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Diversity Among Us
Second graders examine diversity and disabilities that arise in the classroom environment by listening to a read aloud. They watch a slide show that demonstrates differences among students and how to communicate effectively in diverse...
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Shoebox Dig
Students participate in a simulation in which they dig for artifacts in a shoebox filled with objects.  In groups, they record the types of material and artifacts found in each layer.  To end the instructional activity, they answer...
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Our community and New York City
Fourth graders research websites to gather information about New York City and the Ridgewood community.  In this New York City and Community lesson, 4th graders make a semantic map. Students write short postcards to send to students...
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Hector's World - Lesson Plan Episode 1 - "Details, Details..."
Students examine the ramifications of sharing personal information. In this personal information in a digital world lesson, students establish their individuality in a classroom activity. They watch an episode of "Hector's World" that...
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What Made George Washington a Good Military Leader?
Students list qualities they believe made George Washington an effective military leader. They discuss some difficulties Washington faced as Commander-in-Chief and describe his response to the Newburgh Conspiracy.
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Time to Hang Out
Students create a timeline and reinforce the concepts of past, present and future as well as scale.
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Forced Assimilation
Students identify ways that a society promotes assimilation and examine areas where it still occurs in our present culture. They assess the value of assimilation.
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Au Revoir to All That
Students take a close look at the president of France, In this French history lesson, students visit selected websites to take in French culture, investigate the 2005 riots, and predict what President Sarkozy's leadership may resemble.
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Time's Up
Students reflect on the events of the year 2000 by creating timelines that note memorable events in the news and in their won private lives. They combine individual timelines into a larger classroom timeline.
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Art and Anatomy: The Vitruvian Teen
Pupils are introduced to the history of showing the human anatomy. In groups, they measure their height and arm spans to create a graph and determine if their measurements support Vitruvius' work. Individually, they make their own...
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Are things Really More Expensive Today?
Students explore the topics of inflation and deflation within the economy. The Consumer Price Index is used to contrast the price of goods today with that of years past.
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Cargoes from Three Continents Ancient Mediterranean Trade
Sixth graders begin the activity by researching the different types of ships and shipbuilding techniques used to help trade in the Mediterranean Sea.  Using different objects, they determine what one can tell about a society and discuss...
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Boundary Crossing
Seventh graders explore the issues that arose as a result of boundary crossing.  In this US History lesson, 7th graders research supreme court cases in regards to crossing boundaries.  Students present their findings to the class.
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Law in the Future
Young scholars develop a legal system. In this justice system lesson, students examine case law in the Untied States and draw on that experience to create a legal system for a "moon colony" which integrates the legal systems on Earth.
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Vietnam: Lesson 3
Students examine the Gulf of Tonkin incident and investigate the Ho Chi Minh Trail. In this Vietnam activity, students complete discussion activities about the Gulf of Tonkin incident, the Ho Chi Minh Trail, and the approaches of Kennedy...
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American Revolution: A European Battle
Students create a timeline of events during the Revolutionary War and conduct research of historical figures. They construct acrostics or diamantes of the figures' names. They evaluate the involvement of Europeans in the war.
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Road to Revolution (Part 3)
Students explore the road to the American Revolution. In this American history lesson, students research the events in colonial America that led to the Declaration of Independence and the American Revolution. They then create a timeline.
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Breaking Barriers
Students examine the context of a speech delivered by Barack Obama. In this African-American history lesson, students discuss the 15th Amendment and the American Civil Rights Movement prior to analyzing Barack Obama's speech "A More...
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This Guilty Land
Students read and discuss several informational cards about John Brown, the historical context he lived in and his abolitionist cause. They complete a character chart and write an epitaph that conveys their opinion of his actions.
Arts & Humanities
Make a Souvenir Suitcase
Shoe boxes are fantastic for art projects! Kids create travel boxes, where they can store their travel memorabilia. Tip: Instead of using this idea to make travel cases, create social studies boxes instead. Kids will make these travel...
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Women In Space: Sally Ride
Second graders explore the life and accomplishments of Sally Ride, the first American woman in space. Through reading and discussion, they recall details from Sally Ride's life. 
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Historic Population Chart
Students examine the changes in the population in Idaho over a specific amount of time.  In groups, they use the digital atlas to identify the trends in the population and describe why and how they exist.  To end the lesson plan, they...
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How Do We Learn About the Past?
Students examine archaeological discoveries. In this learning about the past lesson, students view a "Magic School Bus" video, discuss the role of an archeologist, and complete a graphic organizer. Students discuss a variety of artifacts...
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Hero Within
Young scholars interview a hero. In this heroes lesson, students read Number the Stars to begin a discussion about heroes and then create mind maps on each character. Young scholars pick a local hero and interview them and then write a...