Focus on classification using this resource. A young girl demonstrates how to sort and classify objects by cleaning her room. It is a great way to link classroom learning to real life tasks.

Teach vocabulary in this quick game to vocabulary skills game. Divide the class into two groups, give them clues to a particular word, each team has sixty seconds to identify the vocabulary word. Words can be arranges to include...

Found metal objects were welded together to create an inspiring African sculpture. Learners consider the use of objects and the inspiration of African art seen in Picasso's work. They then find and create a scrap art sculpture, as well...

This lesson plan starts out with a guided discussion about the statement "Birds fly in the sky; airplanes fly in the sky; therefore, airplanes are birds" and goes on to cover logical fallacies and reliable sources, relating these to the...

Investigate the nature of crime dramas on television. What exactly are they trying to portray? Questions and a comparison chart support learners as they watch shows from Canada, Great Britain, and the United States. An oral presentation...

Students examine how personal responsibility affects globalization. In this global issues lesson, students explore ethnicity, economics, media, and technologies as they relate to globalization. Students then read a speech by Tony Blair...

Young scholars identify discriminating questions in employment interviews. In this diversity lesson, students discuss legal and illegal job interview questions and then role play situations which require them to answer or avert the...

Eighth graders update the American Bill of Rights. In this critical thinking skills lesson, 8th graders collaborate in small groups to revisit and rewrite the Bill of Rights. Students must write proposals for a revision bill the change...

Students make connections between local history and national history. In this primary source research lesson, students write biographies of the after they research how a community has changed over a period of several years. Students also...

A key component of critical thinking is to be able to present and support a claim. Clarify for your learners the difference between claims and issues with a 11-slide presentation. Specific examples illustrate each concept.

What is a KWL chart? Here is a well thought-out lesson plan that has learners use KWL charts to gain historical perspective. Your class examines primary sources about historical events and identifies what they know, want to know, and,...

SAC is a specific approach to discussing history and controversial issues. Rather than adhering to an either/or debate-style paradigm, it fosters speaking and constructivist listening to enable learners to build consensus through...

This lesson plan is preparation-intensive, but well worth the investment. You will construct five or six portable testing stations with which lab groups will gather data on the best position for collecting sunlight with a solar panel....

Upper elementary and middles schoolers discuss and solve real world applications of math. They use formulas for volume and percents to answer real world questions. In the second part of the lesson, groups write and solve word problems....

Learners of all ages solve historical mysteries. Elementary learners research historical topics by organizing information presented by their instructor, formulating hypotheses, and considering solutions to mysteries presented about...

It's the classic paradox in this political cartoon analysis; any jobs plan requires extra government spending. However, the unemployed aren't willing to concede to more federal spending for what they want most, jobs. Background...

Reveal how Greek Mythology can play into American politics through this political cartoon, where President Obama is depicted as Sisyphus. Background information gives scholars access to the cartoon's context, and three talking points...

Add a little humor to the current happenings of Washington D.C. using this political cartoon analysis handout. A quote serves as context to help learners access the featured cartoon, which depicts President Obama climbing a "reality...

What are superdelegates? Use this political cartoon analysis handout to explore this informal term with your scholars. Background information gives brief context to help high schoolers examine the featured cartoon, and three talking...

Political cartoons add an element of fun as your scholars study current events in Washington D.C. This analysis handout uses two cartoons to bring learners into discussion about the many issues democrats have concern over as November...

It's an economic Catch-22! Expose your scholars to the hiring/unemployment paradox using this political cartoon analysis instructional activity. The cartoon shows corporations explaining to a job seeker that they cannot hire him due to...

Political cartoons are a poignant way to examine energy sources. This analysis handout has scholars examining a cartoon by Joe Heller (a link to his gallery is included for possible extensions). Background information reminds pupils of...

For this primary source analysis worksheet, students read the primary source "Drawing of an African Burial Ground in Situ," and then respond to 3 short answer questions based on the source. The source is not provided.

Twelfth graders examine how the Constitution ensures individual rights. In this U.S. Constitution lesson, 12th graders consider separation of powers, checks and balances, federalism, and popular sovereignty as they create graphics and...