Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Freedom Is

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore various ideas of freedom by comparing the profiles of seven Mainers from the early 19th century. They discuss freedom and what they think it means to be free. Students complete a Freedom Matrix to explore how seven...
Lesson Plan
PBS

Analyzing the Candidates in the 2008 Presidential Election

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers research the 2008 presidential candidates and the required process for becoming an American presidential candidate. The class discusses both the process and the candidates, and some of the reasons someone might want to run...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Alleviating Poverty

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students explore the prevalence of poverty. In this global studies lesson, students participate in a budgeting simulation. Students also research world poverty statistics and discuss the social issue....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Casting a Wide Net

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students investigate topics that would be suitable for classroom podcasts. They read an online article, write and produce a podcast.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Handling Discrepancies

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders study the different ways students handle discrepancies.  In this Physics instructional activity, 11th graders perform a laboratory experiment with resistors.  Students discuss the ethical issues it raises. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Factual writing: leaflets

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Students identify persuasive words in provided leaflets. In this factual writing lesson, students complete an online activity. A worksheet is provided for extra practice.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Story Time

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders watch soap operas online.  In this English lesson, 9th graders explore the story elements of the soap opera.  Students write a journal on their own interpretations of characters. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Macbethan Art

For Teachers 12th - Higher Ed
Students review and reproduce an article of Elizabethan styled clothing as a part of an analysis of Shakespeare's Macbeth.  In this Elizabethan art lesson plan, students discuss the fashion of the Elizabethan era and research it...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Bill Becomes A Law

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students discover how a bill becomes a law. In this Legislative Branch lesson plan, students discuss how a bill makes its way through the House and the Senate. Students author their own bills as well.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Digital Values: Internet Safety

For Teachers 2nd - 5th
Students explore digital communication by participating in a critical thinking activity. In this Internet safety lesson, students discuss ways to protect their identity on the Internet as well as preserving friendships. Students complete...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

All You Need Is Love

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Young scholars discuss the differences between adult love and teenage love. After reading an article, they explore a relationship that began as teenagers and ended in marriage later in life. In groups, they create posters about famous...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Exploring Tolerance and Related Essential Questioning on Acceptance and Diversity

For Teachers K - 5th
Students explore the concept of diversity. They discuss ways in which people differ. Students visit various websites and discuss the vocabulary words found on these sites. They read stories from various countries and discuss the people...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Getting to Know the House

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students take a closer look at representative government. In this House of Representatives lesson, students discuss their local representative in Congress and research his or her responsibilities. Students respond to the provided...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Foreign Exchange

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students share ideas about the values of foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar. They research the economy of a foreign country and prepare a budget for one month study abroad.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Aesthetics of Activism

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore ways in which artistic expression has been used to promote awareness of AIDS. They create their own designs to promote awareness of a social, political, or economic issue of importance to their age group and community.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Civil Liberties and National Security

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students identify the civil liberties outlined in the U.S. Bill of Rights and discuss the importance of these liberties in today's society. They research examples of when Congress has taken legislative action to protect national security.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Plows on the Hunting Ground

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders read and discuss the "Indian Allotment Act". Students compare communal and private property we have today. Students research Indian tribes online and write about their way of life and traditions during the 1880s. ...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Sounds of Music

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students listen to Brazilian folk music and discuss its various sounds and connections to today's music. They record sounds that define and represent the culture of their school and community.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Simple Machines Activity

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders observe examples of simple machines found in the school, playground, and work environment. In this simple machines lesson, 4th graders review simple machines by viewing three web sites. Students tour the school and grounds...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mass Balance Model

For Teachers 11th - Higher Ed
Pupils explore the concept of mass balance, flow rates, and equilibrium using a simple water bucket model. In this JAVA based online interactive modeling activity, they vary flow rate into the bucket, initial water level in the bucket,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Shot Heard Around the World

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders examine the events leading up to the beginning of the Revolutionary War. In groups, they put the events into chronological order and create a timeline. As a class, they discuss the reprecussions of the Stamp Act,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Race to Watch: Campaign 2008, The Role of Technology and the Internet

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students listen to a statement about the role the Internet plays in the political process and respond by placing a card under the appropriate agree/disagree sign at the front of the room. Students brainstorm reasons to select their...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Future of Social Studies Education

For Teachers 2nd - 4th
Young scholars work in groups of four and complete a roster of their names and personal information and to complete a release form that allows their pictures to be placed online. They then engage in classroom activities while being...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Recycling and Resources

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders examine ways to conserve natural resources. In this environmental instructional activity, 6th graders read the book Just a Dream and discuss the natural resources that they recycle. Students brainstorm ways to conserve...