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Dinosaurs are for the Birds
Students use the Internet to see photographs of fossils from dinosaurs. They read articles about dinosaurs and birds and what they had in common. They also examine a dinorama site in which they discover why some dinosaurs needed feathers.
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Can You Hear Me Now?
Students explore the industry involving communication and put communication devices into activities. In this communication lesson plan, students put items into chronological order, review primary sources, compare and contrast items, and...
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Crinoids: Flowers f the Iowa Seas
Students study the rocks and fossils associated with the geologic landscape of Iowa. In this rocks and fossils lesson, students examine fossils that would be found in the Iowa landscape that show evidence of marine invertebrates such as...
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Immigration for Grades 6-8
Middle schoolers explore immigration. In this immigration lesson, students research the topic and compare immigration of the past to the present. They create a decade long timeline of immigration.
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Free Land
Students investigate the impact of the passage of the Homestead Act. In this Westward Expansion lesson, students visit selected websites to examine the lives of Americans who settled the American frontier.
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Pictures of the Past: I Remember When...
Students, after discussing and analyzing the value of reminiscence for people of all ages, write a reminiscence essay on their own lives and then create a story form the perspective of an older person.
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Slaves, the Labor Force, and the Economy
Students examine critical role that slaves, freemen, and plebeians played in the Roman Empire. They complete creative writing that addresses how the Roman class system and the use of slavery contributed to the downfall of the Roman Empire.
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Storytellers: Pearl Jam "Never Let Truth Get in the Way of a Good Story"
Students analyze the lyrics from a Pearl Jam song and examine the concept of truth in political advertising. They watch the video, "VH1 Storytellers: Pearl Jam," participate in a class discussion, conduct research, and prepare a report...
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Messages in Art Work
Observe images and discuss what messages they convey. In this critical thinking lesson plan, young scholars determine whether works of art are trying to persuade their audience. They also consider the media and how they communicate...
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Comparing Cultural Holidays
Third graders explore art that reflects their cultural background. In this writing and research lesson students compare and contrast the Halloween with El Dia de los Muertos. Students study the visual art of these holidays. Then students...
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Impact of Ancient Rome on Life Today
Students research the importance of ancient Rome to the world today. In this ancient Rome lesson plan, students view video and research to gather information for a slide show about Ancient Rome.
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Surveying the Land
Learners explore the different kinds of maps and the purpose of each. In this Geography lesson, students work in small groups to create a map which includes the use of a map key.
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Ben Franklin's Inventions
Students discover the life of Benjamin Franklin by studying his inventions. In this biography lesson, students identify the inventions of Benjamin Franklin and their impact on society today. Students create a commercial in an...
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Revolutionary War Spy Methods
Students research how coded messages were used during the Revolutionary War. In this Revolutionary War lesson, students view primary documents about the Revolutionary War spies and the methods used for sending messages. Students write a...
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Introduction to Reform Movements of the 1800s
Eleventh graders consider the impact of reform movements of the 19th century. In this Progressive Reform lesson, 11th graders examine documents and images associated with women's suffrage, prohibition, and labor reform. Students respond...
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Christmas Lesson Plans
Students learn about the Christmas season through music, research, and other activities.
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Healthcare Reform Lesson Plans
Healthcare reform is a subject that students can debate, research, and analyze.
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I'm Number One!
Fourth graders complete a unit of lessons on the first seven presidents of the U.S. They conduct research, write a four-paragraph essay, and create posters and speeches for a simulated campaign convention.
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Comstockery vs. Eakins
Students research Eakins' teaching methods. They incorporate research to prepare and present a verbal argument. They understand and articulate a perspective and develop their own opinion.
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How Did the Other Half Live?
Students study the conditions under which immigrants lived. They determine what it means to make it in America. They observe the connection between immigration and unionization and how immigration changed the City of New York. They...
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Deviance: Functionalist Explanations
In this Deviance: Functionalist Explanations worksheet, students read five pages, then complete several exercises including creating prompt cards, labeling actions appropriately, and deciding what are strengths or weaknesses of theories.
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Make Your Own Presidential Museum
Students create presidential presentations. In this presidential lesson plan, students research a president and create their own museum presentation for that president. They create a script or brochure and make costumes.
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Debate: Is Cheerleading a Sport?
Students research how women are perceived in sports. They debate the issue of whether cheer leading should be considered a sport and are scored on student made rubrics.
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Star Wars: Modernity and the Timelessness of Myth
Students explore myths through the study of multiple texts. Students use James Joyce's "Ulysses," the film "Star Wars," various Greek and Biblical myths to inform a guided discussion of myths and the common themes in these...