Curated OER
Colors of Gray
Young scholars view a film about theatres in Chicago. They discover how performing arts can be enjoyed by all ages and how one becomes involved in performing in theatre. They answer questions and discuss to end the lesson.
Curated OER
Frankenstein (Teacher Zone)
High schoolers are introduced to the life and art of Mary Shelley and consider the still-relevant themes of the Frankenstein myth. Also, students become acquainted with the nineteenth century fascination with electricity by reviewing...
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Social Studies: What Is Folklife?
Students read an essay about folklife and record their thoughts in journals. After discussing the terms associated with the topic, they complete worksheets on types of folklife, pop, elite, and folk cultures. Depending on the age group,...
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History of the American Family
Students discover the history of the American family and the affects of immigration. In addition, they examine the contributions of minority families to American culture. In groups, students explore the pros and cons of dual-income...
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Timeline
Tenth graders examine the Holocaust from a chronological perspective. In this Holocaust activity, 10th graders create parallel timelines on a poster about the Holocaust.
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5 W's and H
Young scholars explore the 5W's and H of journalistic writing. In this 5 W's and H lesson plan, students read two articles from a newspaper and locate the 5 W's and H in the articles.
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Patti Smith: Dream of Life
How do artists affect and how are artists affected by the time periods in which they live? Learners examine the life and work of controversial and influential cultural artist Patti Smith as they seek answers to this essential question....
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SPEECHES TO INTRODUCE
Pupils create multimedia speeches of introduction which focus on women and Hispanics. They introduce their famous person and, using a video camera, video tape their speeches.
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Gender Roles: Exposing Stereotypes
A series of activities help middle- and high-schoolers identify and explore gender stereotypes and how they can lead to violence and abuse. Use think-pair-share to activate whole class brainstorming about what it means to "be a man" and...
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French Connections
Students use Internet links to plan a 3-day tour of France. They role-play a typical encounter that may be experienced during their trip.
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CREATIVE PRINCIPLES
Jr. high learners review the basic principles of design (balance, unity, movement, rhythm, pattern, contrast and emphasis) by watching a video by Gerald Brommer. Then they provide "aerobic exercise" for the right side of their brains by...
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Making Sense of Censorship
Students create their own ratings systems with which to classify current pop cultural fare as suitable or unsuitable for Students.
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Pantomime vs. Abstract Gesture
Students explain dance as a way to create and communicate meaning and demonstrate the difference between pantomiming and abstracting a gesture.
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Creating Stage Designs that Reflect
High schoolers identify and research cultural, historical, and symbolic clues in dramatic texts. They demonstrate knowledge of research sources.
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Camera Shots
Understanding how visual codes such as long-shots, close-ups, and camera angles affect meaning helps prepare young filmmakers to plan their own productions. The concepts embedded could also be used to analyze photographs and paintings.
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Cyber-crime
Students discuss what types of Internet activity are or should be considered criminal, examine how criminal prohibitions against certain types of Internet activity are best implemented in law, determine whether computer crimes are unique...
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The Many Faces of Paul Robeson
Students discuss and construct timelines based on the life of author/performer/Civil Right's activist, Paul Robeson. They view photographs of him at various times in his life and discuss the roles he may have been playing at those times.
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Asian and Other Cultures
Young scholars view and discuss a video showing different festivals celebrated in Asian cultures. They participate in a class survey of the different festivals celebrated in their own families and brainstorm the purposes for festivals. ...
National Endowment for the Humanities
Charles Baudelaire: Poète Maudit (The Cursed Poet)
After learning the main ideas of the Decadent movement, students work in small groups to read and translate poems by the French poet Charles Baudelaire using basic etymology skills. They then read the accurate English translations to see...
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Secret Message
Students explore a woman war hero, Hannah Senesh, who used secret codes and messages to protect important information. They follow instructions to write their own secret messages.
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The Silk Road
Students research the geography of Asia from Xian to Istanbul. They explore the intricacies of ancient trade, including trade goods and policies. They study minorities within and outside of various Chinese and other Asian empires.
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Canada and the United States: A Collage
Students create a visual presentation that describes the influence of American culture on Canadian culture, the Canadian response to that influence, and the benefits and drawbacks of that influence to Canadian culture.
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Literature: Porgy and Bess
Students examine the various portrayals of African-Americans in literature, focusing on the opera, Porgy and Bess. They conduct Internet research on African-American culture between the two World Wars. Students write fictional or...
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Your Place in Time Scavenger Hunt
Fifth graders divide themselves into groups of 3 or 4, research 4 different generations, and answer the questions on the handout provided. They then work in cooperative groups to create a poster illustrating their generation.