Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Tale of Genji

For Teachers 11th - 12th Standards
Did you know that the world's first novel was written by a woman? Murasaki Shikibu's The Tale of Genji, was published in 1021. Class members research Eastern and Western cultures in the 10th and 11th centuries, view modern adaptations of...
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Abraham Lincoln and the Arts

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students engage in a study of history and how the figure of Abraham Lincoln has evolved into a national cultural icon. They discuss the importance of his life and how he influenced the political landscape of America in the past and present.
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Holi-Days

For Teachers K - 4th
Students research an event, celebration, or observance from a culture with which they are not familiar and present their information to the class in this cross-curricular look at festivals and celebrations. The lesson includes an option...
Lesson Plan
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Putting the Sitcom into Perspective

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Young scholars identify and compare similar characters and situations in stories and dramas from and about various cultures, illustrate with classroom dramatizations, and discuss how theater reflects life.
Lesson Plan
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Caribou

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders study the cultural and nutritional importance of the Caribou in Inupiaq life.  In this World History lesson plan, 8th graders analyze primary sources that explain these people's lives. 
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The Treaty Trail: Examining an Artist's Perspective

For Teachers K - 5th
Elementary school leanrners examine artwork from the time period of the United States and Native American treaties. They discuss the causes and effects of the treaties being signed. They also examine how cultural perspective influences art.
Lesson Plan
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The Tet Offensive and the Vietnam War

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners discover how the United States became involved in the Vietnam War, the importance of the Tet Offensive in turning American public opinion against the war, and how the Vietnam War is still a part of American life and culture.
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Observational Drawing

For Teachers 8th - 10th
Students create drawings using oil pastels that convey cultural, social and historical meaning. Drawings are evaluated on use of color planning, contour drawing, color blending, line and pattern.
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Witchcraft

For Teachers 10th
Tenth graders develop response to witchcraft from a historical and cultural perspective. They evaluate the use of ceremonies and rituals in witchcraft. They develop a character and develop use of genres and styles of drama. They role...
Lesson Plan
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Kids and Leisure in Early 1900s Ann Arbor

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders describe how Michigan has changed and stayed the same over time; describe and classify human/cultural characteristics of Michigan; describe and explain the importance of individuals and groups who have made a difference.
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Poetry: When the Rain Sings Poems by Young Native Americans

For Teachers 7th - 11th
Poetry can express feelings, values, and culture; it also provides insight into a time and place. Young analysts discuss the meanings of several poems from a collection of Native American works entitled, When the Rain...
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Egyptian Weather Lesson

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students chart temperatures in Egypt on spreadsheet to determine how weather conditions affect lifestyles.
Lesson Plan
Alabama Learning Exchange

Our World is Like a Rainbow

For Teachers 6th - Higher Ed
Students create a Venn diagram of people's similarities and differences. They investigate why people relocate to different geographic regions after investigating the positives and negatives of different states.
Lesson Plan
Missouri Department of Elementary

Bursting Stereotypes

For Teachers 9th
Balloons take on the role of stereotypes in an activity that asks high school freshman to generate a list of different adjectives that are frequently used to describe men and women. Then then attach a stereotypical label to a balloon and...
Lesson Plan
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Diversity

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders research the meaning of diversity and human rights in various countries.  In this Social Studies lesson, 11th graders reflect on the aspects that can negatively affect First Nations people, then select a country...
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Grappling with Identity in Latino Poetry

For Teachers 9th - Higher Ed
Students identify some common themes involving the Latino immigrant experience as conveyed through a variety of media, explore issues of identity in some examples of poetry written by Latinos and learn some basic poetry reading strategies.
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Heritage: Patchwork Quilting

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders read the book "The Quilt Story" and point out likenesses and differences in pioneer and modern times, as well as the importance of the quilt throughout the story. They work as one large group to create their own patchwork...
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African Chants

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Young scholars perform African chants. In this geography skills lesson, students read about African chants and watch videos about them prior to performing them in groups with appropriate rhythm and cadence.
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Human Impact on the Life Cycle of Corals

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Students study the life cycle of a coral reef. They then participate in a simulated village meeting in which they roleplay various characters who must review proposed legislation dealing with reef management.
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The Buffalo: A Way of Life for the Plains Indians

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders complete a KWL chart on the Plains Indians. After watching a video, they state the difference between legends and facts about the importance of the buffalo to Native Americans. They also practice their note-taking skills...
Lesson Plan
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Legendary Myths Verses Modern Life

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students discover that some of the influences ancient myths have had on the way of life still practiced today in a Spanish speaking country they have chosen. They work in small groups to devise their own essential question, research...
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2.0 "Water Is Life" Global Water Awareness Mini-Unit (Grades3-5)

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Students study the amount of potable water on the Earth. In this water lesson, students examine the amount of potable water as compared to all the water on the Earth. They discuss why many parts of the world do not have access to good...
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Understanding Tenement Life

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students look at life for immigrants in the 19th century. In this immigrant lesson plan, students discuss how the poor German, Irish, Italian, and Jewish immigrants lived in tenement housing. They research the reasons they came to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Day in the Life of an Egyptian

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students study the daily lives of ancient Egyptians from every social class. They use creative means to present what they have learned about the lives of Egyptians from all social classes.