Lesson Plan
Newsela

Mexico: Art, Food and Culture

For Students 4th - 6th Standards
What can we pick up from the culture of others? Scholars learn much about people of Mexico by completing a close reading of articles about the country's culture. After completing the selection, readers carry out tasks, complete quizzes,...
Lesson Plan
National Endowment for the Humanities

Mexican Culture and History through Its National Holidays

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Young historians have an opportunity to study the complex history and culture of Mexico by learning about several holidays: The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Dia de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe), The Day of the Dead (El Dia de los...
Unit Plan
University of New Mexico

Educating Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students

For Teachers K - 2nd Standards
Three mini units make up one large unit designed to explore multiculturalism and encourage cultural identity. Each lesson plan sparks thoughtful discussion, critical thinking, and are equipped with activities and assignments geared to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) - A Cultural Holiday: Color Exploration of Warm and Cool Colors

For Teachers 3rd
Young artists examine pictures from and discuss the holiday Día de los Muertos. The symbolic skull showcases the use of warm and cool colors. Color exploration allows learners to use coordinating colors to create two paper...
Activity
Mexic-Arte Museum

El Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead Educational Activity Guide

For Students 6th - 12th
Here's a must-have activity guide for any celebration of El Dia de Los Muertos. The colorfully 56-page packet is packed with historical background, information about Mesoamerican cultures, images of the works of famous artists, and...
Lesson Plan
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National Museum of the American Indian

The A:Shiwi (Zuni) People: A Study in Environment, Adaptation, and Agricultural Practices

For Teachers 6th - 8th Standards
Discover the connection of native peoples to their natural world, including cultural and agricultural practices, by studying the Zuni people of the American Southwest. This lesson includes examining a poster's photographs, reading...
Lesson Plan
NOAA

I Can't Breathe!

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
The Gulf of Mexico dead zone, an area of low oxygen that kills marine life, costs the United States $82 million every year. Young scientists research anoxic ocean environments then come up with a hypothesis for the cause of the Gulf of...
PPT
Pearson

The Simple Present: Affirmative and Negative Statements

For Students 3rd - 8th Standards
The present tense is a helpful skill to review in any language arts classroom. Focusing on statements made in the affirmative and in the negative, a slideshow presentation guides pupils through grammar rules and examples for the simple...
Activity
University of California

Tenochtitlán

For Teachers 7th Standards
Behold, the Great Aztec empire! Scholars use primary sources to understand the impact of the Aztec city Tenochtitlan. Academics complete a worksheet and participate in group discussion to understand how Tenochtitlan was a melting pot for...
Website
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Smithsonian Institution

Mexican War

For Students 5th - 12th Standards
Did you know that without the Mexican War, the United States would not include the states of Arizona, California, New Mexico, Texas, Nevada, Utah, and even parts of Colorado? Scholars learn a variety of interesting facts about the...
Lesson Plan
American Documentary

Confucianism in a Changing Society

For Students 9th - 12th Standards
The Last Train Home, a 2009 documentary about China's migrant factory workers, provides viewers with an opportunity to explore how China's emergence as a global manufacturing force is challenging Chinese traditional values like...
Unit Plan
Annenberg Foundation

Exploring Borderlands

For Teachers 6th - 12th Standards
What motivated Europeans to explore the New World, and what effects did their exploration have on Native American populations? The second installment of a 16-part American Passages series prompts pupils to watch a video and read several...
Lesson Plan
Vanderbilt University

Dia de Los Muertos

For Teachers 3rd - 12th Standards
To honor El Dia de los Muertos, scholars work together to create Day of the Dead displays—paper sugar skulls and banners—that bring a festive and memorable flare to the classroom.  
Unit Plan
Core Knowledge Foundation

Maya, Aztec, and Inca Civilizations

For Teachers 5th Standards
A 10-lesson unit explores the Maya, Aztec, and Inca civilizations. Over the course of two weeks, scholars read nonfiction excerpts, discuss their findings, and complete activities. An assessment equipped with multiple choice and matching...
Website
PBS

Latino Americans: Timeline of Important Dates

For Students 4th - 12th Standards
From 1500-2000, an interactive timeline details important events related to Latino Americans. Next, to each date are small, yet informative blurbs—some of which include videos. 
Activity
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El Museo del Barrio

Dia de los Muertos Educator Resource Guide

For Teachers 4th - 7th Standards
What are the origins of el Dia de los Muertos, and how is this tradition observed in contemporary celebrations? With a variety of lesson plans and suggested hands-on activities, here is an excellent resource to reference as you...
Lesson Plan
PBS

Extranjeros and Expansion

For Teachers 6th - 12th Standards
A three-part activity gives light to the Unites States expansion from the view of Texans, New Mexicans, and Californians. Through videos and written activities, scholars work collaboratively to research specific individuals and their...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mexican Folk Art: Sugar Skulls

For Teachers K - 5th
Scholars use their knowledge of color to create vibrant skulls for Día de los Muertos. A thoughtful discussion brings forth information about the special holiday. A review of cool colors and warm colors prepares learners for the creation...
Lesson Plan
Dick Blick Art Materials

Percussive Pods

For Teachers K - 12th
Combine the study of art, music, and history with an activity that asks kids to craft rattles out of slabs of clay.
Lesson Plan
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Constitutional Rights Foundation

Arizona v. United States — States and Immigration Law

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
As part of a study of immigration law, class members read a summary of the Supreme Court case, Arizona v. United States. They then examine a series of examples and acting as federal court judges, must determine if the scenarios...