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Composing From a Thread
Students listen to music composed in the 20th century and discuss varying interpretations. They play a contemporary piece of music and explore techniques available to a modern composer.
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Historical Atlas
Sixth graders evaluate how revolutions have affected the world throughout history (i.e. boundaries of nations, culture, economics, etc...) through the research for and creation of a historical atlas for assigned countries.
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Who's a Hoosier?
Fourth graders examine the history of Hoosiers and define what a Hoosier is. In small groups they discuss any stories they know about the word Hoosier, then brainstorm and write a story about the word Hoosier. Each group shares their...
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Thomas Hart Benton: The Sources of Country Music
Students examine artwork by Thomas Hart Benton. In this interdisciplinary lesson, students analyze the painting The Sources of Country Music, listen to folk music, and examine how recording technology and the movies shaped the images of...
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200 Greatest Pop Culture Icons
Students discuss the style and characteristics of the Classical era and the genre of opera. They compare and contrast modern day popular icons to musical icons throughout history. They write original librettos to modern entertainment.
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200 Greatest Pop Culture Icons
Students discuss style and characteristics of musical time periods as well as the definition of "pop culture." They compare and contrast modern-day popular icons to music icons throughout history. This lesson requires a video,...
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Hieroglyphs and Communication
Students compare modern day text messaging with the use of hieroglyphs as forms of communication. They translate hieroglyphic messages written by classmates and check for accuracy.
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Technology Blackout Day
Students describe the impact of modern technology inventions on daily life. They create a graph of the class's favorite item of technology and draw a picture of their favorite piece of modern technology.
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Comparing Books to 13th Century Manuscripts
Learners compare modern-day books to manuscripts from the 13th century. In this comparative literature lesson, students observe various manuscripts and resources from given links. Websites and links are included along with extension...
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Paper Making
Sixth graders create and design paper as an exploration of the history in making paper from pulp. Students will work in pairs or alone to create a piece of paper from raw materials.
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Kokeshi Dolls
Students study the Japanese holiday Hina Matsuri and its traditions and celebration. They explore the history, location and cultural significance of Kokeshi dolls.
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When Clay speaks
Learners listen as the teacher reads "When Clay Sings," by Byrd Taylor. They discuss clay, and view a variety of clay items. Students watch a video clip "Interests in One of a Kind Pots." They watch a demonstration on working with clay....
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Working on the Railroad
Students plan a trip on the railroad. In this railroad creation and implementation lesson, students listen to the song "Working on the Railroad", make a map of where the track was laid and discuss the geographical challenges. ...
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How Quickly Disease Spreads
Students demonstrate how quickly disease spreads and the importance of protective measures with communicable diseases. They examine past epidemics such as the Bubonic Plague and make predictions about future epidemics.They compare and...
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The Warrior Role in Greek Society
Students 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 lesson, they...
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Poetry: A Mirror in Which to See Myself
Fifth graders focus on their self-esteem and strengths while reading poetry. In groups, they research the contributions and achievements of African-Americans and discuss how they overcame obstacles. They are read a poem, define new...
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Sports in China: What And Why They Play?
Learners study several different types of Chinese sports played throughout history in China. They examine the historical perspective of the importance of sports in Chinese culture and create a final project using information about three...
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Sense of Place: No River Too Wide-Bridges
Fifth graders discover the history of their hometown Des Moines River. In this U.S. Geography lesson students speak with Iowans that tell stories of the settlers and early villages near the Des Moines River. Students document...
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Fitting Trash into Yesterday: A Fifth Grade Activity
Fifth graders explore the concept of waste management. In this recycling activity, 5th graders discover the history of waste management and discuss how the U.S. should respond to the issue of ever-increasing waste.
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I Spy
Students use the Internet to gather more information about the gadgets spies use on the job. They analyze cases in which spies were involved and modern security systems. There is a section in which they can ask questions.
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Understanding Tenement Life
Students look at life for immigrants in the 19th century. In this immigrant lesson plan, students discuss how the poor German, Irish, Italian, and Jewish immigrants lived in tenement housing. They research the reasons they came to...
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The Silk Road
Students research the geography of Asia from Xian to Istanbul. They explore the intricacies of ancient trade, including trade goods and policies. They study minorities within and outside of various Chinese and other Asian empires.
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Social Studies: Ancient Egypt
Seventh graders explore the history, geography, and culture of ancient Egypt. They research daily life and compare it with their present lives. Students, in pairs, trace their body outlines on poster paper and work individually to use...
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A Changing Society
Seventh graders examine Chaucer's work about the medieval times. In groups, 7th graders imagine what modern activities could replace some tasks used in medieval times.