Curated OER
Respecting Nonreligious People
Help students understand what an atheist is and why it is important or respect their beliefs. Using this non believers lesson, students will learn about people who hold different beliefs are discriminated against by others. They will...
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New World Meets Old
Students demonstrate understanding of basic facts about Christopher Columbus and different theories regarding his background. They try to solve the mystery of Christopher Columbus' background and write an essay offering their own opinion.
Advocates for Human Rights
Deliberative Dialogue
How do you create a classroom environment where hot button topics may be discussed in a respectful manner? As part of a series of lessons that focus on immigration issues, class members examine the rules for civil discussion before...
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The Violence of Ancient Rome
Students compare the violence in ancient Rome and the violence in American society today. They research and write an essay that requires comparison and contrast techniques as well as supporting personal opinions about violence in our...
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Debating for Land
Students research pertinent information based on historical facts and is supported by quotations from primary sources in order to prepare for a class debate about land ownership in the 19th century.
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Youth Leading the Way
Students share opinions about groups or activities that give meaning to their lives. They read and discuss the article "Challenging Tradition, Young Jews Worship on Their Terms". Afterward, they investigate and write news articles about...
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Science Mystery: The Vinland Map
Students research proof regarding the authenticity of the Vinland map. In this geography instructional activity, students hold a debate based on their research findings. They discuss which side won and write a short essay about their...
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Drug Testing In Schools - Take A Stand
Students examine facts about drug testing in schools.
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Lesson Plan: Spain has its own immigration issues. How does it compare to ours?
Students investigate the issue of immigration in North Carolina and Spain. They compare/contrast immigration in both and exchange opinions about possible solutions. In addition, they write an essay proposing North Carolina solutions...
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Pressures and Responsibities
Students recognize some of the physical dangers of smoking. They discuss personal responsibilities regarding smoking and peruse magazines and newspapers to find at least one tobacco advertisement.
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Carter as President and Ex-President
Young scholars examine how Presidents are judged during their time in office as well as afterwards. They conduct and Internet search for Jimmy Carter's inaugural address and write a news story about his address. Once they have written an...
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Women Monarchs And Heads Of State
Young scholars explore the rule of women throughout history. In this world history lesson, students participate in a panel discussion which requires them to share the strengths and weaknesses of selected women rulers.
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The Making of Our First President
High schoolers investigate George Washington's military career. In this George Washington lesson plan, students research the contributions of Washington the colonial military and then write editorials about his accomplishments for a mock...
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Walden
Students participate in a panel discussion on materialism, assuming the identities of Henry David Thoreau and other experts on materialism. In this Walden instructional activity, students create a panel discussion of prominent people,...
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Exploration of Mars
Students explore the three-phase strategy used by NASA for scientific exploration. In this space science lesson, students research past missions to Mars. They share their discoveries and create a timeline as a class.
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Credible Sources on the Internet: What to Trust, What to Dismiss and When to Cite a Source
Wait, you mean researchers don't all use Wikipedia? Teach your class about intelligent research with a lesson about evaluating digital sources. The lesson starts with a quickwrite and includes vocabulary exercises and several...
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Extraterrestrials
Young scholars discuss the possibility of intelligent life in space. In this space science lesson, students decipher a radio message electronically transmitted in space. They create their own extraterrestrial welcome greeting.
Crafting Freedom
Thomas Day's Letter to His Daughter, Mary Ann
Why is a letter a better way to learn about a person than a different primary source? Explore Thomas Day's ideas and advice to his daughter in a letter from 1851, which details the struggles of the American South before the Civil War....
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Immigration in Spain
How many people immigrate to Spain illegally each year? Both the United States and Spain see a lot of illegal immigration. Advanced learners will read various articles, compare and contrast the situation in both countries, and discuss...
State Bar of Texas
Texas v. Johnson
If you saw a person burning an American flag, how would you feel? Scholars analyze the concept of freedom of expression and speech with the Supreme Court case Texas v. Johnson. A short video clip creates open discussion in pairs on the...
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Agree To Disagree
High schoolers discover their own talents and preferences and determine how they apply to the world of work with a group activity. They express their choice and discuss their positions.
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Who Was Cinque?
Students examine the Amistad revolt and its significance in the American debate over slavery. They review and discuss period newspaper reports about the revolt.
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Geographic Luck
Students examine why some countries are rich while others remain poor. They view a video on the website, Guns, Germs and Steel, analyze primary sources to conduct research about plants and animals, and create a game based on their research.
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Dred Scott v. Sandford
Students examine the issues of slavery and due process. In this Supreme Court lesson, students examine primary documents from Dred Scott v. Sandford and discuss the implications of the decision.