Curated OER
A Test of Faith
Secondary schoolers investigate the debate surrounding the current sexual abuse crisis in the Catholic Church with this New York Times lesson. Through discussions and written reflection, they explore their own thoughts and opinions on...
Penguin Books
Educator's Guide: The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code is filled with secrets. Help readers find the clues, solve the riddles and puzzles, and unwrap the mysteries with a six-page guide that includes before, during, and after reading discussion questions and...
Curated OER
Following the Leaders
Examine the historic election of Pope Benedict XVI and reflect on the challenges he faces as the new leader of the Catholic Church. This New York Times lesson investigates how other world leaders are chosen in different forms of...
Curated OER
The Oblate Sisters of Providence and Early African American Education in Baltimore
Eighth graders examine the educational system for free African-Americans in Baltimore in the early 19th century. For this American History lesson, 8th graders read a handout and answer focus questions. Students analyze photographs.
Public Media for Northern California
An Educator’s Guide to Teaching Gun Control Issues | The Lowdown
The topic of gun control is vast, controversial, and difficult to introduce to learners. This gem of a resource covers both sides of the issue and provides topic background, various multimedia and print resources, analysis questions, and...
Curated OER
The Trial Martin Luther
Students investigate details about the trial of Martin Luther. In this Reformation lesson plan, students review the acts of Martin Luther concerning Reformation of the Catholic Church and then read proceedings from his trial. Students...
Curated OER
Why Did King Henry VIII Divorce Catherine of Aragon?
Why did King Henry divorce Catherine of Aragon, and how did he make divorce possible? Young historians will read through each informational slide to learn the story of Catherine of Aragon, King Henry, and Anne Boleyn. They will then...
Curated OER
A Celebration
Students research the role of the Catholic church in the experiences of Haitian immigration. They organize a celebration of African and African-American cultures around the feast day of St. Martin de Porres, a saint of African descent.
Curated OER
Understanding Calvin
Students examine the vision of John Calvin. In this Calvinism lesson, students compare Calvin's religious ideology with that of Martin Luther as well as the Catholic Church. Students discuss the lecture they listen to and write...
Curated OER
Cartoons for the Classroom: Toons as Tributes
In this current events worksheet, students analyze political cartoons that feature tributes to Pope John Paul II. Students respond to 3 talking point questions.
Curated OER
Mea Culpa
Students investigate Pope Benedict XVI's apology for offending Muslims and examine other papal apologies. Students investigate and report on other modern examples of papal apologies, and determine how their apologies were accepted by the...
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum
Red States/Blue States: Mapping the Presidential Election
Young historians investigate how voting patterns have changed by comparing the outcome of the 1960 election to the outcome of the recent election. A creative final assessment has participants making a news show wherein they provide...
Curated OER
The Extra Place
Students read and discuss the story of a Peace Corps volunteer's experiences in Poland. They read and write a response to the story, and participate in a class analysis about their own personal decision regarding the story.
Curated OER
The Extra Place Lesson
Pupils explore communication skills. In this Peace Corps instructional activity, students read "The Extra Place," by Susan Peters and discover Polish cultural traditions. Pupils consider how they would respond in a scenario that...
Curated OER
Life Choices
By examining two differing perspectives on the topic of abortion, upper graders will be able to build an opinion of their own. A teacher-led lecture outlines key points in the debate for or against abortion including, the role of...
Curated OER
History: An African American Cultural Celebration
Students prepare and organize a cultural celebration of African migration and immigration. Working in groups or individually, they research topics and present the information, including dance demonstrations, instrumental or vocal...
Curated OER
Sculpting a Message: From the Counter-Reformation to the Present Day
Students discuss persuasive messages in art. In this art history lesson, students research 17th- century European sculptures to find the messages given. They create their own sculptures and write press releases to explain their art.
Curated OER
Messages in Art Work
Observe images and discuss what messages they convey. In this critical thinking lesson plan, students determine whether works of art are trying to persuade their audience. They also consider the media and how they communicate messages to...
Curated OER
Love is ... Business Studies
Students celebrate St. Valentine's Day. In this holiday lesson, students discover details about Lupercalia, St. Valentine, and modern traditions of the holiday.
Curated OER
Reformation and Civil Wars of Religion in 16th Century France
Students discover details about the Reformation. In this French history lesson, students view a PowerPoint presentation about the religious wars that took place in the country and within Europe. Students take notes on the presentation...
Curated OER
Creating a Bas-Relief Sculpture
Students create a small bas-relief sculpture of an animal in clay. They roll out a background, and build up the clay on the back ground to represent themselves and an animal. Pieces are dried and fired, then combined with others to...
Curated OER
European Festivals
Students explore the diversity of European festivals. In this cultural diversity lesson, students visit selected Web sites to research ancient festivals, the Edinburgh Fringe, and the Glastonbury. Students may organize their own festivals.
Curated OER
Structures And Mechanisms
Eighth graders explore and demonstrate an understanding of the factors that contribute to the efficient operation of mechanisms and simple machines. They design and make a mechanical toy device that moves a given object a specified...
Curated OER
What is Art?
Students become familiar with the art and architecture and history of the Chicago World's Fair. In this public arts project lesson plan, students compare and contrast fine art and public art through a study of the exhibits at the...