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Introduction to the Great Depression

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders participate in a discussion on the causes and economic events of the 1929 stock market crash. In this stock market lesson plan, 11th graders use this as an introduction to the Great Depression.
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Why Does Delaware Have Such A StrangeShape?

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students examine the events and history surrounding the boundaries of Delaware. They participate in a class discussion and analyze a map, then create a floor map using masking tape. Students also participate in a play about the...
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Observing the Sky

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students explore astronomy. In this astronomy lesson, students discuss the history of the movement of celestial bodies and then communicate with other students regarding the movements that they observe in the sky nightly. Students...
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Mystic Lands: Maya: Messages in Stone

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers explore an ancient Mayan city. In this world history lesson plan, students watch a video about the ancient Mayan civilization, discussing information prior to and after watching the video. High schoolers then come to...
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Endangered Species

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars explore the issue of endangered species. They read a summary sheet and case history handout, complete a summary form, define key vocabulary terms, and participate in a class discussion.
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Discovering Mexico through Murals

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students describe the Mexican culture and relate it to their own culture. They investigate the Mexican culture through internet research, textbooks, and class discussions. Students create a mural of their school culture. They interview...
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Examining the Reasons for the Creation of the State of Israel

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore the connection between World War II and Jewish immigration to Israel after the War.  In this World History lesson, students discuss the details of what it might have been like to live through the Holocaust. ...
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Historic Places in Kansas

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders explore the significance of historical landmarks. In this instructional activity, 3rd graders participate in a class discussion on Kansas landmarks, then complete several activities the reinforce the class discussion, such...
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Of Power and Politics

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students consider the problems and issues that arise when a government has more than one person at the head of the government and explore the possibility of China's military chief's resignation by reading and discussing the article...
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Pets are Popular with U.S. Presidents

For Teachers 2nd - 5th
Students discuss their pets and read about pets that have lived in the White House. In this current events instructional activity, the teacher introduces the article with a vocabulary activity and pet survey, then the students read the...
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People behind the Civil Rights Movement

For Teachers 7th - 10th
Learners identify the people actively involved in the Civil Rights Movement. In this United States History lesson, students watch the video "Eyes on the Prize" then participate in a class discussion about the video.  Learners also...
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After the Fact

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students investigate summaries of the "9/11 Report" and examine questions relating to its findings in a fishbowl discussion. They reflect in writing on how they wish the outcomes of this report would be resolved and how these outcomes...
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To War Or Not To War?

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders research the political, societal, and economic factors of World War I, World War II, and the 2001 war against terrorism. They participate in class discussions, write journal entries, and conduct Internet research. ...
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Elements of Civilization

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers create their own ancient civilizations based off of topographical maps of Egypt, Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley, and the Yellow River. In this social studies lesson, students are assigned one topographical map to use to...
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How Did the Progressive Party affect American Society

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders explore the political views of the Progressive Party. In this U.S. History lesson plan, 9th graders read the "LaFollette Platform," then share their thoughts of the reading in a class discussion. To conclude the lesson...
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What Is an American?

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Students explore different backgrounds of Americans.  In this lesson, students discuss how people in the United States may come from a different background, yet have similar values and beliefs.  After the class discussion,...
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Is FEMA a Natural Disaster?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students develop an understanding of FEMA and reflect about the consequences of a natural disaster.  In this natural disaster lesson plan, students are asked specific questions after reading several stories.  After class...
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Susan Boyle's at No. 1 - 'I Dreamed a Dream'

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers reflect on the overnight success of Susan Boyle, a contestant on "Britain's Got Talent."  In this lesson, students read a short history of the rise of the star, then complete numerous activities that reinforce their...
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"When They Came for Me, There Was No One Left to Speak Up" - Exploring Personal and Collective Responsibility in WWII

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students examine the underlying meaning of the phrase spoken by Pastor Martin Niemoller in 1945, "When they came for me, there was no one left to speak up."  In this World History lesson, students share in a class discussion on...
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Free India: Resisting British Rule in India

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students explore the impact of nonviolence during Gandhi's Free India movement.  In this World History lesson, students complete several activities including research, class discussions and a multimedia project, all centered around...
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Civic Virtue in Democracy

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students identify and describe characteristics of civic virtue. Following a class discussion, they create their own definitions of civic virtue. They write essays based on their own definitions and formulate conclusions on the state of...
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Seals: From the National To the Local

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders investigate official government symbols by completing a scavenger hunt.  In this U.S. Government activity, 3rd graders participate in a scavenger hunt in which they locate seals or logos in their community....
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Hitler's Fatal Gamble

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Young scholars consider the differences between totalitarianism and democracy. In this comparative politics lesson, students will read a handout describing the major components that comprise totalitarianism and democracy, then they...
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The Mayflower Compact

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders explore the events leading up to the Mayflower Compact. In this government lesson, 4th graders have a teacher-led class discussion on the importance of government, then complete a worksheet on the topic.