National Endowment for the Humanities
Factory vs. Plantation in the North and South
North is to factory as South is to plantation—the perfect analogy for the economy that set up the Civil War! The first lesson in a series of five helps teach beginners why the economy creates a driving force for conflict. Analysis of...
Partnership for Educating Colorado Students
Mayan Mathematics and Architecture
Take young scholars on a trip through history with this unit on the mathematics and architecture of the Mayan civilization. Starting with a introduction to their base twenty number system and the symbols they used, this eight-lesson unit...
Curated OER
From Home to School, GPS Style
Students are introduced and increase proficiency in the use of the hand held GPS system. They explore the meaning of longitude and latitude lines, then identify the parts of the map.
Curated OER
Technological Developments
First graders discuss household tasks, and identify differences between how things are done now, and how they were done when their parents and grandparents were little. Students then predict how tasks will change in future, and visit...
Curated OER
Project Whistlestop
Learners conduct research and present a part of Kansas City history to the class. They develop questions and ideas to initiate and refine research. They use technological tools and other resources to locate, select and organize information.
Curated OER
Children of the Steel Kings
Students investigate the public school system in Gary, Indiana in 1913. They determine how the school system changes according to individual and group needs.
Curated OER
Post-Secondary Checklist
Twelfth graders answer the question what is next for them and identify how life is going to be different after high school. As a class, they share their life experiences in elementary and middle school and then predict how it might be...
Curated OER
Watersheds, Watersheds Everywhere
Students identify the watershed in which their school is located. They use maps to locate their homes and school. They define and use the correct vocabulary.
Curated OER
U.S. History: What Happened Here?
Students apply the global positioning system to create maps of local historical sites. By collaborating with local historical groups, they research events and relate them to broader, national history. In addition to writing essays...
Curated OER
Flavors and Favors
Students conduct a food drive. In this service learning lesson, students put on a school-wide food drive, decorate the bags the food will be delivered in and possibly even help distribute the food.
Curated OER
Absolute And Relative Location
Students create a map that takes someone from school to their home using both relative and absolute locations. They assume the person using the map is unfamiliar with the area.
Curated OER
Famous People of Japan: Literature, Politics, Film, Television, Sports, and the Imperial Family
Students research biographical information about a famous Japanese, investigating how this person has impacted Japanese and American culture. Students then create an oral report and technological presentation based on the research.
Curated OER
Classroom Museum
Learners investigate various aspects of culture. They collect artifacts from various resources as an ongoing project throughout the school year. Students reflect upon the differences in cultures and subject areas as they conduct research...
Curated OER
Sundials: Keeping Time Like Native Americans
Students explore the use of sundials. They observe the shadows cast by the sun and record the times at various points throughout the day. They create sundials and record the location of the shadows and the time of day. They view a...
Curated OER
Exploring the First Amendment as it has been applied to Teen Journalists
Students explore the First Amendment as it has been applied to teens and teen journalists. In this First Amendment lesson, students memorize the First Amendment, complete online research of the topic, and quiz. Students read about...
Curated OER
Introduction to China
Seventh graders explore China. In this geography skills lesson, student label maps of the nation, discuss stereotypes about the nation, and research technological innovations of the nation.
Curated OER
Egyptian Inspiration Web
Students conduct Internet research to discover information about scientific, technological, cultural and intellectual achievements in Egypt, along with Egyptian family life. Students create Inspiration webs of their findings.
Curated OER
Links to the Missing
Students investigate the information required to identified missing persons, then create a personal 'database' of information on themselves and their community.
Curated OER
Kidsville USA
Second graders create an imaginary town using Kid Pix. They demonstrate their knowledge of specific vocabulary words and their knowledge and understanding of location by placing schools, stores, parks, etc. appropriately on their maps.
Curated OER
Digital Picture Books
Second graders create digital picture books reflecting their experiences during the school year on field trips and various classroom activities. Using digital pictures taken during the year, they write captions for each picture and...
Curated OER
A Historical Presentation
Eighth graders review a chosen social studies topic that was covered during the school year. They research the topic using a variety of sources. Students create a documentary about their topic and they create a PowerPoint presentation...
Curated OER
The Science Of Mummies
Students explore how new advancements in technology can lead to advancements in scientific knowledge, and specifically how new technologies are advancing the study of mummies.
Curated OER
Technology and the Science of Mummies
Students explore how new advancements in technology can lead to advancements in scientific knowledge. They research and discuss how new technologies are advancing the study of mummies.
Curated OER
Famous Marylanders
Fourth graders complete research on a famous person with ties to Maryland. They create web pages then publish and post these web pages on the school web site or another web site.