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Members Only

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students discuss the advantages and disadvantages of private communities and the lives led by their residents. They design ideal planned communities for people featured in other Class Matters articles.
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Spirit Bear Speaks

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Young scholars read an online article about Canadian efforts to preserve Great Bear Rain Forest. They create ecotourism brochures on the forest and write and essay.
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Cell Size Changes

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers examine the behavior of living cells treated with different types of stimuli. They watch an online movie, examine wet mount slides under a microscope, take an online quiz, and analyze data.
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What's the Real Deal?

For Teachers 4th - 10th
Students investigate product counterfeiting and its impact on the US economy. They research product counterfeiting on the Internet then create a "fakes" fact sheet about a specific group of products such as music cods or beanie babies.
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The Chemistry of Ceramics

For Teachers 3rd - 10th
Students compare the characteristics of a fired porcelain sculpture to the clay used to create it. They discuss the physical and chemical changes that occur in the clay as it is heated and then create their own clay sculpture. This...
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Sentences

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Young scholars create different types of sentences. In this sentence writing lesson, students use various types of sentences to make writing interesting. Young scholars play online games and use the interactive whiteboard to practice.
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Electric Blues

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students brainstorm a list of electrical devices used in their home. They read an article about electricity usage in a heat wave. In groups, they create public service announcements promoting energy conservation. They share their ideas...
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A Hard Sell on Stem Cells?

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students examine their prior knowledge of cell regeneration and therapeutic use of stem cells. After reading an article, they discover new techniques for deriving embryonic stem cells. In groups, they research on the different types of...
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Something Fishy?

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students try to draw and identify a jellyfish from a physical description. After reading an article, they discover new information about cnidarians. In groups, they research and develop dioramas about a specific cnidarian species. They...
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This is A Day in My Life: A Photo Essay

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Studenty create a photo essay of a day in their lives. In this photographic story lesson plan, students take pictures throughout their day and use the images to tell a story.  Students create an album with an online account. 
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Finding The Middle Ground

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students examine the recent truce between the Israeli and Palestinian governments. They explore the turbulent history of these groups and the recent developments from the viewpoints of Middle Eastern nations in preparation for a mock...
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Delegating Authorities

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students compare and contrast democracies around the world after reading a New York Times article. They create posters and participate in a "democracy roundtable" in which they discuss two democracies.
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From Basketball Court to Supreme Court

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Young scholars discuss scenarios about unfairness and retaliation in school sports. They read about a recent Supreme Court ruling about Title IX, and research, conduct polls and write articles about public opinions on gender issues in...
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Sorrow in Sudan

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore the various groups and organizations involved in the Darfur conflict. Through investigative research, students gain insight into this complex issue.
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Right About Now… and Then

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students discuss significant figures in music history and read an article about the Smithsonian's Hip-Hop exhibit. In groups, they develop and curate an exhibition of hip-hop music and history using artifacts that represent relevant...
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Iranian Uranium?

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore how Iran's uranium enrichment-related activities has caused a rift between Russia, the United States, and Europe. They stage a mock summitt to discuss Iran's nuclear program.
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R U Talkin 2 Me?

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students discuss how they use communication devices. They read an article about communication technology. They create a poster depicting the impact of such devices on future generations. They also write a paper about what they have...
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Opinions, Please!

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students discuss the meaning and purposes of polls and surveys. After reading an article, they analyze the results of a poll given to residents of New York City. They create a survey of their own and analyze the data to write a written...
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A Site to See

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students identify the risks and benefits of living next to a volcano. After reading an article, they discuss the behaviors of an active volcano. Using the Internet, they work together to research volcano-monitoring techniques and create...
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The Times, Are They A-Changing?

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students read and discuss article, "We Agreed to Agree, and Forgot to Notice," participate in anonymous mock presidential primary ballot, and share reactions to Iowa caucus results. Students then collect statements made by candidates on...
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Let the Music Play

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students create auditory presentations on festivals and celebrations around the world. They begin by reading about how the New Orleans high school marching bands have overcome many obstacles to keep their music traditions alive. Then...
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Make It or Break It

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students study about "breaking news" by analyzing the New York Times' coverage of the July 2006 bombing of seven commuter trains in Mumbai, India. They write their own breaking news stories for homework.
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The Stock Market Game

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Young scholars participate in a variety of stock market games within their classmates. They study the concepts of stocks and investments as well as the criteria for selecting of stocks. Each student is shown how to keep track of the...
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Front Page History

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students consider how current events are directly and intricately tied to past events, decisions and other influences. The island of Guam is used as a case study as the events of WWII have continued to affect the people of Guam today.