Curated OER
Working in the World
Tenth graders read a selection of "Behind the Scenes" and other websites. They use a list of characteristics of effective citizens in the U.S. to identify characteristics represented in the work, "Elizabeth Keckley: Mrs. Lincoln's...
Curated OER
France
Eighth graders visit two websites about France in order to take a virtual trip of France. They answer specific questions about France and state the similarities and differences between France and the U.S.
Curated OER
The Future of the Social Security System: Will it Accommodate Future Generations of Americans?
Students investigate the future of the U.S. Social Security program. They conduct research, write journal entries, meet and interview a State representative, create a web page with links, and develop a solution for the Social Security...
Curated OER
A Soldier's Valentine
Students create Valentine's for soldiers in Iraq. They review how to write a friendly paragraph and discuss the military and duties of soldiers in Iraq. They create postcards and write reasons why they are rpoud of the military and how...
Curated OER
Social Studies: A Ticket to Japan
Fourth graders create Venn diagrams to compare and contrast life in the United States and Japan. While the teacher holds up word cards, they decide where to categorize them under Japan, the U.S., or both. As students assemble their...
Curated OER
Using Map Skills
Third graders study maps. In this U.S. geography lesson plan, 3rd graders explore directions on a compass rose and use a map scale to determine distances between two points on a map. They listen to a lecture and use their own maps to...
Curated OER
Urban Concentration and Racial Violence
Students research one of the many urban race riots in U.S. history, from the New York City riots during the Civil War to the "Red Summer of 1919" or the hate-strikes of 1943. They present their findings in the form of a newspaper's front...
Curated OER
Primary Documents: The President and African Americans
Students examine the efforts of the federal government to address discrimination in the U.S. before and after WWII. They read and discuss two executive orders, complete a worksheet, and answer discussion questions.
Curated OER
History of Change
Students research the history of Liberia to foster a better understanding of the current situation and reflect on the role of the United States as peacekeeper there.
Curated OER
Show Me the Money
Students examine current and past economic crises around the world, using the current recession in the United States as a starting point.
Curated OER
Census Sensibility
Students examine the importance of the census and census data collection methods. They gather statistical data, create graphs comparing state and national populations, and compose written reflections on why the census is necessary.
Curated OER
The Articles of Confederation
The purpose of this instructional activity is to assist students in discovering the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and the foundation for creation of the United States Constitution. Students will investigate the events...
Judicial Learning Center
The Players in the Courtroom
Courtrooms are complicated. In addition to the many rules, there are a number of people whose jobs are not very clear to the casual courtroom observer. With the resource, individuals identify some of these roles and review more...
TryEngineering
Computing in the Cloud
What and where is "the cloud"? The lesson teaches scholars about the history of cloud computing and about its current uses. It also teaches how to install a multiple guest OS in a host OS and how to use cloud computing services.
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Arduino Blink Challenge
Emerging engineers read about Arduino software and how it can be used. Then they follow a nine-step tutorial to connect an Arduino board to a computer and put it to work! The objective is to code a program that will cause an LED to...
USA.gov
How The Supreme Court Works
Just how does a case come before the highest court in the land? A graphic flow chart unpacks how plaintiffs come before the Supreme Court. Graphics include background on the nine justices and just how many cases they actually hear each...
Lerner Publishing
Meet the Dinosaurs
Take your class of youngsters on a prehistoric adventure with this four-lesson series on dinosaurs. Accompanying the Meet the Dinosaurs books by Don Lessem, these lessons engage children in writing their own dinosaur books,...
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Blast Off!
With the use of a model rocket kit, aspiring aerospace engineers work cooperatively to construct and launch a rocket. A preparatory reading assignment is included, covering Newton's laws of motion and information about the first...
The Alamo
A Teacher’s Guide to Sam Houston
Need a teacher's guide all about Sam Houston and how he relates to the Texas Revolution? Look no further! The guide includes a timeline detailing Houston's life, important milestones, and relevant maps that include his movement around...
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Pendulum Time
Take your time with this lesson. Junior engineers read about different types of clocks and then work together to build a pendulum time-keeper. There are no hints as to how they might go about accomplishing this complex task, so you may...
National Constitution Center
Separation of Powers
Learners explore how the Constitution provides for separation of power and limited government, as evidenced by the three branches of government. They participate in role-playing situations, group discussions, and complete worksheets to...
Curated OER
History of Modern Cuba
Set the context for the often-strained relationship between the US and Cuba with this informative and entertaining presentation. From political cartoons to photographs of Fidel Castro and Fulgencio Batista, as well as heartbreaking...
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Chair Lift Challenge
During the Winter Olympics, this would be an engaging task to include in your STEM activity. Design teams plan, construct, and test a miniature ski lift that can carry a pingpong ball up and down a rope line without falling out. With...
Smithsonian Institution
Spanish American War
Today, Cuba and America sometimes struggle with diplomatic relations, but did you know that America went to war against Spain to free Cuba? Learners examine many interesting facts related to the Spanish American War using an informative...