University of New Mexico
New Mexico Land of Enchantment
Third graders research Native American Cultures surrounding New Mexico. They analyze the history and geography of the state. They play a guessing game that incorporates the indigenous plants and animals of New Mexico. In groups, learners...
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Who Gives a Hoot?
Students look at owl migration and its impact on the environment and the food chain after reading an article from The New York Times. Students then apply this information to and research different food chain situations for other species...
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DNA-B-C's
Learners review what they already know about DNA. After reading an article, they discover a new technique to map the course of evolution. In groups, they create ways to present this material to younger children and research DNA's uses.
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Navigating the Straits
Students research the players and events that have influenced U.S.-China relations since World War II, with specific emphasis on the two countries' relationships with Taiwan. They write a briefing paper, advising the president on the...
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Night of the Notables
Young scholars read several biographies of famous Americans and discuss the characteristics of a biography. Students collect biographical information on another person in the class and write a biography. Young scholars research and...
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Newsworthy Journey
Students conduct Internet research about ancient civilizations to produce a newspaper that reflecting the cultural, political, economic and religious views of the ancient civilizations of Egypt or Mexico.
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Everything You Do Makes a Difference
Students choose a current environmental issue and research historical conditions as well as present conditions. They assess
the changes in ecosystems, populations of specific species, air quality, or any other aspect of an ecosystem.
National First Ladies' Library
The Power of Images in Shaping Ideas
Learners examine the role of photography in recording and sharing history. They view online photos that Life magazine has identified as changing the world, then conduct research on one of the photos. Students create and present an oral...
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U.S. Geography: The Midwest
Learners research agricultural products of the Midwest. For this Midwest lesson, students watch a video about the geography of the Midwest, discuss how topographical features were formed and review the agricultural products the Midwest...
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The Immigration Experience
Students research the reasons people immigrated to the United States. In this United States history lesson, students explore the causes and effects of immigrating. Students engage in a role-playing scenario , watch a video, and explore a...
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Botanical Discoveries
Sixth graders examine the Lewis and Clark Expedition. In this plant discovery activity, 6th graders put in chronological order the plant discoveries of Lewis and Clark. Students understand the characteristics of leaves and find the area...
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Classroom Planetarium
Students work in groups to create the planets of the solar system. In this planets lesson, students create a hanging solar system taking into account the size, shape and position of the planets. Students discuss the gravity...
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JFK, LBJ, and the Fight for Equal Opportunity in the 1960s
Students examine the presidencies and John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. In this American history lesson, students specifically analyze the civil rights support of the 2 presidents and their support of civil rights legislation....
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Stamp of Courage
Students discuss the attributes that a hero can have and what it takes to be a Distinguished American, and be commemorated on a stamp. In this courage lesson, students research an everyday hero that they know about and create a...
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The Greenhouse Effect
Eighth graders research the Greenhouse Effect on the Internet. They use a variety of sources and take notes on the topic. They use ClarisWorks to type a report, use spellcheck, proof and edit. They can create a class bulletin board.
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Fish Fact Rummy
Seventh graders study and explore the base of PA game fish species and characteristics. In this cooperative learning lesson students create a fish fact game by researching information on certain species then play it.
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A Walk Through the 20th Century
Students use primary and secondary sources to study the literature, historical events, people, technology, medicine, government, entertainment and culture of the decades of the twentieth century.
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Science Working in Business and Industry
Students examine the science applications found in business and industry. In this research instructional activity, students obtain annual reports from major businesses or industries to compare and contrast the science applications found...
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Continents and Critters
Students investigate and identify the continents of the world. They identify and locate the seven continents on a map, and label a coloring page of a world map. Students then conduct research on an assigned continent, and write and...
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Scarecrow: A Lesson Against Hate Crimes
Students analyze and discuss different types of hate crimes. They listen to and discuss the background behind the song, "Scarecrow" by Melissa Etheridge. They research a hate crime and imagine how the victims must have felt. Finally they...
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Children's Literature Across the Curriculum Ideas-In The Small Small Pond
Students read In The Small Small Pond by Denise Fleming. They complete a variety of cross-curricular activities surrounding the study of the pond ecosystem. Included are reading, art, math, science, writing, social studies, and library...
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Dewey Decimal System -- Cataloging Collections
Students put their cataloging skills into practice. In this research instructional activity students examine the listed websites that feature Dewey Decimal classification. Students then collaborate to use the Dewey Decimal classification...
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An Introduction to the National Archives
Fifth graders study the national archives through both images AND visiting the site. This is meant to provide them with an understanding of what documents are important to the U.S. and why (i.e. Declaration of Independence, etc...).
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Celebrations of the Pacific Rim
Students research a celebration belonging to a Pacific Rim culture. They prepare a written and oral report with their findings and present such information as how the celebration has changed over time, its origins and the significance of...