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Haiku and Beyond: Exploring Genres of Japanese Literature
Fourth graders compare and contrast the literature of Japan as they study the culture, history and geography of the island nation. They read various genres of literature, describe geographic and landform features of Japan, and find...
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In the Light of Reverence
Students watch a documentary prior to participating in a Supreme Court simulation in order to study how religious practices are protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution. They interpret conflict from a number of perspectives...
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Ghosts of Rwanda Pre-Viewing Lesson Plan
Students watch a film about the history of Rwanda and discuss the meaning of genocide. They study the basic principles of the United Nations and examine how point of view effects the reporting of history.
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Welcome to Leonard Bernstein's New York
Students study the life and musical work of Leonard Bernstein. They examine the history of New York City using three Broadway musicals in a web based lesson. They create a portrayal of their own town in this multi-lesson activity.
Facing History and Ourselves
Emmett Till: Connecting the History of Lynching to The Murder
Though the murder of Emmett Till shocked 1950's America into turning attention to the racial crimes of the South, it was far from the first time racism had erupted into violence. High schoolers examine the killing in context with the...
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Hong Kong Symphony: Heaven, Earth, Mankind
Students complete a unit on the reunification of Hong Kong with China in 1997. They watch and discuss a documentary, write an essay about unification, conduct Internet research on three artists from the film, complete a data sheet, and...
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Unchained Memories
Eleventh graders consider what life was like for American slaves. In this primary source analysis lesson, 11th graders read slave narratives from Unchained Memories and then participate in a discussion about the conditions in which...
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Clay Animation
Eighth graders create a visual story without using words. A study of the history and process of clay animation is explored and discussed. Students storyboard a plot of a story and students divide up into groups designing characters and...
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The Insurgency In Iraq: A Quandary for the U.S.
Young scholars read articles, conduct Internet research and participate in a mock debate to explore the pros and cons of withdrawing from Iraq or remaining in conflict with the insurgency. They consider the difficulties of consensus...
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Who Controls the Real Cost of Credit Cards?
High schoolers view the film "How Much Does Debt Cost?" and explore the reasons why credit card fees and interest rates have gone up so much over the last 25 years. They participate in class discussion and complete a worksheet.
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A Class Divided
Students view a documentary about racism and discrimination against people of color. They discuss the film, identify ways in which they can combat racism, complete worksheets and consider how racial tensions are reflected in society.
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Random Strategies in Archaeology
Young scholars critically evaluate cultures according to their artifacts. In this Random Strategies in Archaeology lesson, Students interpret evidence in order to better understand ancient societies. Young scholars watch films that...
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Cuban Missile Crisis in Thirteen Days
Eleventh graders explore the Cuban Missile Crisis. In this Cuban Missile Crisis lesson, 11th graders take notes from a PowerPoint presentation regarding the topic and then watch the film "Thirteen Days". Students participate in...
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Genocide in World War II
Students access a variety of websites that explore the Nazi German genocide of Jews in WWII. They view a film, complete a worksheet and write an opinion paper supporting the view to either punish or forgive the perpetrators of crimes...
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Auschwitz Episode Guide: Corruption
Students examine life at the Auschwitz concentration camp. They watch and discuss a PBS documentary, analyze reasons for prosecuting perpetrators after the war, and develop criteria for recognizing Internet sites developed by Holocaust...
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What Difference Does A Name Make?
Pupils view the film The Persuaders that discuss the perspective and spin of language use for a variety of issues. They discuss the career of Frank Luntz, a man that runs focus groups to determine how to advantageously phrase issues in...
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Entrepreneurs are Born, but Can They Be Taught?
Students explore the concept of entrepreneurs. For this entrepreneurs lesson, students read an article about entrepreneurship and whether or not it is an inherent trait or a learned skill. Students discuss why entrepreneurship is...
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Rights and Responsibilities: Grass Born to Be Stepped On
Students research an event in history in which rights and responsibilities are involved. They create a movie of the information they find.
Frontline
Obama's Deal
Government classes benefit from examining how a bill passes through Congress, while they focus on the compromises made by Obama's administration regarding health care reform. This includes an online video and a couple of handouts. The...
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Interrogation Tactics in the News
High schoolers investigate interrogation tactics at use in the world. In this global issues lesson, students watch "Torturing Democracy," and discuss the implications of interrogation techniques used by the United States following 9/11....
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Haiku
Students study various forms of poetry and the culture of Japan. They are introduced to a haiku- a traditional form of poetry and an art form in the Japanese culture. They write a haiku and create a student haiku booklet with the classes...
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The Fog of War
Students view the film Fog of War and discuss the most striking elements of the film. They focus on chosen lessons from robert McNamara's life such as: empathy, rationality and proportionality.
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The Role of Television in Social Justice
Students will discover the direct impact television coverage had on the African American Civil Rights Movement. They will employ listening, information processing, and critical thinking skills while watching the film clips and answering...
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Wild Swans
Students, watching the movie, "Wild Swans," explore a writer's journey of discovery about her mother, grandmother, and herself. They also study the Chinese culture and history of the last 50 years.