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The Westward Movement

For Teachers Pre-K - 8th
Students study the westward movement through examining stamps. In this westward movement lesson plan, students draw conclusions, determine cause and effect relationships and examine the westward movement of the United States by...
Lesson Plan
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Breaking the Chains: Rising Out of Circumstances

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Study history through photographs. In this visual arts and history lesson, students learn to analyze photographs to discover details about life during the Civil War era. Students write journal entries as if they are the African-American...
Lesson Plan
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Putting a Spin on Current Events

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students discover propaganda.  In this Greek mythology lesson, students discuss meanings of ancient art work with their class.  Students investigate the dishonesty behind propaganda.  
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Paul Conrad's Perspective on Civil Rights

For Teachers 11th
 Students review a political cartoon and discuss desegregation.  In this cartoon analysis lesson, 11th graders discuss the impact of a political cartoon and its relation to a Supreme Court case.  Students read additional...
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Living With Risk: The Human Element of Natural Disasters

For Teachers 5th - 10th
Students explore human elements that are a part of natural disasters, read a Hawaiian myth, conduct a survey, discuss why people choose to live in high risk areas, and participate in a writing activity based on studenT real life accounts...
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Out of Old England in the 1630s-Flat Me Project

For Teachers 2nd - 5th
Students write letters to penpals. In this geography/literacy lesson plan, students become penpals with a classroom in England to learn about customs and society across the ocean. Flat Stanley by Will Holton is read aloud, and students...
Lesson Plan
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The Roots of Religion: Teacher’s Guide

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students explore ancient cultures. In this ancient religions lesson, students study the civilizations of ancient Mesopotamia they watch "Garden of Eden" and discuss their impressions. Students then research Sumer and prepare...
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Natural Inquirer

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students explore the research process. In this scientific method lesson, students analyze data from an article, write their own informational article and express what they have learned. Students create their own article using the given...
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1,000 Cranes

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students improve motor skills through careful folding, a discipline necessary in the practice of origami. They develop multicultural awareness by exploring Japanese history.
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The Watershed Quest

For Teachers 5th - 7th
Students examine their connection to local watersheds. They describe the water cycle and list species living in their local watershed. They also draw a map of their community.
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Saudi Arabia

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers view a video clip about bombings in Saudi Arabia. They discuss the causes and implications of other recent terrorist attacks. They examine the United States - Saudi Arabia relationship as well.
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The Warrior Role in Greek Society

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers are introduced to the various gods and goddesses in ancient Greek mythology. In groups, they use print and electronic resources to research the ways Greek culture has influenced the modern world. To end the instructional...
Lesson Plan
National First Ladies' Library

Secretary of Commerce

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers gain understanding of economic history of United States in twentieth century by examining role of Department of Commerce. Student groups each analyze one quarter of twentieth century by researching role of Department of...
Lesson Plan
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Exploring Islamic Lands

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars examine the lives of Islamic teens. In this global studies lesson, students explore selected Internet sites to discover the attributes of Islam, the cultural traditions of Islam, and information regarding Middle Eastern...
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Neoclassical Influences

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers analyze neoclassical art. In this art history lesson, students listen to their instructor present a lecture regarding the details of the art produced during the Enlightenment.
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Messages in Art Work

For Teachers 8th - 9th
Observe images and discuss what messages they convey. In this critical thinking lesson plan, young scholars determine whether works of art are trying to persuade their audience. They also consider the media and how they communicate...
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Acid or Base? Toxie's on the Case

For Teachers 2nd - 6th
Students recognize the difference between acids and bases.  In this ToxMystery lesson, students play a computer game and experiment to find the difference between acids and bases. Students use litmus paper to determine if household...
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Early Explorers

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders study early explorers. For this World history lesson, 5th graders draw an outline of a map labeling each part, build geographical features out of dough, and paint each of the land and water features.
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Nature Superfish

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students study the behavior or ocean animals called  billfish. In this life science lesson, students create their own documentary about a local animal. They share their videos with the entire school.
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Stream Table

For Teachers 3rd - Higher Ed
Students explore channelization, riparian habitats and soil erosion to find out about  the aquatic habitats in Iowa. In this aquatic habitats lesson, students define important terms and read an article about pollution. ...
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Rainforest

For Teachers K - 1st
Students examine how important the rainforest and its resources are for our everyday survival in the future.
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Designing Babies

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students analyze current and emerging techniques used to select specific characteristics in offspring. They examine specific case studies and make ethical decisions based upon the Ethical Decision-Making Model.
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Improving the HVAC System

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students describe the components of an HVAC system and determine which factors influence how efficient the system can be. They work together to develop hypotheses about the systems and their cost effectiveness and efficiency.
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How Has Transportation Changed Since the 1899 Harriman Alaska Expedition?

For Teachers K
Students recognize modes of transportation. They research historical data from a variety of primary and secondary sources including the Harriman expedition journals, related web sites, and photographs from the expedition. Students...