Novelinks
Lord of the Flies: Outlining and Begin Drafting
Help young writers with the daunting prospect of a five-paragraph essay. Using William Golding's Lord of the Flies, learners work through a short process to shore up their brainstorming and prepare to write a longer essay.
Curated OER
Built to Last
Students explore architectural elements of ancient buildings. In groups, they research famous structures. Students write an opinion paper examining the debate over whether or not ancient monuments should be maintained or rebuilt after a...
Curated OER
Ancient Egypt
Seventh graders examine the cultural expressions, cultural structures, and basic needs of the ancient Egyptians. They explore Egyptian religion, government, and daily lives of the various classes and how the geographical, social, and...
Curated OER
Shange's Novel Betsey Brown & Jazz
Students read a work of fiction and investigate literary values and structure of the work. They demonstrate understanding of the family values, cultural and historical context of the novel;
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...
University of California
The Civil War: Strategies and Battles
Was it the War against Northern Aggression or the War to Unify the Union? Scholars investigate the key battles and strategies of the American Civil War to determine just why the North was victorious in the end.
Biology Junction
Birds
Birds adapted to almost every climate on the planet, from the Arctic to the rain forests. A presentation focused on birds covers their similarities and differences. It starts with their evolution from reptiles, their many physical...
Curated OER
Elementary School Uniforms
Fifth graders debate the pros and cons to wearing school uniforms. In this uniforms lesson plan, 5th graders identify, research, and present pros and cons in a debate setting.
Curated OER
Writing to Argue
Students write an argument using a clear structure and argumentative techniques. In this persuasive writing lesson, students brainstorm, write, and peer edit an argumentative essay. Worksheets include the prompt, facts and quotes, and a...
Curated OER
The Euro: Classroom Exercises – The Costs of Adopting a New Currency
Learners investigate the adoption of the euro as currency. In this global studies lesson, students read articles titled "Italy Rows Over Rising Euro Prices" and "Prices Safe from Euro Launch." Learners then debate the controversy...
Curated OER
Government
Eighth graders analyze the purposes of government. They examine or assess the importance of citizenship to the individual or to society at large (e.g., the importance of voting). Students explain the structure and functions of the three...
Curated OER
Radio Program #13-Consolidation of Schools
Students interpret the stories of school consolidation efforts. They explore what social and structural changes have occurred in rural schools. Students debate the plusses and minuses of school consolidation from several perspectives.
Curated OER
Was the Iraq War a "Humanitarian Intervention?"
Learners debate the intent of the Iraq war. For this humanitarian intervention lesson, students each research a view point and defend it in a class room debate. Learners defend the views points of Terry...
Curated OER
Number the Stars Chapter 15
Pupils analyze the theme of bravery in the book Number the Stars. They create a list of possible themes in Number the Stars. They review elements of a story, focusing on climax. They debate over the climax of the story.
Curated OER
Skyscrapers
Students examine photographs of skyscrapers. They work together to design their own building. They must include a list of all of the essential materials and how to deal with problems. They present their completed design to the class.
National First Ladies' Library
States' Rights: 1798-1860
Students develop an annotated timeline specific to the concept of States' Rights. They research an example to the doctrine noting how the ideas change and beome more specific as time passes and discuss their findings through class...
Curated OER
Keep The Ball Rolling
High schoolers are introduced to new vocabulary associated with a topic of their choice. In partners, they are to keep the conversation going by using the new vocabulary and proper tenses. They are graded based on a rubric given to them...
Curated OER
One Room School House Reading Lesson
Students explore schools during the Colonial period. In this American history lesson, students participate in a simulation of school days in Colonial America. Students visit a museum and use the schoolhouse as a setting for their...
Curated OER
Courtship and Marriage
Students research the concept of courtship and marriage as it pertains to early New England and explore the values and culture that shaped our history. In this courtship and marriage instructional activity, students examine primary...
Curated OER
Lights, Camera...Ticket...2
Young scholars research the pros and cons of traffic light cameras that generate tickets and interview local city officials to see if they have considered this for the community. Students then prepare a panel to present the advantages...
Curated OER
What's Wrong With Nuclear Power, Anyway?
Students see that the production and use of nuclear energy has been both praised and condemned as a source of electrical power for our daily living. They examine the reasons for the conflict of opinions in our society.
Curated OER
How Secure is Social Security?
Students explore the Social Security System including its history, benefits, funds, problems, and its future.
Curated OER
Where Do We Go From Here?
Pretending to be freed people, students explore the reasons why US citizens might emigrate from the USA to new lands. Within this activity, they will prepare proposals discussing both the pros and cons for emigration. The activity will...
Curated OER
Language Arts: Living in "The Matrix"
Students are able to identify, in a discussion mode, the ways in which the media uses persuasion to achieve their desired aims. They analyze, also in a discussion mode, the media's influence on our society by comparing media advertising...