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Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Lesson: Immigration

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Many of your class members will have heard of Executive Order 9066 and the Japanese internment camps of World War II. Some may even recognize the terms “Issei” and “Nisei,” but few will have heard of Enemy Alien Hearing Boards, of the...
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Growing Like Dr. King

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students explore American History by reading biographical material. In this civil rights lesson, students read information about Martin Luther King Jr. and his successful demonstrations which led to equal rights for African Americans....
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Life of a Stage Man

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Learners analyze Arthur Miller's views about his works, characterizations as played out on the stage, and the role of theater in today's society. They act as casting directors for a
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Out On A Limb In The Pacific Rim?

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students act as cultural attachés to investigate and present briefings on the post-1945 histories and United States diplomatic relationships with East Asian countries. They articulate their foreign policy findings.
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Gorillas In The Midst

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students consider the idea of the eco-tour, and examine different aspects of the Mountain Gorilla Project eco-tour in Rwanda. They synthesize their understanding by acting as expert panelists on a morning news show that focuses on the...
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Security and Savings for All?

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students act as either Democrats or Republicans to debate plans to alter Social Security. For homework, they consider whether Social Security has become too politicized and propose their own solutions.
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Wobbling in Circles

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders role play the parts of the sun, the moon and the Earth as they simulate the concepts of revolution and rotation. They act out the parts in small groups and discuss the concepts as a class.
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Funny Business

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students discuss how much they understand of satire and parody. They read an article about an Iraq news parody show. They create and act out their own parody skit. They write an essay about using humor in grave situations.
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TE Activity: Heavy Helicopters

For Teachers 5th - 7th
Young scholars study the concepts of weight and drag while making paper helicopters. They measure how adding more weight to the helicopter changes the time for the helicopter to fall to the ground. They apply what they examine to the...
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Ecological Decision Making

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students, beginning individually and later in small groups use the decision making model to address the question of reintroducing the wolf into Yellowstone National Park. Each small group elects a spokesperson to report to the class,...
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Understanding Agriculture as a Political Tool

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners investigate how agriculture can be used as a political tool. They watch a PowerPoint presentation and take notes, identify reasons for protecting agriculture, write an essay about a current political issue in international...
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Life in a Hurricane Zone

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students study the nature of hurricanes and examine in detail the effect of Hurricane Georges upon the Dominican Republic. They explain the way in which physical systems (e.g., a hurricane) can affect human systems (e.g., the life of a...
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For Public Display

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Learners compare three works of art to understand how juxtaposition can express a point of view. They brainstorm topics of interest to them and their respective communities that could act as a springboard for curating individual exhibits...
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The Crash, the Dust, and the New Deal

For Teachers 7th
Students explore the Great Depression. In this American history lesson, students examine primary sources in order to research the Stock Market Crash of 1929, the Dust Bowl, and the Neal Deal. Students study the impact on these events on...
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Fair Housing Lesson 4: Constitutional Hearing

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students investigate fair housing issues in the United States. In this government lesson plan, students watch "No Place Like Home," and then prepare to participate in a classroom simulation that requires them to act as state legislators...
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The Interpretation of Dreams

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students study Freud and what he thought of dreams.  In this dream interpretation lesson plan students complete an experiment on dreams. 
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Badges of Pride

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders investigate jobs and how people identify with their job.  In this labor instructional activity, 5th graders create a book from illustrations of various jobs. Students read an article about labor and answer questions...
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Family Ties

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Learners explore what life is like for immigrant women in the United States.  In this immigration instructional activity, students study about immigration through reading and watching a video, then share their thoughts and ideas by...
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Assessing Self-Concept

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders complete a self-assessment worksheet. They discuss the worksheet and write their responses. Students create a personalized list of things they can improve or maintain their positive self-concept. Students create a list...
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Pop Rocket - Trash to Treasure

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
First off, Newton's laws of motion aren't often taught at 2nd grade, so this lesson may be more appropriate for upper elementary learners. It begins with a discussion and demonstration of the laws of motion, and then has individuals...
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Character Education: Caring

For Teachers 5th - 7th
Students create a bookmark with reminders of simple acts of kindness. In this character education lesson, students participate in a mini-lesson that serves as a great introduction to a service project. Students first brainstorm ways to...
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Introducing 'Communication Talent' with "Casey at the Bat"

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students listen to the poem "Casey at the Bat". They use their Forecasting Skill to answer questions and discuss the poem.
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Students as Consumers: The Relationships Between Communities

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Students survey the clothing they are wearing to determine where it was made. They work in groups to locate the countries where the clothing was manufactured, develop questions about what makes a good purchase and work with a buddy class...
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School Lunches Get More Healthful

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students read a story called School Lunches Get More Healthful and answer vocabulary and comprehension questions about it. In this current events school lunch lesson plan, student respond to literature by answering questions, recalling...