Curated OER
The Last Word: Using Critical Thinking and Analysis to Reach a Decision
Want to explore the process of writing a persuasive essay and tie it in with the upcoming elections? Class members use Venn diagrams and the hamburger model of persuasive writing to write a five-paragraph essay on elections and...
Curated OER
Voice of History
Way before the digital age radio was the medium of popular culture. After listening to excerpts from radio programs (easily available on the Internet), participants return to the radio age by creating a two-minute sketch based on a...
Curated OER
Reliving History through Slave Narratives
Helpful for an American literature or history unit, this lesson prompts middle schoolers to examine slavery in the United States. They read slave narratives that were part of the Federal Writers' Project and then conduct their own...
Curated OER
Goals and Perseverance
Define the word perseverance to have learners understand why it is important in reaching goals. Young scholars research how Martin Luther King needed perseverance to accomplish his goals. They write acrostic poems using the word...
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Driving Safety and Distractions
Students perform research about the problem of distractions caused by technology. The importance of the problem is formulated after the research is done. Students write an article based upon answering the problem.
Curated OER
Eyes in the Sky
Middle schoolers examine the use of satellites. For this research lesson, students discuss the history of satellites and how we use the information today. They will conduct interviews with older adults who have lived in the changing...
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For Better Or For Worse
Students explore personal and public responsibility in dealing with social inequality. They conduct research and participate in a discussion about the effect of Hurricane Katrina in regard to racial and economic equality in the United...
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Controlling Substances
Learners consider their own understanding of household safety, examine the latest remedy deemed poisonous by physicians, and research the hazards of household products. They create public service announcements regarding potential hazards.
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Comparing Cultural Holidays
Students discover facts about the Mexican holiday, Day of the Dead. In this compare and contrast lesson plan, students explore Halloween and the Day of the Dead. Students create an alter to memorialize a family member or friend that has...
PBS
An Attack on Syria- What Would You Do?
Has United States military intervention in the conflicts of other countries always been warranted? After reviewing a brief background on contemporary US conflicts and reading articles describing the civil war in Syria, your learners...
Curated OER
The Flat Earth
Students use scientific explanations to discuss the shape of the Earth. In this research based lesson, students will explore various concepts about how scientist use evidence to determine if the Earth is flat or round. Students will hold...
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Dissection Time
Students take a closer look at the organization of magazines. In this journalism lesson, students complete handouts about the jobs and responsibilities in the magazine industry. Students then learn about the steps of publishing and...
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Monsters
Students explore the idea of 'monsters' in society. In this character lesson, students define what a monster is, what purpose they serve and why they are necessary. They will go on the read Beowulf and Grendel and design their own...
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Safety Catch
Learners consider their own beliefs about gun control after examining the effects of and speculations about a decade-long ban on semiautomatic assault weapons.
Curated OER
Twain: Icon and Iconoclast
Students examine work by Mark Twain in the context of pre- and post-Civil War America. In this cross curricular lesson, students gather biographical information about Twain, use a Venn diagram to compare and contrast him with Lincoln and...
Curated OER
Media Awareness: Key Concepts in Advertising
Learners examine the basic concepts of advertising. In this media awareness lesson, students discuss target audience, art, and purpose in advertising to determine what makes an advertisement effective or ineffective. Learners evaluate...