Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Gift That Keeps on Giving

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students reflect on the role of DNA in society since its discovery in 1953 by creating works of art and poetry that metaphorically illustrate the importance, influence and concerns of DNA research.
Lesson Plan
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Class Actions

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students examine the many facets of the term "class," defining the term and exploring some of the ways that class plays into life in American society. They participate in a poll about class-related issues.
Lesson Plan
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Closing the Gaps

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students examine the defining characteristics of their own generation. They apply their analysis to learning about previous generations, and synthesize their learning by creating improvisational skits and writing creative essays.
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Curated OER

Trying Teens

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore the court cases and legal organizations that were instrumental in creating a system of juvenile justice in the United States, then present their findings in a composite timeline.
Lesson Plan
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Where the Spirit Moves You

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore the spiritual significance of locations throughout the world. After studying the historical and mystical importance of these places, students write about a spiritual place that is special to them.
Lesson Plan
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When Human Rights Are Wronged

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Learners explore the concept of human rights by examining the arresting of prominent Chinese dissidents who are members of the China Democratic Party. They develop and defend their own Bill of Human Rights and write a reflective essay.
Lesson Plan
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Breathing New Life into Old Traditions

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students investigate the role of ceremonies and other traditions of Native American cultures. They research various Native American nations and create posters that visually depict their research.
Lesson Plan
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The Dawn of Humanity

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Young scholars investigate recent archaeological challenges to theories of human origins. They research the history and geography of various African regions to create proposals for future excavations.
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Defining Issues

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Learners work on a 'campaign committee' to define civic issues that are important to them and their community. They write letters to city officials with proposals for how to address these issues.
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High Profiles

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students research and write newspaper articles about current world leaders, using a New York Times International article as a model. They research a current world leader's personal background and political history.
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Stories That Really Add Up

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students, in groups, develop math lessons for younger students that each stems from a popular student story. Group members individually develop lessons for other subject areas based on their group's story, creating interdisciplinary units.
Lesson Plan
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Fair Judgment

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Learners consider the demands of the judicial process and work in small groups to write editorials in response to the one that is read in class. For homework, they grade a television judge and write reflective essays.
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The Science of Aging

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Young scholars reflect on the lives of older people they know, then research and debate the key issues surrounding scientific experimentation in anti-aging. They write a short story that reflects their own philosophical beliefs on aging...
Lesson Plan
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They're more evolved that way

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore the notion of local evolution, or genetic selectivity among different continent-based human populations. They consider specific examples of local evolution, such as lactose tolerance, skin color, and cognitive capacity,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

How I Became Me

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students examine their own identities and read about the experiences of adopted Chinese daughters celebrating the Jewish rite of passage, the bat mitzvah. They write personal poems or speeches illustrating how their identities evolved.
Lesson Plan
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Raising Rhino Awareness

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students create a poster that promotes awareness about endangered animals. In this biology lesson, students explain the impact of rhinoceros poaching. They create a poem about them and present it in class.