Curated OER
Spin Cycle
Young scholars explore the concept of "spin" and discuss how politicians use spin to sway public opinion. A leading American politician is selected and talking points that exemplify the main idea of this lesson are shared with the class.
Curated OER
The Candid Camera
Students examine the influence of photographer Jerome Liebling on documentary films. They read and discuss an article, take photographs, and create an original photo essay and artist statement.
Curated OER
Mea Culpa
Students investigate Pope Benedict XVI's apology for offending Muslims and examine other papal apologies. Students investigate and report on other modern examples of papal apologies, and determine how their apologies were accepted by the...
Curated OER
The Sounds of Music
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.
Curated OER
Russian History, in an Eggshell
Students create Faberge-inspired art objects, depicting events in modern Russian history since Peter Carl Faberge's death in 1920. Students research the life of Peter Faberge. They write a short biography explaining how he became an...
Curated OER
Fair Game?
Students evaluate possible gender stereotypes perpetuated by computer games, particularly those designed for girls. They design a prototype for a gender bias-free computer game that would appeal to both males and females.
Curated OER
Poll-icy Perceptions
Students create their own opinion polls about local policy issues. They evaluate how anonymity may affect responses. In groups, students experience the process of developing polls, focusing on student-related topics. Students must...
Curated OER
Inquiring Minds
Students participate in a "fishbowl" discussion to address the notions of government and intelligence accountability for the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States. They write letters to the President of the United...
Curated OER
So Much To Do, So Little Time
Young scholars explore how people dividde their time among different tasks and the effect that computer technology has had on this practice. Students write their experiences with multitaskinging. They explore how multitasking has...
Curated OER
Fit to Lead
Students assess the personalities of Ugandan politicians Yoweri Museveni and Nasser Ntege Sebaggala in the context of modern Ugandan politics, and decide which one might make a better leader of Uganda. Students then consider what their...
Curated OER
Terror on Trial
Students think critically about their perceptions of terrorism and examine the motivations, goals and actions of countries against whose "state-sponsored terrorism" the United States State Department has issued sanctions.
Curated OER
Investigating History with Kidd Gloves
Students act as historical archeologists and use their analytical skills to deduce, from lists of items related to historic figures, accurate details about the lives of those people.
Curated OER
Stunning Recommendations
Students read and discuss the article, "Demands Rise for Tighter Oversight on Use of Stun Guns." They write letters to their state government representative with suggestions on how to regulate and study the safety of stun guns.
Curated OER
The Vaccination Question
Young scholars share opinions about common vaccines, then consider facts and opinions about the HPV vaccine and hold a fishbowl and discussion. They survey members of the community to determine their perspectives on the issue.
Curated OER
When the Personal Becomes Presidential
Students explore American voter's attitudes toward the checkered pasts of presidents and presidential candidates. They create and conduct a survey of members of their school community and analyze the results.
Curated OER
No Place For Bullies
Students investigate the problem of bullying and focus upon the incidents that occur in schools. They conduct research and write a definition of bullying. They examine the consequences of cyberbullying while reading and discussing an...
Curated OER
Staying Safe on the Job
Students share their opinions about the rights and responsibilities of employees, businesses and the government in maintaining a safe work environment. They prepare arguments supporting their assigned positions concerning workplace...
Curated OER
Feeling for Answers
Students consider the legal issues related to a suicidal or depressed college student by reading and discussing the article, "Laws Limit Options When a Student Is Mentally Ill." They write essays considering how the events at Virginia...
Curated OER
Block the Shock Jock or Not?
Young scholars examine their own experiences with racist and sexist speech by deciding whether or not they agree or disagree with statements related to this subject. They explore the limits of public speech by reading about the...
Curated OER
When the News is the News
Students share opinions about the factors that influence their newspaper-reading decisions. They study the News Corporation's purchase of Dow Jones & Company by reading and discussing the article "Dow Jones Deal Gives Murdoch a...
Curated OER
Art Smart
Students engage in a lesson that is concerned with the expression of art that is popular in modern times. They read articles from the New York Times and write reflectively about the featured art exhibits. Students use the newspaper to...
Curated OER
Going Medieval
Students engage in a lesson plan that is concerned with the concept of medieval ages. They conduct research using a variety of resources and use the information to perform in some roleplay activities. Students also create research papers...
Curated OER
Inspection Gadgets
Young scholars examine the weapons used in past wars to prepare for a mock weapons inspection, then write a report detailing the state of weapons technology during a specific time period.
Curated OER
Different Strokes
Students explore a Maine community in which a sudden influx of Somali immigrants has resulted in tension between the Somalis and the local residents. They create a handbook explaining aspects of the Somali culture to an American audience.