and to what purposes does it address the most. Finally, students...
Curated OER
Applied Skills Assessment
In this skills worksheet, 4th graders answer 48 questions from the Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress in Language Arts and Mathematics.
Curated OER
Backward Lesson
Students view a copy of the painting "Last Moment of John Brown (1884). They discuss the content and composition of the painting. Important questions to be answered during the discussion are included with the lesson. They write an...
Curated OER
Independent - To Be or Not Top Be - Day 2, Lesson C: Freedom of Speech
Fifth graders explore the following questions: What is it? What is it like? What is an example?
Curated OER
Author, Author!
Third graders, in groups, select and research a favorite studenT author or illustrator. They answer questions about the author, conduct research and prepare a PowerPoint presentation with their findings.
Curated OER
Justin and the World's Best Biscuits
Young scholars read Mildred Pitts Walter's, Justin and the World's Best Biscuits and answer associated questions.
Curated OER
Attitudes Toward Emancipation
Students evaluate the provisions of the Emancipation Proclamation. They trace the stages that led to Lincoln's formulation of this policy. Explore the range of contemporary public opinion on the issue of emancipation.
Curated OER
Consumerism and the Consumer Society
High schoolers read an article titled "How Much Is Enough?" by Alan Durning. They work in small groups to summarize the author's main point for each paragraph and then identify and discuss further questions they may have in response to...
Curated OER
A Media Literacy Unit on "Turn Beauty Inside Out"
Students become aware of the importance of distinguishing between inner and outer beauty. They explore how the media's opinion of beauty is biased and should be evaluated rather than just accepted. Each student also assesses how the...
Curated OER
Breaking News English: Sheep Suicides Cause Financial Ruin
In this English activity, students read "Sheep Suicides Cause Financial Ruin," and then respond to 47 fill in the blank, 7 short answer, 20 matching, and 8 true or false questions about the selection.
Curated OER
The WCTU and the Lynching Controversy
Eleventh graders analyze the writings of Frances Hard and Ida B. Wells and outline their positions and attitudes towards segregation and lynching. They utilize Wells' and Hard's arguments to explore lynching, racial attitudes in the...
Curated OER
Skepticism Toward Government
Students explain how the media portrays certain events and its effects on public opinion of government. They focus on Watergate, the Vietnam War, and the Clinton impeachment. They write essays about skepticism promoted by the media.
Curated OER
History: Impact of the Lewis and Clark Expedition
Pupils formulate theories about the Lewis and Clark Expedition about its purpose and impact on America. They write position papers supported with facts discovered in their research. Students include quotes, factual references, maps,...
Curated OER
Letters from Lincoln
Fourth graders explore the childhood of Lincoln and pioneer life in early Indiana. Students respond to literature and write a story using historical fiction. Students explore the writings of President Lincoln and the pioneer community...
Curated OER
The Three Gorges Dam- Should it be Completed?
Students research and analyze the geographic problem of whether or not the Three Gorges Dam should be completed. Students take a position on the issue, gather information related to their position, present their conclusions, and write a...
Curated OER
Genetic Engineering
Students will apply their knowledge acquired from two guest speakers to writing a three hundred-word essay on either the pros or cons of genetic engineering. They will try to persuade the reader of their essays to agree with their stance...