Using Mark Twain's The Man That Corrupted Hadleyburg, invite your learners to consider the concept of virtue in a democratic society devoted to gain and self-interest. This stellar resource guides your class members through a close...

What are the strengths and weaknesses of American individualism and independence? Explore these principles through a close reading of Jack London's To Build a Fire, and engage in high-level discussion with your class by analyzing the...

What if society sought equality by handicapping the gifted and dispelling any traces of diversity? Kurt Vonnegut Jr. offers one possible answer to this question through his incredibly engaging and thought-provoking satirical...

The United States of America was founded on firm ideals of both the pursuit of happiness and a spirit of reverence. Through a close reading of Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The May-Pole of Merry Mount," you can examine what some consider was a...

Combining a close reading of a classic American text with the study of history can be a very powerful strategy, and this is most certainly the case with this resource using Edward Everett Hale's The Man without a Country. Consider themes...

Even for one of the most accomplished men in American history, there was room for improvement. Challenge high schoolers to use Benjamin Franklin's Project for Moral Perfection to analyze text, make inferences, connect to historical...

Students investigate a combustion reaction. In this combustion lesson plan, students mix dry yeast with hydrogen peroxide in a test tube. They place a glowing splint in the test tube and observe the combustion reaction as the splint...

Eighth graders discuss justice and fairness. In this equitable treatment of others instructional activity, 8th graders say the Pledge of Allegiance and read a passage from a blog. Students discuss the terms: fair, just, and equitable. 

Fifth graders identify and summarize the impact on the U.S. Civil War of a selected Civil War leader. In small groups they conduct Internet research, and compile a page containing research information and pictures using Kidpix or a...

Young scholars are introduced to the roles played by the various people on Parliament Hill. They create a comprehensive trading card as outlined in the accompanying format.

Students recognize and observe weather phenomena. In this four part weather lesson, students are introduced to weather symbols through a story, then use a thermometer to measure water temperature. Next, students observe the formation of...

Young scholars describe the conflict discussed in class, identify the groups involved in the conflict and their various interests, and define the term ethics. They analyze a current news story from an ethical point of view.