Watching is not the same as seeing. Transform viewers from passive watchers to active students of film with this 34-page packet, filled with lessons and activities that use Mr. Smith Goes to Washington to examine the technology, the...

Five segements from Ken Burns' documentary series Prohibition, easily accessed on the PBS website, are at the center of a terrific short unit on the roots of America's ambivalent relationship with alcohol. Engage your secondary...

Middle schoolers explain the ways in which current American system of government both resembles and differs from the system of government in Rome form about 510 to 264 B.C.

Trench art is a nontraditional art form created by soldiers in trenches during wartime. Artist Allison Smith connects her art to the American Revolution and the question: "What are you fighting for?" Kids examine her art, how it connects...

Students explore values that unite Americans. In this government lesson, students recall the symbols of America and discuss how to create a "Classroom Constitution." Students form rules and write their own Constitution.

Make your learners aware of the advantages and disadvantages of using different media in presentations. This straightforward resource evaluates media formations such as print, digital text, and videos. Although the subject of ballet is...

Learners produce a picture of the flag of China.  In this flag of China instructional activity, students follow directions to create a picture of the flag of China.  Learners compare their work to a photograph

Young scholars explore how water conservation is influenced by the four sectors of economy. In this social studies economics lesson, students brainstorm problems and solutions related to water conservation. Collages are created to...

Learners discover the difference between form and shape as it pertains to interior design. After identifying objects as either shapes or forms, they design their own shapes and give them form. Activities include creating shapes and...

Fourth graders participate in an activity which introduces them to common types of precipitation. They examine "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs" through a teacher read aloud and make a weather pamphlet.

Students examine inkblot images. In this visual arts lesson plan, students consider perception as an element of art as they partipate in activity that requires them create and analyze inkblot art. Students analyze several pieces of...

Sixth graders investigate ancient civilizations by creating a research project.  In this world history lesson, 6th graders investigate historic civilizations developed close to important rivers of the near East.  Students...

Students identify the elements and principles that appear in an illustration of a room and explain each concept in writing. They watch this movie identifying each of the elements and principles of design portrayed in the interiors of...

It isn't always easy to tell another person how we feel; and little ones have an even more difficult time identifying and expressing their emotions. They get a chance to discuss and explore how they can express how they feel in different...

Students explore the duties of the US President. In this history lesson plan, students use research to gain information about presidents. Students utilize various forms of research, pictures, library books, textbooks, newspaper,...

Students engage in a lesson that helps them better explain the quadrennial ritual surrounding the election of a president in the United States of America.

Students identify the basic structural and decorative designs, create examples of line (horizontal/vertical/curved/diagonal), as well as identify and explain the difference between shape and form. Then, they identify and explain the use...

Young scholars examine the functions of portraiture and create their own portraits. In this portraiture lesson plan, students read an excerpt from Portraiture, by Shearer West, to discover the ways in which portraits can be used. Young...

Students study Japan and explore the use of screens.

Scholars assess a government's ability to intervene in personal health decisions. They research basic facts about euthanasia and describe their opinions about new legislation passed in the United States Congress about an individual's...

Students analyze the difference between shape and form. They identify, explain and use the basic elements of design and determine that forms are three-dimensional and shapes are two-dimensional. They sketch it on their paper and then...

Students investigate city management and government by creating a fictional city in groups.  In this civics lesson, students create rules and a mascot for their fictitious city which they create from poster board cubes....

Students study the life of Ellis Wilson. They examine the use of simple shapes when drawing human figures. They examine how to incorporate pattern into a background setting.