How did World War I effect the United States' status as a world power? Pupils examine a website to learn many interesting facts about American involvement during World War I. They read passages and interact with artifacts in an online...

It's an extravaganza of excrement! Do your pupils understand that waste doesn't really go to waste? Introduce the nitrogen cycle with an interesting instructional activity and lab from the K20 series. The activities include a look at...

Learners explore animal characteristics by researching the animals in a zoo. In this video documentary lesson, students view the local zoo and create a documentary about a single animal they found at the zoo. Learners present their...

Students analyze the difference between artistic and documentary photography. They discuss why photographers made certain photographers.

Students view video clips of September 11 and the assassination of John Kennedy. They discuss why these events hold such an importance to the United States. They also examine the role of coincidence and conspiracy in these types of...

Students evaluate maps using the TODALSIGs basic map analysis system, explained on the worksheet. They create a map of Alaska using TODALSIGs. Students brainstorm the elements of maps.

Students identify subtle messages advertisers send (often unintentionally) about age in the course of trying to sell products; to analyze the consequences, both positive and negative, those messages have on the American audience; to...

Students practice making multimedia documentary films by investigating cities of America.  In this U.S. geography lesson, students examine Las Vegas and compare the state of Nevada to 15 other states and discuss their main...

Learners determine their perspective on women's empowerment and then compare it to how it is seen in Syria. They watch four documentary clips, discuss what they've seen, and answer two short essay questions. Excellent resource links and...

Intermediate English language learners review vocabulary with this multiple-choice learning exercise. There are only eight sentences provided, and learners must choose the words that correctly complete each one. Example vocabulary words...

“What does it mean to be patriotic?” “Should grades factor in to a student’s eligibility for extracurricular activities?” Class members complete an anticipation guide that asks them to respond to a series of statements that highlight...

Students watch a varietry of films showing college life. In groups, they take different scenerios from the films and determine how they would have reacted. As a class, they discuss more in depth the issues they might face in college. ...

Students use cameras to take pictures of their community and create an exhibit to raise money. For this cameras lesson plan, students learn basic photography techniques and send their money to the "kids with cameras" project.

Learners explore the importance of images in telling a story in film, analyze movie clips and identify some visual cues that help them explain the story; students work collaboratively to storyboard a passage from a book and present them...

High schoolers 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...

Upper graders listen to and watch a documentary about an all female group Antigone Rising. They discuss how females are portrayed in the rock world, the type of music they play, their song lyrics, and what they note in the documentary....

Learners brainstorm a list of things they already know about the history of Fairfax County, Virginia. After reading a primary source document, they discuss the similarities and differences between their prior knowledge and what they...

Astronauts train underwater to simulate the change in gravity. An out-of-this-world unit includes three hands-on activities, one teacher demonstration, and a discussion related to some of the challenges astronauts face. Scholars apply...

Eighth graders review a chosen social studies topic that was covered during the school year. They research the topic using a variety of sources. Students create a documentary about their topic and they create a PowerPoint presentation...

Students create philanthropic documentaries. In this philanthropy lesson, students collaborate to create a multimedia documentary regarding the community philanthropy work they took part in.

Students view a documentary on the treatment of the buffalo. In groups, they create a website using ideas and solutions they developed. They must include graphics or animation and a multi-level webpage. They share their pages with the...

In this reading comprehension activity, students read several passages about the film industry and then answer eight corresponding questions. Additionally, students write a short description of a documentary they would make about...

Students experiment with plastics.  In this what is plastic lesson, students make a simple polymer and discuss recycling.  Students identify various types of plastics. 

Students read and discuss an online article as they consider what makes a center of activity in a city or town. They produce a documentary film of the hub of activity in their school.