Curated OER
Common Good in Aztec Culture Lesson 2: Aztec Religion
Middle schoolers examine human sacrifice and read about Aztec gods and religious practices. They study Aztec sacrifice while looking at opportunity costs of doing things for the common good.
K12 Reader
Customs and Traditions
Here's a two-part reading comprehension instructional activity that asks kids to read a short passage about the customs and traditions of Native American tribes and then to answer a series of questions based on the article.
Curated OER
Japan
Students locate Japan's absolute and relative location on a globe and various maps. They describe Japan's various regions and islands and their system of education, customs and religion. They assess Japan's impact on our society.
Curated OER
Create a Holiday: What Will it Be?
Students study holidays and culture. In this customs and traditions lesson plan, students create their own holiday based on traditions and holidays that different cultures currently practice.
Curated OER
A Trip to the Caribbean
Sixth graders use the World Wide Web to research information about the culture of these countries including the religion, types of food, climate, business and industry, and typical clothing of the people in the area.
Curated OER
International Festival: Venezuela
Students become familiar with the Venezuelan culture and geography. In this Venezuelan Festival instructional activity, students compare and contrast themselves to the people of Venezuela. Students participate in activities to...
Nosapo
Days of the Week
What do you usually do on Saturdays? What will you do on Thursday? Class members practice the simple future tense and the days of the week with a series of activities and questions. They then share their answers with a partner.
Curated OER
"Four" Goodness Sake
Fourth graders recognize that ethnicity, religion and geography are reflected in the food choices we make. In this food choices lesson, 4th graders discuss different types of food from different places. Students compare a menu to the...
Curated OER
Understanding Cultural Differences
Students listen to an interview and then write an essay about the life of people in the country as perceived by the person they interviewed.
Curated OER
Different Strokes
Students explore a Maine community in which a sudden influx of Somali immigrants has resulted in tension between the Somalis and the local residents. They create a handbook explaining aspects of the Somali culture to an American audience.
Curated OER
Shapes and Shelters
Students are be able to analyze primary sources (photographs) for evidence of Ancient Egyptian culture and design meaningful objects. They are grouped in pairs and instructed to choose someone that they admire, either living or...
Curated OER
Discovering Places & Regions
Fifth graders research physical and cultural features of a place. They practice skills in gathering information from various sources, using tools such as graphic organizers, word processing, multimedia, and use of the Internet.
Curated OER
How Many Wives?
Students explore how religious texts are often used to establish cultural norms and rules of behavior. Through research and discussion, students explain how religious texts can be open to interpretation. Students can apply their research...
Curated OER
An Ancient Greek and Roman Festival
Third graders label a map of ancient Greek and Roman civilizations and do a written report on one element of these two cultures. They participate in discussions of food, farming, daily life and government (among others). Students use the...
Curated OER
Story Writing
Students master their compare and contrast writing skills by choosing an American cultural element (fashion, food, religion, etc.) and comparing it to the same element of another culture.
Smithsonian Institution
Watching Crystals Grow
Amazing science can sometimes happen right before your eyes! The class gets cozy as they watch crystals grow. They use Epsom salts, rocks, and food coloring to create crystals. They'll observe the entire process, documenting every step...
Curated OER
Who was affected by North American Colonization and How?
Conduct research on various aspects of American Colonization and explore how different groups were affected, including those involved in the Salem Witch Trials. Your class will read books, write journals, participate in class discussion,...
Curated OER
Italian-American Legacy
Young scholars study the role of the Italian government in the migration, also their role in farm life and poverty. They discuss how the Italians supported their families and why they exited to other countries. They discuss how to begin...
Curated OER
Plants and Animals, Partners in Pollination
Students participate in multiple hands-on activities to explore reproduction and pollination. In groups, using a cotton swab and powder, students simulate being pollinators and plants. They name the parts of the flowers and the function...
Curated OER
Chinese Ritual: The Death Ceremony
Learners discuss the importance of the Death Ceremony in Chinese culture using Du Fu's poem "Fireflies" as a basis of information and create original poetry in the style of Poet Du Fu.
Curated OER
Social Studies: Exploring Japan
Fourth graders examine the culture and environment of Japan, beginning with a KWL chart. They use clay and cups of water to construct representations of the Japanese Islands. After designing flags representing farming and food, 4th...
Curated OER
Dalai Lama: Day 2 of 5
Sixth graders explore philosophy by researching the Dalai Lama. In this Tibetan history lesson, 6th graders discuss the influence of Buddhism on the Dalai Lama and the unique view on life a Buddhist must have. Students read a Tibetan...
Curated OER
Observing First Impressions
Students explore their own personal qualities. In this social awareness instructional activity, students explore their identities as results of genetics and environments. Students also discuss first impressions and their reliability.
Curated OER
Ohlone Indians
Fourth graders use various pictures to identify the economic activities, food supply or religious beliefs of the Ohlone Indians. Students create a cooperative learning travel brochure.