Curated OER
Genetically-Modified Food
Students investigate the pros and cons of genetic engineering. They watch a short Bill Moyers video, conduct Internet research, create a poster, participate in a pro/con debate, and write an essay expressing their personal feelings on...
Curated OER
Types of Branches
Fourth graders study the three branches of government. In this politics lesson, 4th graders list the three branches of government, understanding what each branch does, and compare and contrast how government is run with how the...
Curated OER
The Historical Development of Magnetism
Students discuss the history and importance of magnets to the world. In this magnetism lesson, students write an essay of a world without magnets. Students may research addition information to add details about uses of magnets.
Curated OER
Voices of the American Revolution - Primary Documents
Students use primary documents to examine the attitudes and positions of several factions leading up to the American Revolutionary War. They read documents, debate differing perspectives and write an essay exploring the reasons for revolt.
Curated OER
Jack London's The Call of the Wild: "Nature Faker"?
Young scholars take a stand on whether or not London could be dubbed a "nature faker." They support their position with evidence either historical or from the text. Students write an essay, complete with hypothesis and textual support,...
Curated OER
Mother Teresa
Fourth graders examine the life of Mother Teresa and her contributions to humanitarian services. They listen to a guest speaker, listen to a teacher-led lecture, write an essay, complete journal entries, and participate in a service...
Curated OER
What's Down There
Students write an essay about the coral reefs. In this oceanography lesson plan, students investigate the reef of Bonaire and compare it to reefs that are not thriving. Students then explore the differences that contribute to the...
Curated OER
Jewish Folktales
Young scholars write an essay and create illustrations of Jewish culture. In this literature-response lesson plan, students read various Jewish folktales. As they read, young scholars study the geographical, cultural, and historical...
Curated OER
Risks and Benefits
Students research and discuss the risks and benefits of cell phones and driving. They analyze the mechanical and administrative causes of the accident of the Space Shuttle Challenger. They write an essay explaining the risks and benefits...
Curated OER
Personally Speaking
Seventh graders read, "The Witch of Blackbird Pond," and write an expository essay discussing choices they have in society today compared with the character Kit.
Curated OER
"I Want a Wife" by Judy Brady
The classic short essay "I Want a Wife" will probably surprise your class. After all, the way Judy Brady presents it, who wouldn't want a wife? After your readers complete the text, present them with this two-page document. Eight...
Curated OER
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Packet
Readers of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn are directed to complete two projects as a part of their study of Mark Twain’s novel. Individuals craft an organized notebook containing all their work during the study, and they...
Curated OER
Up Close and Personal with Black Bayou Lake
Students get up close and personal with Black Bayou Lake. Visiting web sites and taking virtual tours, they write multi-paragraph essays using descriptive words and literary devices.
Curated OER
Multi-sensory Writing
Students use their senses to help describe special place they have been. They write short sensory-image essay that incorporate all five of their senses, and identify sensory language while reading different pieces of literature.
Curated OER
A Picture Says a Thousand Words
Students create a writing selection with a well-developed plot. They use a personal photograph in which they are visible to base their autobiographical writing. They write a description of the events surrounding the photograph in the...
Curated OER
The Editing Process
Students edit and critique essays. In this editing and critiquing lesson, students examine a sample essay and edit it. Students read the essay aloud to determine the areas that need to be revised. Students then write their own essay for...
Curated OER
Pleistocene Mammals
Students research the causes of the extinction of Pleistocene mammals. For this Pleistocene mammals lesson, students read essays to understand the Pleistocene epoch. Students write an essay about the personal impact of this...
Curated OER
Asthma Legends- Researching Famous People
In this asthma legends research worksheet, students read a list of famous people who suffer with or suffered with asthma. They use resources including the internet to research information about these people and classify them into three...
Curated OER
Character Development: Cancer - A New Treatment
Students explore the concept of character development. In this character development lesson, students watch a video segment regarding a family's struggle with cancer. Students examine the personality, situation, motivation, and...
Curated OER
Sacred Places
Students examine places considered sacred in both India and the U.S. They read and discuss a website on the Ganges River, discuss places considered sacred in the U.S., and write an essay comparing/contrasting personal sacred places and...
Curated OER
The Editing Process
Students read a sample essay and evaluate them in groups. They write their own essay on a topic of their choice and use peer editing. They share their essays with the class.
University of Southern California
Coming to America After the War
As part of their exploration of the American dream, class members examine primary source materials to compare immigrant experiences of those arriving early in our country's history to those arriving in the US after World War...
Beacon Learning Center
Challenging the Human Spirit
High schoolers select a theme-related essay topic from Night, by Elie Wiesel, or The Metamorphosis, by Franz Kafka, and develop an essay that relates the theme to modern-day personal experiences. The essay follows a preset rubric...
Curated OER
New York City Delights: The Taxi Cab
You set the rate! Step into the shoes of a taxi driver in New York City, and also pretend to be a person who uses taxis to get around town. The class will conduct collaborative research to learn about the history of taxis. Then, they...