PBS
Before We Travel, We Research
Context is key when it comes to historical research. Prior to field research, class members learn as much as they can about the site they are going to visit. Groups investigate and prepare presentations about the history of the site, the...
Curated OER
Whose Religion Is It?
Students analyze the impacts of religious expectations on gender roles. In this gender equity lesson, students compare and contrast different religions in societies in order to understand the cultural influences and effects of both...
Curated OER
Historical Fiction Project
Students be engaged in a history project that is combined with Language Arts with the purpose of teaching students how to cite bibliographic information. This is important for doing future research.
Curated OER
Animal Farm: Symbolism and Theme
If you want some help with teaching themes and symbols in Animal Farm, this may be beneficial. After a class discussion about possible themes, class members write a paragraph explaining which they believe is the most important. Next,...
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum
Military Advisers in Vietnam: 1963
How did the beginning of the Vietnam War factor into the Cold War with the Soviet Union? As part of a study of American involvement in Vietnam, class members read a letter address to President Kennedy and his response in which he...
Curated OER
Habitat Happenings
Students examine the characteristics of the Prairie Creek Habitat in Illinois. In groups, they travel between various stations writing haikus and reading brochures. They identify what occurs in each habitat and identify the animals...
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The Amazing Race -- Africa
Students conduct research and gather information regarding various cities in Africa. They discover what it would take to travel to and through Africa and plan a trip through various regions of the continent. They present their itinerary,...
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Children's Literature Across the Curriculum Ideas-Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse
Students read Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes. They complete a variety of cross-curricular activities surrounding events of the story. Included are reading, art, math, science, writing, social studies, and library connections.
Curated OER
Inventors - A Multimedia Presentation
Students research inventors. In this research project, students select an inventor and research their accomplishments. Then, students create a PowerPoint presentation to help share what they have learned.
Curated OER
Pre-Reading Preparation
Students explore a given historical fiction story. In groups, they research selected topics dealing with the story and determine what is fiction and what is fact. Students create a multimedia presentation about their findings and...
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Biospheres in Your Backyard
Students collect data from a local river biome. They use the information for metric conversion and graphing equations. They study the components of what makes up a biosphere and how math is used to analyze one.
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What Death Brings to Life (Teen Living Component)
Learners research and discuss many common characteristics of modern cultures and examine ancient cultures for comparison. They study the components of anthropology and ethnocentrism.
Curated OER
When Jessie Came Across The Sea
Students engage in a study about immigration by using children's literature. They conduct research about the immigrations to New York City in the past and the current status. Students conduct class discussion about Ellis Island and what...
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Endangered Animals in Texas
Students research endangered animal in the library and on the Internet for information on its description, habitat, forces causing its decline, and programs to help it; students create slide show about the animal that contains a clay...
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Title Match-Up
Third graders are introduced to a game in which each card they receive will have half of a book title on it. They find the person who has the other half of the title and they sit down in a circle. Students when whisper what they know...
Curated OER
Be the Kiwi: New Zealand Unit Lesson
Students participate in a learning celebration at the end of a unit on New Zealand. In this global studies instructional activity, students share what they learned about the nation, watch "The Whale Rider," and eat foods from New Zealand.
Curated OER
Social Studies: People and Their Contributions
Students, working in groups, research people who have made significant contributions in history. They compile biographies about their chosen individual, including what they think might have happened if this person had not made the...
Curated OER
Word Picture - Communicating Visually
Students examine how words and visual images are used to influence people. They choose a word to illustrate using both lettering and visual images. They present their work and it is critiqued by a peer review.
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Tracking down Good Information on the Web
Fifth graders brainstorm on whiteboard Web authorship and what they think they need to know about information on a website in order to judge its content. They research the solar system websites and present them to the class with their...
Curated OER
Million Dollar Project
Each student is given the task of spending $1 million. The way students spend their money is dependent on a theme such as "creating a dream world," "taking a trip," or "doing something to better society." Each student researches,...
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Interpreting Political Cartoons
Young scholars review political cartoons and discuss what political impact they can have. They choose a current political cartoon and write an essay exploring its intent and impact.
Curated OER
The Young Basketball Player
Students explore the history of basketball by reading and listening to a book entitled, "The Young Basketball Player." Afterwards, they create a trivia basketball game and write an interview for their favorite player. As a...
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Thanksgiving Friends
Students listen to teacher read alouds of books that include facts about Thanksgiving. They discuss what they are thankful for and share this discussion with another class through e-mail.