University of Virginia
It's Thanksgiving
Young scholars complete a variety of activities related to poems from the book "It's Thanksgiving" by Jack Prelutsky. They create a Thanksgiving turkey using construction paper, identify what they are grateful for, and create a Thank You...
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Historical Scavenger Hunts
Students investigate the impact of historical events. In this historical scavenger hunt lesson, students examine photographs of a local monument that zoom in on details. Students record their impressions regarding the photos. Students...
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Create a City: An Urban Planning Exercise
Students explore the effects of population growth in Arizona. In this history lesson, students work in small groups to create a "perfect" city. Activities include examining the Arizona census results then discussing the importance...
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No Choice!
Students investigate freedom. In this character development and U.S. history lesson, students participate in role playing in which the teacher assigns recess restrictions including whom they play with and what they play. Students discuss...
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An International Menu
Students research etymologies using dictionaries. They explore the diverse origins of the common foods they eat after making a list of their favorite foods.
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Effects of the Spanish Conquest
Fifth graders read and research the effects of the Spanish Conquistadors on the New World. Then they break into small groups and play a game of Jeopardy, using the facts that they have learned.
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Letters from the Frontier: Reading and Writing Primary Documents
Students examine historical documents about George Caitlin to derive meaning about his life and contributions. The lesson plan is multicultural and helps students to appreciate art and history.
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The Original Layout of the Town of Deerfield
Eleventh graders explain that elements of the early settlement of Deerfield can still be seen in the town layout and in some of the early 18th century houses which survive. They read and analyze historical maps and analyze a drawing of...
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Russia's Colony: A Story of the Colony Through Primary Sources
Students read "Epidemic Timeline and Confessional Lists from Katmai 1831 and 1845." They construct a picture of life in Alaska during the Russian period.
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Margaret Mead: Anthropologist
Sixth graders examine the life, travels, and cultural experiences of Margaret Mead. They participate in group work and inquiry activities about the qualities that Margaret Mead possessed and the places she traveled to. They distinguish...
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Adapted to Fire
Fourth graders explore forest species' adaptations to fire by participating in a scavenger hunt and mapping a burned forest. Students create maps and explore how indigenous species adapted to living with fire.
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Exploring Explorers
Ninth graders illustrate the routes taken by different explorers on a world map. They explain the need for the different exploration voyages. Students explore the web for information that may contain different points of view or...
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Personal Opinions, Part 1
Students interview their peers and teachers, in Spanish, about environmental issues. They write a response to their interviews and create a Venn diagram to identify similarities and differences between two cultural responses.
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Volcanoes: How Safe Are They?
Students explore the most dangerous volcanoes on Earth, plot their locations, and research different volcanic hazards.
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Caddo Circle Book
Learners are introduced to the Caddo Indians of Texas. Using a compass, they draw a circle given specific dimensions and cut them out. Using the text, they read one section abut the Indians and complete the task listed on one of their...
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The Role of Fire in Healthy Prairie, Brush and Forest Lands
Students create a Venn diagram to compare and contrast wildfires and prescribed fires. In this earth science lesson, students conduct a series of experiment to explore fire characteristics. They describe favorable conditions to start a...
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The Legend of the Blue Bonnet
Students complete pre reading, writing, during reading, and interdisciplinary activities for the book The Legend of the Blue Bonnet. In this reading lesson plan, students complete journal entries, go over vocabulary, answer short answer...
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Prairie Voices: Abbie Gardner Sharp Cabin
Students study the events of the Spirit Lake Massacre. In this Iowa history lesson, students consider the role of Abbie Gardner in the Spirit Lake Massacre as their instructor presents a lecture.
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Teaching Tolerance
Students examine several case studies on multiracial individuals and the technology used to identify them by race and ethnicity. They present their findings to classmates.
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Make a Paper Mache Bowl
Students create a paper mache bowl. In this paper mache lesson, students use wallpaper paste, newspapers, and paint brushes to construct a paper mache bowl. Students decorate their bowl with unique designs.
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Extraordinary Women in the Great Plains
Eighth graders write what they predict were the roles women played in the Great Plains. Using the internet, they research and identify the roles they did play and use a Venn diagram to compare and contrast their predictions to the...
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Why is Sacagawea on the Golden Dollar?
Young scholars research the decision to place the image of Sacagawea on the Golden Dollar, then write persuasive essays either defending or opposing this decision.
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National Park Project
Pupils develop a descriptive and informative brochure for a National Park. They focus on the history and geology of the park, environmental concerns, and visitor actions that could eliminate the environmental concerns.
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THE TWO HEMISPHERES SHARE!
Students analyze the positive effects of Columbus' journey to the Americas and the impact on their lives today of the meeting of the two hemispheres.