Curated OER
Errors vs. Rhetorical Devices
Is there a difference between writing errors and employing rhetorical devices? This presentation argues that there is a difference, but it might be a finer point than one would think. Addressing double entendre, oxymorons, and parody,...
Library of Congress
Uncle Tom’s Cabin and the Fugitive Slave Act
From the time of its publication, Uncle Tom's Cabin has been controversial. To better understand the debate, class members first examine a broadside decrying the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, and then two newspaper reviews of the novel...
Curated OER
Medieval Art and Architecture
Detailing the characteristics of Medieval art and architecture, including Romanesque and Gothic architecture, these slides provide incredible views of some of the most famous buildings, cathedrals and castles in the world. A few slides...
Curated OER
Holi-Days
Learners research an event, celebration, or observance from a culture with which they are not familiar and present their information to the class in this cross-curricular look at festivals and celebrations. The lesson plan includes an...
Curated OER
Arranging Patriotic Music for Instruments
Young scholars arrange a short piano composition for a group of four to six instruments of their choice. The musical arrangements should be then demonstrated and analyzed by the class as a unit study.
Curated OER
The Recycle Alphabet
First graders recognize words associated with recycling. In this environmental lesson plan, 1st graders go through the alphabet and think of words associated with recycling that start with a letter. Students create a recycling ABC book.
Curated OER
The Invention of the Parachute
Students study the invention of the parachute and how Leonardo da Vinci came up with the design. In this aerodynamics lesson students test the properties that make parachutes more efficient.
Curated OER
Early Congress Proclaims Holidays
Students read about and discuss the historical effects of Congressional decision-making in the establishment of national holidays.
Curated OER
A Prelude To Beowulf
Students study the literature and literary techniques of the early Middle Ages, thus preparing students to read Beowulf with an appreciation for its artistry and beauty. Students solve online riddles, write riddles and study Anglo-Saxon...
Curated OER
Art in the Middle Ages and Today
Students create a contemporary coat of arms and illuminated page. They study contemporary artists who combine text, symbols and images in altered books and create an altered book page of their own.
Curated OER
The Age of Reform
High schoolers are introduced to a variety of reform movements within this lesson. They explore the beliefs and motivations of each group. Connections are made from these movements to present day situations and happenings.
Curated OER
Create an Illuminated Alphabet Word Book
Students create a class alphabet book. In this letter recognition lesson, students use line and color to draw an object whose name begins with a specific letter. Students use adjectives to create a sentence describing the object or...
Library of Congress
Oral History and Social History
Students examine the Great Depression. In this oral and social histories instructional activity, students analyze primary sources to develop an understanding of the America in the 1930's.
Curated OER
A Round and A Round
Students practice singing rounds in daily warm-ups for 2 weeks prior to beginning this composition lesson. Students incorporate movement to the rhythm of each syllable, discuss syllables of words and their relationship to note values and...
Curated OER
Wyclef Jean for VH1 Storytellers
Students use different folk songs to learn chords and other musical elements.
Curated OER
Sing a Shaker Song
Second graders study the Shakers of the 19th century and practice a traditional Shaker song, complete with dance motions.
Curated OER
Soundtrack to War
Students discuss the important role of music in lives of soldiers stationed in Iraq. They identify and demonstrate skills in creating compositions with limited resources, similar in concept to the soldiers viewed in the documentary.
Curated OER
African Americans in the Columbia River Basin
Young scholars research the Columbia River Basin Ethnic History Archive (CRBEHA) and use a variety of primary sources to explore the history of blacks in the region.
Curated OER
What's Your Expression
First graders explore facial expressions in a mirror and create drawings of people with a facial expression of their choice. They graph the facial expressions drawn.
Curated OER
Composing with Non-Chord Tones to Ornament a Melody
Students develop melodies based on a simple chord progression. They develop the tools need to begin to compose their own music. Students explore the qualities of each NCT and identify them in a composition. They develop listening skills...
Curated OER
Create An Illuminated Alphabet Word Book
Students develop a class alphabet book. In this visual arts lesson, they draw a letter of the alphabet that is illustrated with animals or objects in the style of medieval illuminated alphabet books. They write a sentence about an object...