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Sadako and the 1000 Paper Cranes

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students read the novel "Sadako and the 1000 Paper Cranes by Eleanor Coerr. They Reaearch Japanese Culture and design a presentation based on information from the Sadako Peace Club link.
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CyberHunt: Ahoy! Columbus

For Teachers 2nd - 5th
Students research Christopher Columbus. In this world history instructional activity, students complete a WebQuest by using suggested website links. Students click on each link and answer questions about Columbus based upon the website.
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The Fall of the Roman Empire and the Armenian Tragedy of 1915

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine the fall of the Roman Empire and the Armenian tragedy. In this world history lesson, students read handouts about both world history events and create presentations that feature the events.
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Bunraku and Western Puppet Theater: A Comparison

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers compare and contrast puppet theater traditions. In this cultural traditions lesson, students watch film clips of bunraku puppet theater in Japan and then research the art of puppet theater in the world. High schoolers...
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Create a Family Crest

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Students create their own family crest using prior knowledge and Japanese and Native American examples of symbolic art. Lesson extensions include the creation of a school crest or woodblock examples of crests.
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Compare the United States Government with Other Political Systems

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students explore the U.S. form of government and illustrate other forms of government found throughout the world. They explain the similarities and differences between the U.S and other governments.
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Why is rice a remarkable grain?

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders research rice and its health benefits. In this rice lesson plan, 2nd graders discuss the popularity of rice in the world and its history. They make "rice squiggles" by sprinkling colored rice on a squiggle of glue. This...
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The Art of El Anasui: Creating a Mural with Discarded/Recycled Objects

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students create murals that feature recycled objects. In this West African art lesson, students examine artwork by El Anatsui and his commentary on social issues. Students then create murals in the style of El Anatsui using discarded...
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Blue Zones: Out with the old and in with the new

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders read articles about the Blue Zones, life expectancy and healthy and unhealthy habits of people around the world.  In this Current Events lesson, 7th graders participate in class discussion of key terms and concepts...
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Debating the bomb

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers research how the development of the atomic bomb affected people in World War II.  In this American History lesson plan, students participate in a debate about the bombs use.  High schoolers investigate how it has...
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Imperialism: Locations of Colonial Rule

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders examine the conquest of the Americas. In this Exploration activity, 8th graders locate the areas of colonization. Students create a visual map of these areas of conquest.
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People Take the Stand

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students learn how to be a philanthropist. In this community lesson, students define words associated with philanthropy. Students read Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes and discuss the problem and how it was solved. Students...
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Columbus' Perception of the New World

For Teachers 3rd - 12th
students investigate readings relating to the voyage of Columbus in 1492 and to make historical connections based on those readings. They form pairs to share insights and answer specific questions, and share information in a final class...
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The Process Of Stable Growth And Development

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students investigate the economic growth of established and third world countries. They conduct research with compiling statistics taken from the OECD, The World Bank, and the IMF. The lesson includes notes to help the teacher present...
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Beauty Behind Barbed Wire

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Pupils investigate the issue of racism against the Japanese during the start of World War II. They use the artwork of Estelle Ishigo to create context for the lesson and see how it provides a look into the life she experienced while...
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Dancing in the Desert: The Genie

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders study nuclear destruction using visual literacy. In this nuclear destruction lesson, 5th graders work in groups to examine a group of pictures that show the destruction of a home by a nuclear blast. They discuss the type of...
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Democratic Revolutions

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students study the Age of Revolutions. In this Latin America lesson, students consider how democratic revolutions around the world led to imperialism in Latin America. 
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Deciphering the Declaration of Independence

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students explore the textual meaning of the Declaration of Independence. In this Declaration of Independence lesson, students read and paraphrase the text of the document into modern-day language. Students also consider the meaning of...
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U.S. Involvement in Nation-Building Before Iraq

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students analyze U.S. involvement in Iraq. In this foreign policy lesson plan, students listen to their instructor lecture on America's nation-building policies. Students respond to questions pertaining to nation-building...
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War Making: Executive and Legislative Powers

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Students examine executive and legislative powers. In this federal powers lesson, students determine who has the power to wage war in the U.S. government. Students analyze the Constitution and research historical precedents regarding...
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Justice in America

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders analyze primary sources for evidence of intent and purpose. In this American government instructional activity, 11th graders compose a one-page response explaining their understanding of "justice." Students read and...
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This Great Enterprise”: Theodore Roosevelt and the Panama Canal

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Pupils explore the implications of the "Great Enterprise." In this Panama Canal lesson, students listen to their instructor present a lecture regarding President Teddy Roosevelt and Panama Canal. Pupils respond to discussion...
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Wartime and the Bill of Rights: The Korematsu Case

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine the balance between civil liberties and protection. In this national security lesson, students explore the Korematsu case which references the Japanese internment camps of World War II. Students draw comparisons between...
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Voting Rights: Convicted Felons

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students explore the state right to revoke the voting privileges of convicted felons. In this voting rights instructional activity, students read an article and respond to discussion questions about the voting rights of felons.