Curated OER
Saugus Iron Works
Students investigate the 17th century Saugus Iron Works. They role-play archaeologists, research local industries and write a report, and explore various websites regarding the Industrial Revolution and the Saugus Iron Works.
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Boston's Arnold Arboretum
Students examine how 19th-century urban conditions influenced the development of parks. They research local trees and shrubs, develop a display of trees and shrubs, plan a new park or arboretum, and write a report on a local park.
National History Day
Heroes Who Made a Difference: Memorializing a Distinguished Service Cross Award Recipient
Ever wonder how to memorialize World War I heroes in the classroom? Activities in a high-quality social studies resource prompt middle schoolers to research Internet sources, complete a graphic organizer, and write an editorial feature...
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Enquiry 1: Introduction
Students explore war memorials from the First World War. After visiting a local war memorial, students research the soldiers listed. As a class, they discuss the the impact of the war on their community. Students research their...
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Geography of Korea
Learners are introduced to the geography of Korea. Using the internet, they identify the weather and climate in the country and create a week weather chart for Korea's four seasons. They complete an interview with a local weatherman...
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The Dialogues of Difference
Students research the 1067 Newark riots and examine photographs of the riots for clues as to when they were taken and what was going on. They view different historical perspectives on the riots and then write dialogues based on the...
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Save Our Past -- Act It Out
Fourth graders identify and examine the importance of civic responsibility and the result of losing many archeological sites in Texas. In groups, they are given scenerio cards and act out each scene for the class. They also write a...
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Carbons to Computers
Pupils collect, organize, and analyze primary and secondary source information that documents a local office. (Students synthesize what they have learned to predict the office's organization and functions in the year 2025.)
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Take a Dip: Be a Field Guide
Students create a Visitor's Field Guide for the local area in order to enhance the understanding of natural features of the area for those who may be unfamiliar with the area.
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"Water, Water Everywhere and None to Drink"
Ninth graders research the importance of maintaining an unpolluted source of water in their community. They brainstorm ideas on what they can do to help the problem. They can also write letters to their local politicians for help.
Global Oneness Project
Communities on the Threshold of Change
Viewers of the short documentary Santa Cruz Del Islote consider how changes in climate and overfishing impact the life style of the 1,200 residents of a small island off the coast of Cartagena, Columbia.
YMCA
Turning Courtrooms into Classrooms
Turn the class into the next episode of Law & Order! Scholars work together to create a mock trial over the course of several weeks before going before a judge for the case performance. They take on different roles, go through...
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Clara Barton's House: Home of the American Red Cross
A fabulous lesson plan on the life of Clara Barton awaits your class. They describe how Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross, and the role it played in organizing help for those in need. Additionally, young historians explain how...
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Motor Voter Registration Trends
Students read an article about new voter registration trends throughout the country. In groups, they identify new patterns when it comes to registering to vote and develop their own solutions to get more people registered. They present...
National Park Service
Civil War to Civil Rights: From Pea Ridge to Central High
Explore how the Civil War impacted the Civil Rights Movement. Class members complete a series of projects for a unit that uses a layered curriculum approach to learning.
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LAND USE DEBATE / TOWN MEETING
Ninth graders research, analyze, and orally defend an issue related to the use of geologic resources. They defend their position in written form by composing a letter to an appropriate source.
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Different Viewpoints - Loyalist or Patriot
Third graders use primary sources to study U.S. history and government. In this primary sources activity, 3rd graders practice gathering information from "eye witness" accounts of history.
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Alternate Histories
Students create a mixed media collage. In this visual arts lesson, students look at the work of Jane Ash Poitras. They create their own collage that shows their personal and collective history and experiences.
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European Vacation
Ninth graders work in groups of two or three to plan a trip through Europe. They present a storyboard for approval, outlining their graphics and display pages. They present their trip to the class using PowerPoint. This is displayed...
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Schoolhouses
Fifth graders research life in a one- room schoolhouse. They plan and carry out a mock day in a one-room schoolhouse. They make slates on a prior day by painting small boards with chalkboard paint.
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From Greece to Main Street
Young scholars consider the influence of the Greeks on American architecture. For this American Greek Revival architecture lesson, students identify the attributes of architectural style as they compare the Parthenon with the Lincoln...
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Oil: Impact of a Resource
Students discover the history and method of oil production. In this natural resource lesson plan, students investigate early oil production. Students discuss the challenges of turning natural resources into safe products.
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Gather the Stones!
Review how gristmills affected the lives of the Pennsylvania community. The class uses documents and pictures to explore the purpose of the gristmill. They simulate members of the community and write a paper about colonial forces...
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Maps with a "Spin"
Students, in groups, research and map the effects of a proposed airport three miles outside of town. They prepare a presentation based on a set of maps they make and explains its different points of view from the viewpoints of the town...