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Mineral Scavenger Hunt
Students complete a scavenger hunt worksheet as they find examples in their classroom, at home, etc., of minerals. Excellent worksheet!
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Reaganomics Debate
Students examine the effectiveness of 'trickle down' economics. In this "Reaganomics" lesson, students use readings, analogies, discussion and debate to understand basic economic concepts. Students will analyze the what they think are...
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The Many Faces of Paul Robeson
Students discuss and construct timelines based on the life of author/performer/Civil Right's activist, Paul Robeson. They view photographs of him at various times in his life and discuss the roles he may have been playing at those times.
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Contributions of Immigrants
Young scholars identify the contributions of immigrants to America. They analyze the value of these contributions as well. They discuss how these contributions affect other's personal perspectives of immigrants.
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Exploring Women's History
Students read and analyze Jessie Benton Fremont's travelogue of her trip out west in 1849 to identify the gender roles, social attitudes and class distinctions of the time. They then adapt the the travelogue into a film script.
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I Have a Metaphor
Learners locate the literary devices used in Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech. In this figurative language lesson plan, students first distinguish between similes, metaphors, analogies, personification, etc. Learners...
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Cartoons for the Classroom: From Toons to Icons
In this current events activity, students analyze political cartoons that feature icons like the hot dog and the teddy bear. Students respond to 3 talking point questions.
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A Tough Act to Re-enact
Students discover the significance of various historical events. Using the information they find, groups re-enact these events, stressing their importance to history and our lives today.
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From the Moon to the Sun and Back Again
Young scholars consider the aims of the space program, create posters comparing the voyages of Apollo 17 and Genesis and write response papers evaluating NASA's current mission statement.
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Respect for Non-Native Students
Students develop and understanding that people born in other countries deserve respect and appreciation. In this ethnic background appreciation lesson, students discuss the different countries that classmates are born in. Students then...
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An Introduction to the National Archives
Fifth graders study the national archives through both images AND visiting the site. This is meant to provide them with an understanding of what documents are important to the U.S. and why (i.e. Declaration of Independence, etc...).
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Underground Railroad
Fourth graders use internet cites to explore the Underground Railroad. They also learn the importance of the Emancipation Proclamation. Focus questions are included.
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Reconstruction: "Healing Wounds, Mending Fences"
Students examine material on the Civil War Era to develop an understanding of the major issues that were resolved. This six lessons unit provides a closer glimpse into our nation's political and ethical history.
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The Wealth In Poverty
Students investigate the social problem of poverty. They view a film in order to create context for the lesson. Students evaluate different quotations about the issue. Classroom discussion is used to find the definition of being...
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Tale of Two Speeches
Students view and read portions of John F. Kennedy's Cuban Missile Crisis speech from October 22, 1962. Later in the year, students recall what they remember about the speech and use a Venn Diagram to compare it to Patrick Henry's...
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Charles Lindbergh and Anne Morrow Lindbergh: Alone Together
Students discover what the lives of Charles Lindbergh and Anne Morrow Lindbergh were really like after watching a Biography movie about them.
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Archeological Pow-Wow
Young scholars, in groups, examine the use of artifacts and fossils to study people, plants and animals from the past.
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Choosing the Correct Voice
In this writing voice worksheet, students complete three activities that help them understand and use the correct writing voice in formal papers.
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Civil Rights Heroes
Students explore the actions of people involved in the Civil Rights Movement. They explore the reasons for the movement and its successes and failures, and explain the sacrifices made by those who participated in the movement.
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James Van Der Zee
Students recognize James Van Der Zee as an outstanding photographer who documented and reflected life in Harlem during the 1920s. They identify important aspects of Van Der Zee's life and artwork and compose and shoot their own...
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Outo Rugged Shores: The Voyage of LST534
Students view a film about warships during World War II. They discover the job of a seaman and what impact veterens have on the world today. They also examine the lasting effects of the war.
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Full Court Press
Young scholars investigate the Supreme Court's role and function in the federal government and examine how Chief Justice Rehnquist's illness might affect the future of the Court. They write letters to President Bush on the Supreme Court...
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There Were Many Paths to Freedom
Middle schoolers explore the Underground Railroad in the history of Pennsylvania.
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Amazing Speeches
Students study the speeches of Frederick Douglas, Abraham Lincoln, and Chief Joseph. Students write a story set during the Nineteenth Century Era. Students present their story to the class. Handouts and worksheets are included in the...