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Straight to the Source
Research famous figures from history through the primary sources they created! Explore how these types of documents can enrich our study of the past with your middle and high school learners. They create picture books to illustrate...
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Hamilton and Burr : Compare and Contrast
Who were Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton? High schoolers examine the character traits of these historical figures and watch the video, The Duel. Hamilton vs. Burr: An Event that Changed History (available from PBS), to gain...
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"Hard Luck" La Salle
Fourth graders examine life of French explorer, La Salle, and how he impacted settlement of Texas and the establishment of Catholic missions in Texas; students write letters from the perspective of an explorer.
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Opposing Views on the Vietnam War
Students analyze the feelings of Americans regarding the Vietnam War. In this Vietnam War lesson, students collaborate to research Internet and print sources regarding the perspectives on U.S. involvement in the war....
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Medieval Clothing and Fashion
Students examine the clothing of medieval times. In this Middle Ages instructional activity, students view their instructor in the clothing of the era. Students then research the clothing worn by the people of the time period and create...
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Explorers’ Experience
Students investigate the Exploration Age. In this research skills lesson, students discover the impact of exploration as they locate information about selected explorers. Students design and create relief maps that feature exploration...
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Remembering Jackie Robinson
Young scholars create a list of famous African Americans, then read a news article about Jackie Robinson. In this current events lesson, the teacher introduces the article with a discussion and vocabulary activity, then students read the...
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Railroad Idioms Art Lesson Plan
Sixth graders research railroad idioms. In this idiom lesson, 6th graders read through a glossary of different railroad idioms and their meanings. They illustrate a chosen idiom.
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Black Power
Use this New York Times instructional activity to research contemporary leaders in the African-American community. After reading the article "Blacks Weigh the Impact of the Post-Jackson Years," middle and high schoolers discuss the...
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Following the Leaders
Examine the historic election of Pope Benedict XVI and reflect on the challenges he faces as the new leader of the Catholic Church. This New York Times lesson investigates how other world leaders are chosen in different forms of...
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A New Era for Palestinians
Get a global perspective and examine the challenges facing Mahmoud Abbas, the newly elected president of the Palestinian Authority. Thoughtful classroom citizens write letters to Mr. Abbas, asking him questions and suggesting advice....
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Heeding Advice
Compare and contrast various foreign perspectives on the George W. Bush administration's plans for military action. Middle schoolers read the article "Blair and Chirac Head to U.S. to Talks and a Show of Unity." Then, they analyze...
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Myths, Folktales, & Fairy Tales
Introduce the concept of myths to your class. Using the link to "Myths Around the World," read a story aloud and have learners list characteristics of a myth. Readers then choose their own myths from the site and work in groups to answer...
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By Dawn's Early Light
Fourth graders explore the history of the "Star-Spangled Banner". In the process, they explore how the lyrics of a song can be a form of poetry and the principles of cause and effect. After a class discussion, 4th graders complete a...
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Egypt Technology Unit
Students research the architecture and history of mummies, hieroglyphics, tombs, and pyramids of Ancient Egypt. They watch a video, explore Internet websites, and write a sentence in hieroglyphics.
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Seeing Stars
Students explore the history of planetariums and the features of the Hayden Planetarium as a springboard to planning, developing and displaying their own planetarium exhibits.
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South Africa Story: Apartheid, Diamonds & Gold
Students explore South Africa. In this South Africa lesson, students investigate the natural resources of the nation and how they have impacted the culture and history of the nation. Students also create a children's book regarding...
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Hockey Hunt
Middle schoolers use the internet to research the rules of hockey, terms used in the game, facts on the history of hockey, and facts about five different teams.
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Geography, Map Skills & the Internet:
Students research various websites focusing on Italy while enhancing student utilization of computer, keyboards and the Internet. They discuss their findings on the geography, history, topography, and culture.
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The Underground Railroad (Grade 8)
Eighth graders experience what it was like to flee from slavery on the Underground Railroad. They improve their understanding of the history of slavery in the US and become familiar with some of the people who fought to end slavery in...
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Holidays & Festivals Around The World-Kwanzaa
Students use technology to conduct research. They use technology to convey principles and information. They demonstrate proficiency in the use of computer based technology.
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Quilt Squares
Students research the history of the quilt in American History and view a PowerPoint Presentation. They create a quilt square with colored paper using polygons, transformations, rotations, and reflections on the computer and on a...
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Metrics and Standard Units
Students compare units of measure. In this metrics and standard units lesson, students estimate and compare standard units of measure with the metric system. They complete internet research on the history of metrics. ...
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Months of the Year In Haiku
Students type Haiku poetry using AppleWorks, including special holidays or events and famous Americans for the month about which they choose to write.