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The Chinese Massacre of 1871

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students investigate the historical Chinese Massacre of 1871. They conduct Internet research, analyze period maps of Los Angeles, read an article, design a timeline, and write a research paper.
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Nonviolent Resistance: Gandhi and King

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners use the internet to research the major events and dates of Mohandas Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. In groups, they use this information to create a poster to present to the class. They reflect on how these two men were...
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Letters from Rifka

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students read Karen Hesse's book "Letters from Rifka" and explore how it presents the experiences of a Russian immigrant to America. They research and write reports on the experiences of various immigrants from different cultures, keep...
Worksheet
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Understanding Narrative Poetry

For Students 5th - 7th
In this poetry worksheet, students learn about narrative poetry. They then answer 7 questions about one of the poems they read, practice writing their own narrative poem, and complete a research project using the internet. The answers...
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Macbeth

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Young scholars discuss the changes the characters go through in Shakespeare's play Macbeth. They discuss the themes of the play write an essay comparing current events to the themes of the play.
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American Folktales and Tall Tales

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Learners explore the elements of American folktales. They discuss how they are passed on from generation to generation, how they use exaggeration, and how they convey a message or make a point. Students identify common elements of tall...
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It is Our Right-Don't Waste It!

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students explore the basic rights granted to all American citizens by the U.S. Constitution in the light of women's issues. The women's suffrage movement, the role of Susan B. Anthony, and the timeline of events on voting rights are...
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Women and the Civil War Era

For Teachers 5th - 7th
Students explore feminism and explore the different roles of women and how they have changed over time. They read books about women in this period and evaluate the past, observe the present, and make assumptions about the future.
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To Live

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore Chinese life during the Cultural Revolution. They read and discuss a brief historical essay on 20th century China as well as viewing a fictionalized film account of the time period titled, "To Live". They write a...
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Number The Stars

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Learners read a book about prejudices that occur in our daily lives. They describe characters in the book. Students discuss real life events of World War II and the Holocaust. Learners simulate hiding Jews from the German soldiers. ...
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Space Exploration

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders investigate the historical even surrounding the Apollo Mission to the Moon. They conduct research specifically to find information about the astronauts on the mission. The students conduct class discussion about the...
Lesson Plan
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My Time

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Pupils create a timeline of their lives. In this timeline lesson, students discuss relative and absolute time. They use events in their lives to create categories on a timeline. They link this lesson to geologic timelines.
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Attack on Hiroshima and Nagasaki

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders hear a story about the atomic bombing of Japan and write an editorial about the event from the perspective of either a Japanese or an American.
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Decision Making, Take a Seat or Get off the Bus

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders explore the positive and negative consequences of choosing to fight against discrimination. They read the story of Rosa Parks. Students discuss the movement against segregation. Students read other books about...
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Number the Stars

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students read Number the Stars. For this social studies lesson, students read the story and use a map of western Europe and identify the countries involved in the war. Students locate the cities of Denmark that are discussed in the story.
Worksheet
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The Creation of South Africa

For Students 7th - 9th
In this African culture worksheet, students read a selection about the creation of South Africa and then create a time line and respond to 4 short answer questions. 
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1968: Year of Social Change and Turning Point in Vietnam and the United States

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders examine the year 1968 in Vietnam and the United States. They work together to research events which they create a timeline. They also read primary source documents of veterans of the Vietnam War.
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Understanding Federalist #10

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Students read the Federalist #10. In groups, they discuss the meaning of each paragraph. Afterward, students write a summary exploring the important arguments of the paper. Students explore the historical significance of the document.
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Radio Show

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students work in groups to write a radio drama based on an event or period in history. They write commericals that are appropriate for the radio age and create sound effects. The radio shows are recorded using an iPod and a voice...
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Mystery and Mayhem

For Teachers 10th - Higher Ed
Students use literature to examine the violence and loss of innocence during the 1960s. In this U.S. history lesson, students read Robert McCammon's Boy's Life to investigate the social unrest, violence and loss of innocence in the...
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Teaching the Bell Tetrahedral Kite

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students complete readings on kite making and kite flying. They analyze how the parts of a system interconnect and influence each other. Students identifies and uses color and form in a 3D artwork.
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Sadako and the 1000 Paper Cranes

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students read the novel "Sadako and the 1000 Paper Cranes by Eleanor Coerr. They Reaearch Japanese Culture and design a presentation based on information from the Sadako Peace Club link.
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Antisemitism in Early America

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders explore the rise of antisemitism in the United States in the early 20th century. After reading a passage concerning one man's ordeal, 11th graders discuss how the civil rights of minority groups has been viewed in...
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Idioms Lesson Plan

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders discover idioms. In this idioms instructional activity, 6th graders evaluate idioms and discover their meaning. Students read Runny Babbit by Shel Silverstein and create unique idioms. Assessment rubric is provided.