Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Got Lactase? The Co-Evolution of Genes and Culture
Does the human body evolve as quickly as human culture? With a stellar 15-minute video, explore the trait of lactose intolerance. Only about 1/3 of human adults seem to still have the enzyme lactase and therefore, the ability to digest...
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Let's Get Physical
Explore the benefits of physical activity and how it will affect your students' health. Students track their physical activities for one week and then compare their results. Collaboration with a math teacher woould be useful as it would...
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Investigating Our Past: Where Did Humans Come From?
Investigate the theories of human evolution. In this research based lesson, learners research and discuss how geographic isolation, interbreeding, generalization, and specialization are factors in the history of humans. Groups work...
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The Is No Such Thing as a Perfect Pumpkin
Students explore using descriptive words to describe physical appearance. In this appearance lesson, students look at pumpkins and discuss how there is not a perfect pumpkin. Students also hypothesize about what the perfect pumpkin's...
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Teaching Fundamental Movement
Students perform fundamental movement activities for flexibility and motor skills. In this movement lesson plan, students perform physical activity for all grade levels.
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Loco for Cocoa
Sixth graders explore agriculture by viewing food related videos in class. In this chocolate identification lesson, 6th graders discuss the healthy aspects of pure cocoa and the history of the plant. Students read assigned text about...
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Heart 2: Changing Lifestyles and Heart Health
Students examine and evaluate changes in diet and lifestyle from prehistoric to modern times and how these differences have spurred the development (and better treatment) of heart disease.
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Myth of the Western Man
Students identify ways in which history and culture influence identity. They make a time-line and research dates to identify their significance, as well as, create a self portrait pictorially or verbally, that explores the complexity of...
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Responsible Eating
Young scholars identify healthy eating habits. In this nutrition lesson plan, students discuss the food pyramid and healthy food choices. Young scholars track their daily food intake in a journal.
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Respect for Non-Native Students
Students develop and understanding that people born in other countries deserve respect and appreciation. In this ethnic background appreciation lesson, students discuss the different countries that classmates are born in. Students then...
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School Safety Survey Project
Students investigate safety issues at school. In this citizenship lesson, students discuss things they are fearful of at school. Students then conduct a school survey asking what others are fearful of.
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Dishonesty: Clues and Consequences
Students explore trustworthiness and dishonesty. In this character development lesson plan, students discuss dishonest behavior. Students develop scenarios about dishonesty and decide what consequences the person should have.
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Pen Pals
Young scholars write to a pen pal and learn about their lives. In this pen pal activity, students learn about a person from another country. Young scholars develop an understanding that they have many things in common with people from...
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Fairness
Students explore fairness. In this fairness lesson plan, students recieve a envelope of materials, not all envelopes contain the same materials. Students cut shapes to specific measurements and get money for them. If the shapes are not...
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If You Really Love Me
Learners identify the effects of substance abuse. In this drug awareness lesson, students work together to develop a slogan for substance use and abuse. Each pair of learners posts their slogans for the class to see.
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More of, Less of
Have your class discuss behaviors they like from other people. They will then get into groups and list behaviors they want to see more of from people in their community, classroom, or school. This is a great Character Counts lesson plan!
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High Five
Young scholars discuss making choices, behavior and goals. In this responsibility lesson, students make list of goals they want to achieve. Young scholars share their lists with each other and decide if they make choices that help them...
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Responsible Youth in the News
Students research newspapers and magazines for articles about young people being responsible or being irresponsible. In this responsibility instructional activity, students discuss responsibility and the articles. Students answer...
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True Champions Practice Points-Responsibility
Students explore personal responsibility. In this character development activity, students discuss and analyze a quote from Mia Hamm, a U.S. soccer player. Students brainstorm short and long term personal and team member...
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Be a Good Egg
Students use an eggshell decay to represent what happens when a person loses someone's trust. In this trust lesson, students discuss decay and complete an eggshell decay activity. Students use the experiment to represent what happens...
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Let's Talk About Sex
Students discuss abstinence. In this self-discipline lesson, students discuss the concept of sexual self-discipline in relationships, dress, and conduct.
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When People Steal From Me
Learners identify the effects of theft to learn that stealing is wrong. For this stealing lesson, students discuss what it feels like to have something stolen. Learners make a list of their six favorite things and list why they are...