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What Was Columbus Thinking?
Why is Christopher Columbus one of the most studied figures in history? Upper graders will investigate why Christopher Columbus traveled to the New World and what happened to the native people he encountered. They read and discuss...
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The Aztecs - Mighty Warriors of Mexico
Upper elementary learners identify the Aztecs as the builders of a great city and rich civilization in what is now Mexico. They locate the Aztec Empire and its capital on a map and place the Aztecs in the chronology of American history....
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Stories in Quilts
Have your class analyze the narrative art in quilts. They identify elements in this domestic art and the stories they tell. They define a story quilt, view an example, and analyze the work of Harriet Power. This is a great lesson to...
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Planetary Profiles
Students explore the characteristics of the planets and moons in the solar system. They create profiles of the nine planets in the solar system and present a written and oral report about a planet.
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When I Was Your Age...
Students discuss generational differences in life experiences, consider their future life paths based on their past and present, and write essays from perspectives of themselves 50 years from now.
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Buy Nothing Day
Learners discover Buy Nothing Day. In this consumer awareness instructional activity, students discuss their spending habits and consider the effects of mass consumerism. Learners discuss alternative activities to shopping on Buy Nothing...
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The Russian Revolution
Students explore the Russian Revolution through dramatization. In this Russian Revolution lesson, students participate in drama workshops prior to writing and presenting one-act plays featuring figures of the revolution.
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When Civilizations End
Middle schoolers explore the Forbidden City of ancient China. For this world history lesson, students examine China's history and its dynasties. Middle schoolers research symbols embedded in China's Forbidden City.
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Understanding American Values
Scholars read books and discuss emotions that lead up to the American Revolution. They also discuss vocabulary and use reference materials to research the Internet for causes and sentiment that led to the American Revolution.
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Tales of Edgar Allen Poe
Analyze the writing of Edgar Allen Poe by reading and then writing in a similar style. Budding authors learn about the life of Poe and read one or more of his famous works online. Partner groups create an original piece of writing using...
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The Industrial Age in America: Robber Barons and Captains of Industry
Middle schoolers define terms "robber baron" and "captain of industry," list positive and negative actions of one or more captains of industry/robber barons, and take and support stand as to whether particular financier/industrialist is...
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America's Economy: Sorrow And Hope
Students discover how Americans found the hope that broke the Great Depression. In this American economics instructional activity, students watch "America's Economy: Sorrow and Hope." Students then discuss the implications of the...
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Ancient Times
Young scholars create a mural depicting modern life. In this ancient civilizations lesson, students view images of wall painting from ancient civilizations showing aspects of their daily life. Young scholars discuss the ways our life...
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Beatrix Potter's Naughty Animal Tales
Young scholars gain insight into the unusual, solitary world of Beatrix Potter's Victorian childhood and can compare/contrast it with their own world to explain why Potter wrote such simple stories and why she wrote about animals rather...
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Jesus And The Rise Of Christianity
Students examine social change. In this Christianity activity, students explore the history of Jesus and his teachings. Students research the social classes of the time period and then present skits to their classmates that present their...
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The Diary of Anne Frank
Sixth graders explore journal writing. In this writing lesson, 6th graders use the published diaries of Anne Frank and discuss the entries in her journal. Students write in their own journal for a week and create a one page summary on...
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The Alamo
Students study the Battle of the Alamo in depth. In this research skills instructional activity, students visit the Alamo de Parras website to examine issues related to the battle that took place in 1836. Students analyze comment strands...
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Alexander the Great
Students examine the accomplishments of Alexander the Great. In this ancient civilizations lesson, students research the life and leadership of Alexander the Great. Students then script and perform modern news conferences, talk shows, or...
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Nursery Rhyme Modernization
Students retell a nursery rhyme updating it and create a video. In this Movie Maker nursery rhyme lesson, students use technology to update a nursery rhyme. Students incorporate special effects, actions, and captured...
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Rome's Violent Past
Students discuss the role of public entertainment in ancient Rome. They imagine themselves as a participant at a gladiator games at the Roman Colosseum and write an personal account of the games.
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The Electric Hearth
Students examine popular media. In this media awareness lesson, students keep logs of their interactions with media and then write an essay regarding the data.
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Modern-Day America
Learners remember the September 11 terrorist attacks. In this public memorials lesson, students research 20th century memorials. Learners then design their own memorials for the victims at the World Trade Center site.
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Great Wall of China
Students investigate the construction of the Great Wall of China. In this Chinese history lesson, students research print and Internet sources about the contributions of the Qin, Han, Tang, and Ming Dynasties. Students...
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Marco Polo Takes A Trip
Students identify Marco Polo and discuss why he took his trip, indicate on map routes Marco Polo took to China and back, describe challenges of traveling along Silk Road, list several interesting aspects of 13th Century Chinese culture,...