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Predicting the Past
Learners study how archaeologists record the past. They discuss archaeology and artifacts. They view a list of artifacts discovered by Marquette at the Illinois Village and answer questions regarding them. They complete a test about...
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Living in America (The Earliest Years)
Fifth graders work in groups to study a particular group of Native Americans. They use a study guide to guide their research and use the internet and text resources to gather information. Students post their research on a class web page.
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History Today
Young scholars use the newspaper to determine how history is being made in your community, region or country.They identify the different components that comprise a newspaper. This lesson contains adaptations from elementary to high school.
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Was the Stamp Act Fair?
Students examine British and Colonial perspectives on the Stamp Act.
They determine whether or not the act was fair. Students are intrdouced to the social and economic forces that pushed Americans toward Revolution.
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Runaway Slaves, An American Experience
Sixth graders explore, analyze and study how one's personal experiences impact one's perspective and actions. They interpret ideas and events of slavery from the different perspectives of an abolitionist, slave owner, United States...
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Animals from Afar
Students visualize the scope of the Roman empire by illustrating the geographic origins of various imported animals. They study how exotic animals were imported into Rome from the farthest regions of the empire.
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Citizens' Power : Deliberative Assemblies
Students study the rule that govern the operations of deliberative assemblies. They explore how they can become respectful citizens who explain Parliamentary government.
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Japanese Culture--Comparing the Japanese Educational System to the American
Learners study the Japanese educational system and compare and contrast it to the American system. They discuss a typical school day in America and what they believe a typical day is for a Japanese student. Next they write an editorial...
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Who Burned the Peggy Stewart?
Young scholars conclude findings from various political and social sources regarding the burning of the Peggy Stewart. Students explore the various opinions of Maryland colonists and strategies used to protest the British tax and...
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Houses and the People They Shelter
Students examine different homes and shelters across cultures and time periods. In this Houses and the People They Shelter lesson, students draw conclusions about society and culture according to the features of their dwellings. Students...
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Religion, Culture, and Diversity
Students study different religions and share their own religious traditions. In this religion lesson, students investigate different religions and how ideas about religion can create conflict, growth, and change. They interview family...
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United States Geography and Topography
Fifth graders recognize the major regions of the US while reading a map. Students study the physical features of the US. Student research and report on states and their capitols.
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Geography and Architecture
Students discuss how terrain and climate affect the design of houses and commercial structures and thus influence the way architects design buildings in this elementary lesson plan.
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Alaska Trade
Students spend two days traveling throughout Alaska, trading as they go. They explore universal principles related to trade and commerce while studying about Alaska's geography and indigenous people. At the end of the lesson, students...
National First Ladies' Library
The Flying Inauguration of the "Sudden President
Students study the inauguration process as well as what the constitution states about who succeeds the President of the US when the office is emergently vacant. They discuss the role of government and the events leading to Lyndon...
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The Gingerbread Man Trail
What a fun way to familiarize your young learners with friendly faces on campus! Scholars read "The Gingerbread Man," discussing the characters he meets. Then, they examine a map of the campus, placing photos of employees (such as the...
Smart Museum of Art
The Making of a Superhero
Thor, Loki, Iron Man, and Captain America. As part of their study of Greek and Roman gods and heroes, middle schoolers compare the characters in The Avengers to Greek counterparts. Individuals then create their own superhero,...
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Get in Shape with Geometry
Using geoboards, computer programs, and hands-on manipulative materials, elementary schoolers engage in a study of two and three-dimensional geometric shapes. This lesson is chock full of good teaching ideas on the subject, and the...
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The Food Guide Pyramid
Students examine each level of the food pyramid and how many servings they should consume during the day. They study the important nutrients associated with each category of the food pyramid.
Sea World
Whales
A whale of a lesson is sure to intrigue your elementary oceanographers! Learn about the mammals of the sea with a series of activities about whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Kids complete worksheets about the anatomy of a whale, create a...
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Embroidery As A Form Of Art
Students create a "class quilt" using techniques learned from the study of Asian textile practices in this six-day lesson for upper-elementary school. This lesson requires parent volunteers.
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Mudras and Sign Language
Students compare the languages of the ancient Japanese people and the American deaf community, two cultures that utilize hand signs in this lesson for the early elementary classroom.
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Flora, Fauna, and the Passing Seasons
Students discover representations in art, religion and cultural practices of the flora and fauna of specific geographical regions in this early elementary lesson plan. The lesson ends with a mural project by the entire class.
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Playing in China
Young scholars create their own Chinese tangrams using in-class direction and prior knowledge in this two-day lesson for the early elementary classroom. Chinese toys are also explored.