Little Stones
How Can Poetry Make People Think and Care?
Can beautiful words change the world? Literary scholars discover how to paint their visions of change using poetry in a series of three workshops. Each independent topic gives participants a chance to examine their feelings about...
National Endowment for the Humanities
The "Secret Society" and FitzGerald's The Great Gatsby
"I have never been able to forgive the rich for being rich, and it has colored my entire life and works." This colored view is the focus of a close reading activity that asks readers of The Great Gatsby to examine the way Fitzgerald's...
Curated OER
Back to School (Secondary)
Welcome your class back to school! They will participate in a character education lesson in order to build community at the school. First they identify needs of new learners by putting themselves in their shoes and create welcome packs...
Curated OER
Sectionalism in Early U.S.
Students, divided into three groups, representing the Northeastern, Southern, Western United States. They research these areas in early American history and as a group prepare charts, graphs and reports. They explain their needs and...
Curated OER
Advocacy, Recognition, Prevention Through Art and Health
Students analyze how the environment and family history impacts personal health. In this personal health lesson, students discuss cancer and survey the school community about the disease. Students create a bulletin board about cancer and...
Curated OER
Health & Wellness
Students examine the need for proper immunizations, good nutrition, and other safety concerns.
Curated OER
When Grandparents Are The Only Parents
Students examine the way American families are changing. In groups, they discuss the impact of grandparents being the only parents to their grandchildren. They identify the mixed emotions felt by all members of the family and share...
Curated OER
You Can Stop!!
Students analyze smoking behavior based on peer pressure. In this health lesson, students read and complete worksheets on the internet concerning the behaviors associated with smoking. They summarize what they have learned by typing a...
Curated OER
Defining Caring
Eighth graders define caring. In this character education lesson, 8th graders examine the attributes of compassion as they discuss altruism, empathy, and selflessness.
Curated OER
Small Actions with Big Purpose
Seventh graders examine the trait of perseverance. In this character education lesson, 7th graders discuss community causes they care about and make plans to contribute their time and energy to overcome their personally-selected issues.
Curated OER
Water, Water Everywhere?
Students discover the relationship between water availability and population growth. They change variables in a computer model using a worksheet to guide their hypotheses and conclusions. In small groups they choose a country undergoing...
Curated OER
Sub-Cultural Theories Continued: Delinquency as the Consequence of Normal Working
In this delinquency learning exercise, students read and complete ten different exercises, including providing examples of theories, matching ideas to theorists, writing about their opinions, and comprehension questions about the article.
Curated OER
Black Skin, White Justice: Race Matters in the Criminal Justice System
Students examine the effects of race in the criminal justice system. As a class, they brainstorm a list of instances when the offender has been an African American and he is not treated fairly in court based on his race. They analyze...
Curated OER
Unity In Diversity
Students discuss the meaning of diversity in the world. They practice how to act around others and appreciate the different types of people that exist. The lesson includes a section of vocabulary and the reading of a story to illustrate...
Curated OER
Middle Passage: a Journey of Endurance
Students determine that thriving African cultures engaged in international trade and exploration before the emergence of European civilization. The study ancient Ghana, its geographic locale, the diversity therein to include its people,...
Curated OER
Franklin Says I Love You
Students consider the importance of giving as they read "Franklin Says I Love You". In this character education lesson plan, students engage in discussion about the importance of sharing and giving. They relate to the story by offering...
Curated OER
Growing With Others, Kids on the Grow!
Students participate in an after school program that promotes accepting differences, self-motivation, teamwork, leadership roles, personal safety and self-responsibility, family unity and recognizing the characteristics of good...
Curated OER
East Meets West
Young scholars explore the influences of culture in food choices and customs. They compare and contrast information to create a menu using a Web site and Student Writing Center. Suggestions for creating an on-line graphic organizer as...
Curated OER
Polykleitan God or Athlete
Learners analyze the Polykleitan God depicted in art and create their own ideal form of sculpture. In this sculpture and art lesson, students read about Greek art of the human form. Learners analyze the art of Polykleitos and then create...
Curated OER
25 Greatest Protest Songs
Pupils analyze the lyrics of protest songs as a catalyst for social change. They discuss the influence of music on behavior and explain the use of music as historical record.
Curated OER
Defining Caring
Students define the word care and discover the importance of caring for others. In this character education lesson plan, students work as a class to brainstorm synonyms for care. Learners write a list of 5 things or people that they care...
Curated OER
Character Education: Caring
Students create a bookmark with reminders of simple acts of kindness. In this character education lesson, students participate in a mini-lesson that serves as a great introduction to a service project. Students first brainstorm ways to...
Curated OER
Dodging Responsibility
Students examine what makes people be responsible. In this responsibility lesson plan, students chart the good and bad things that happen if you take responsibility and if you don't.
Curated OER
Interpreting Christopher Columbus
High schoolers compare historical interpretations. For this research skills lesson, students use Internet and print resources to research the controversy regarding Christopher Columbus's work as an explorer. High schoolers use their...