Curated OER
The Mail Race
Learners create friendly letters and surveys to other schools. In this letter writing lesson, students format friendly letters to other school and request a reply. Learners chart the replies on a map and share information from the...
Curated OER
A Letter to Terry Fox
Middle schoolers research information about Terry Fox on the Internet. They write a personal letter to Terry Fox.
Curated OER
In 'Other words' Writing Gently Humorous Essays About Stereotypes
Define and understand what stereotypes are by reading an article with stereotyping in it. Students will locate how it shows stereotyping and answer questions about the stereotypes. Finally, they will write their own pieces of original work.
Curated OER
A Sea-nic Perspective
Students brainstorm topics related to the health of our world's oceans. They create presentations about specific issues affecting oceans for display in a classroom exhibit. They write letters of invitation to guests to view the exhibit.
American Battlefield Trust
The Common Civil War Soldier
If it were possible to step back in time, what would learners want to know about the Civil War? With the aid of discussion prompts, they now have that chance. Invite a Civil War re-enactor to your classroom and have all their questions...
Curated OER
A South African Storm
Students read "A South African Storm" by Allison Howard and participate in a class discussion that examines Howard's letter for both content and writing form. They write a letter using some of the techniques they identified in Howard's.
Curated OER
Letters from the Heart: Designing for the Other 90% of the World's Population
Students explore varied aspects of the design process and learn that most products are designed to reach the worlds wealthiest 10%. In this activity, students work in groups to learn ways in which designers are attempting to rectify this...
Curated OER
The Early Suffragists
Students research early suffragists in an effort to find the most influential leader of the movement. They give presentations and the class chooses a winner. They write letters to the postmaster suggesting they be placed on a stamp.
Curated OER
A South African Storm
Young scholars explore racial prejudice in South Africa through the reading of "A South African Storm" by Allison Howard. In this cultural and geography instructional activity, students discuss ethnicity and prejudices and cite examples...
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Children's Literature Across the Curriculum Ideas-OGBO : Sharing Life in an African Village
Students read OGBO: Sharing Life in an African Village by Ifcoma Onyefulu. They complete a variety of cross-curricular activities surrounding the study of Nigerian culture. Included are reading, art, math, science, writing, social...
Curated OER
Horatio's Drive:Activity Two
Students experience the historic value of personal letters by examining those Horatio Jackson's sent to his wife, Bertha, as well as ones they compose, and then write letters from Bertha to Horatio that reflect her day-to-day life.
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Dear Me
Students take a classroom "gallery walk" memorializing 9/11. As a class, they read and discuss the article "A Day to Clear the View, and Remember." Then, they write letters focusing on events that have made them want to alter their life...
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A South African Storm
Students read a letter titled "A South African Storm" on her experiences of discrimination in the country. Individually or as a class, they answer questions about the author's purpose in writing the piece was and how she made herself...
Curated OER
A Court Case with Real Appeal
Students analyze the United States' current appellate process, with a critical eye focused on possible inequities within the system. They then write letters to a Manhattan district attorney giving their recommendations on how he should...
Curated OER
Progressive Movement
Sixth graders define what progressivism is and find events of the Progressive Movement. In this Progressive Movement lesson, 6th graders create their choice of a poster, flyer or brochure to invite others into the progressive movement....
PBS
Family History: Those with Lofty Ideals
Would you stand up for your beliefs, no matter the cost? Scholars investigate their own families to uncover examples of how and when someone stood up for their ideals. Using video clips, interviews, and eulogies, they come to understand...
Curated OER
Celebrating the Community
Students work to improve the community by generating funds to address a community need. In this community service project, students sponsor a event for the community. Students write letters to local representatives and invitations to the...
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Inside Information
Learners research and write reports about inventions and inventors. They develop graphic organizers to organize their information, and create reports on the impact of inventors and inventions.
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Galapagos Islands
Learners study the science and geography related to the Galapagos Islands. In this ecosystem lesson plan, students locate the Galapagos Islands on a world map and discuss its significance in history. Learners complete a vocabulary sheet,...
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Deciphering Morse Code
Students write and decode messages using Morse code, as Civil War soldiers might have done. They use a worksheet imbedded in this lesson to help them experience morse code.
Curated OER
It's All in the Making: Our Local Organizations
Students study African American nonprofit organizations. In this nonprofit organizations lesson, students discuss African American organizations. Students research the NAACP and NUL website. Students design posters for both groups....
Curated OER
Saint John: Harboring the World
Sixth graders write an invitation letter to potential immigrants to St. John, New Brunswick, Canada. Using internet research, 6th graders gather information from a virtual museum exhibit highlighting the positive reasons to move to St....
Curated OER
Oral Histories
Students interview local Native Americans to explore their history, culture, and contributions to the region. They contact a local Native American organization, conduct an interview with a volunteer and write thank-you notes.
Curated OER
Pay to Learn?
Students discuss the concept of schools paying students as an incentive for scoring higher on standardized tests. They debate the key issues of this question and write a letter to the local board of education expressing their position.