US Mint
Rename That State!
As Shakespeare famously wrote, "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet," but can the same be said for a state? In this elementary geography instructional activity, students are assigned specific states to research using the...
Curated OER
I Don't Pay Attention to Advertisements
Sixth graders examine the eight persuasive techniques, identifying them in all avenues of media including magazine, TV, Internet, and billboards, and making them aware of how advertising already influences them. They write an essay using...
Curated OER
A Comparison of the Celebrations of Cinco de Mayo
Middle schoolers compare and contrast how Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in the United States and in Mexico. In this cultural comparisons lesson, students research holiday practices using Internet sites and then write persuasive papers that...
Curated OER
Jim Thorpe: The Greatest Athlete of the Century
Young scholars discuss what makes a sports legend. In this Jim Thorpe activity students analyze both the triumphs and tragedies of Jim Thorpe's sports career. Young scholars then write a letter persuading their representative to name Jim...
Curated OER
It's Debatable!
Students examine the basic elements and vocabulary of debating. They research an issue and write a letter to the editor of the local newspaper, and role-play a Parliamentary debate on a particular bill.
Curated OER
History: Impact of the Lewis and Clark Expedition
Students 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
Learning About Asia
Students study about Asia from class lecture. They study about the continent, the main places in Asia, the products, the climate, and other important facts so they can write an outline for their paper. Students write their outline and...
Curated OER
The Civil War in Henry County
Middle schoolers consider how the Civil War impacted their community. In this Civil War lesson plan, students use primary and secondary sources to research the Civil War in Henry County, Georgia. Middle schoolers use their findings to...
Curated OER
Lesson 1: Design a Transportation Stamp
Students, in groups, research a certain form of transportation that has affected Maine's economic and cultural development. They write a persuasive letter that uses the research to support an argument.
Curated OER
Debate On Ratification
Learners simulate a delegate that was responsible for the Constitution. They research their arguments, and stage a debate in front of the state's legislature (the class). The class then vote whether or not to ratify the new Constitution.
Curated OER
Revisiting Roe v. Wade
Students explore the American anti-abortion movement's "incremental" approach to legislation; they then evaluate key decisions, regulations, and legislation from the landmark 1973 Supreme Court decision, Roe v. Wade, to the present.
Curated OER
Africa Falls Prey to H.I.V.
Students use maps, statistics, and written texts to recognize the H.I.V. explosion in Africa.
Curated OER
A Penny for Your Thoughtfulness
Students reflect on the value of a penny. They examine how working families endure economic hardships with the help of charities. They create their own philanthropic event to raise money for a charity.
Curated OER
Conflict Transformation
Students analyze the usefulness of conflict. In this conflict resolution lesson plan, students will examine several real life conflict scenarios. Students will analyze these conflicts in terms of there costs and benefits to determine...
Curated OER
One Step Closer to a Treaty
Learners speak objectively about the nuclear disarmament issue and interpret sections of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. They become more informed by these discussions and readings on the nuclear