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Curated OER

Language Arts: GloFish - Illuminating Essays

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students research the genetically-engineered GloFish and write essays expressing their views about the subject. They evaluate the pros and cons of genetic engineering.Students may also hold a debate about genetic engineering.
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The death penalty; What is your view?

For Teachers 9th - Higher Ed
Students write a persuasive essay about the death penalty. Students respond to students at St. Ignatius Catholic High School in Cleveland protesting the death of Adremy Dennis. Students research both sides of the debate, before writing...
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Same-Sex Schools Gain Ground

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine the issue of having same-sex classes. Using the internet, they research how this program is working around the country. They interview local education experts and determine how they view the issue. They include an...
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Student Travel in the Shadow of War

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students research and discuss pros and cons of study abroad during times of war, and document decisions and positions of local school administrators on topic. Students then write editorials voicing their opinions.
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How Safe Is Your Cafeteria Food?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore how the school has done during recent food inspections. They write an article that explores the situation. Students create a chart of violations and corrections.
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Journalism: Ritalin Abuse

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students conduct research and interviews to examine abuses of Ritalin to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. They interview doctors and students and collect contact information to include in a sidebar.
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Browns Player Helps Kids

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students read the brief news stories about Michael Lehan and his involvement in the program Adopt Cuyahoga's Kids. Students then write a reaction paper on the topic: "What is the best way to help parentless teens?"
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Destressing: Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students interview peers, teachers, counselors, parents and local health providers to see how they identify "good" stress and suggest teens cope, write news feature about stress, complete with extra boxes, such as list of signs to spots,...
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Buried Treasures

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students, in teams, generate and research questions about Canada's receding glaciers. They then hold a 'press conference' in which each team provides answers for questions in their area of research. Finally, they pool their information...
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Air Pollution

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students research and find information on air pollution. In this air pollution lesson plan, students answer short answer questions about air pollution. 
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World War I: People, Places, and Events

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students research the people, places, and events of World War I. They select a topic, conduct research, read and discuss a bibliography handout, and create a biography, newspaper, diorama, or comparative maps to present their research...
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Let Your Motto Be Resistance: African American Portraits: Grades 3-5

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students explore the contributions of African Americans of the 20th century. In this African American history instructional activity, students examine portraits of Muhammad Ali, Romare Bearden, Lorraine Hansberry, Judith Jamison, and...
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Fearing the Fear Factor

For Teachers 9th - Higher Ed
Students write a reaction paper on the topic: "Reality shows like 'Fear Factor' are dangerous/nothing to worry about because...." Students respond to the situation Akron, Ohio's First Energy Corporation being labeled irresponsible after...
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Making Akan Gold Weights and Understanding their Proverbial Meanings

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students examine a variety of gold weights used by the Asante in West Africa. In groups, they discuss the purpose of the gold weights and practice saying proverbs associated with different pieces of art. To end the instructional...
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Ecological Footprint

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders discover their own ecological footprint and create a plan for reducing this figure. They extend this to the school and community to see how they are doing on this scale. They discuss the concept of the ecological...
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Exploring Adlai E. Stevenson II

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders research work to research six areas in the life of Adlai E. Stevenson II: His Early life, Governor of Illinois, Campaigns for president, Ambassador to the UN, famous quotes, later years. They create a supply of notecards...
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Endangered Animals Books

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Middle schoolers research endangered species and create and publish books to present their findings. Designed to use Inspiration software, this resource could be adapted if you don't have access to the program. Contains handy website...
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Technologies of the Civil War

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders discover new and interesting technologies of the Civil War. In this Civil War portfolio of lessons, 5th graders analyze primary resources, develop new vocabulary, investigate websites, and create a time line of new...
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Neighborhood Rubrics

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students use a rubric to analyze their neighborhood and write a persuasive essay about changes that should be made. In this writing instructional activity, students use a rubric to grade their neighborhood and brainstorm improvements....
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Turtles

For Teachers K
Students discuss turtles. They read books about turtles, make turtle puppets, research turtles on the Internet and then create a turtle fact booklet.
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Christmas Tree Shaped Poems

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Students think about ways in which they can spread joy during the holiday season. They create poems in the shape of a Christmas tree. Pupils use formatting tools in Microsoft Word to format the text of the poem. Students discuss ways...
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Cooperative Classroom Text Features Activities

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders examine text features and create a PowerPoint presentation. For this text features lesson, 5th graders go over Kagan Cooperative Learning Structures and text features before they choose one to include in a book and...
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Why Progress?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars consider the impact of the Progressive Movement on America. In this Progressivism lesson, students view a PowerPoint presentation on the topic. Young scholars then research "Progressive Thinkers" and create...
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Remembrance Day

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders research the meaning behind Remembrance Day. In this Remembrance Day lesson, 2nd graders discuss peace and why Remembrance Day is significant. The book Why We Remember is read aloud to the students.