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Extinction Theories: Dinosaurs
Learners examine how scientist use evidence to create theories. In this problem solving lesson, students use evidence cards to determine their own theory about the extinction of dinosaurs. They will debate their theories based on the...
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The History of Evolutionary Theory
High schoolers are introduced to the concept of evolution by natural selection from a historical standpoint. They examine the evidence and arguments that support the theory of natural selection.
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School Day
Young scholars participate in a lesson that involves writing a persuasive essay. They use the prompt of "extending the school day". The paper should contain correct elements of sentence structure with clear purpose that is supported with...
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Research Report
Students review research skills and discuss types of information, e.g. fact/opinion, examples/evidence then research and gather information to answer a given set of research questions. They write a multi paragraph report using the...
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Populating Deerfield: A Workday for Researching the Colonial families
Eleventh graders explore who were the colonial families that populated Deerfield and what evidence can be gathered that reveals a part of their life stories to the researcher.
Orange County Department of Education
Integrity and "Thank You, M'am"
Ninth graders explore the definition of integrity through a class discussion. They provide positive/negative examples from the story and their own experiences. Students determine character traits by analyzing the dialogue in a short...
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Making Decisions by Group: The Jury System
Students discover how to work cooperatively within a group and communicate their ideas clearly in order to reach an agreement. They summarize their experience in writing and hand down a verdict of guilt or innocence based on the...
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The Basics of Earth Science
Students discuss and define the term "scientific theory." They work in small groups to draft an overview of one theory including details about the theory's evidence and significance.
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Inquiring About the Titanic
Learners observe pictures of the Titanic sailing and at the bottom of the ocean. They hypothesize the cause of the Titanic tragedy and engage in deeper questioning while one student writes responses on the board. They then work in groups...
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Investigation 6 - Dinosaur Extinction
Fourth graders research and analyze theories on why dinosaurs became extinct. They need to find clues as to what the cause may have been. They record the evidence that they find to support their theory on the Dinosaur Extinction Theory...
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Persuasive Letters and The Tell Tale Heart
Students write persuasive letters based on "The Tell Tale Heart." They brainstorm topic sentences, main ideas, and details. They analyze the character and determine if he is innocent or guilty. They create a map listing their reasons to...
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Biographical Scene Investigators
Sixth graders become members of the BSI in this research simulation. They apply for Biographical Scene Investigator membership, investigate an individual, keep an evidence notebook and write an investigator's report.
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The Puzzle of the Ice Age Americans
Pupils describe alternative theories for how the first humans came to the Americas, and explain evidence that supports or contradicts these theories. They examine the role of skepticism in scientific inquiries.
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Learning Cycle Lesson Plan #6 (Misconception)
Ninth graders investigate evolution via natural selection and form an opinion. They support their opinion using scientific evidence and apply this to adaptations that have allowed certain organisms to survive.
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"Say you will be mine": Unspoken Answers and Unscripted Scenes
Students hypothesize the content of unscripted moments and responses, search for evidence in the actual text to support their hypothesis, and explore how this hypothesis would affect characterization. Groups perform their scenes and...
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Lost Worlds
Students, while using the strategy of identifying the main idea and supporting details, explore the three nonfiction selections of the lost worlds of Machu Picchu high in the Andes Mountains, Great Zimbabwe, and Anasazi. In addition,...
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Describing Patterns
Fourth graders investigate repeating and growing patterns. Models, graphs and words are used to describe, extend and represent patterns. Students use evidence from models and graphs to support the identification of patterns.
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Social Studies: Devastating Diseases
Students are able to critically read literature addressing historical data and answer relevant questions. They are able to formulate an opinion and support it using all knowledge documented and learned in this and previous lessons.
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Ancient Hunters of the Great Lakes
High schoolers describe theories on how the first humans came to America and show the evidence that supports it. In this investigative lesson students study given material and prepare written or oral reports in their groups.
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Comprehension
Fifth graders take part in a panel discussion. In this character lesson students show their understanding of the connection between events in a story and the development of characters. Students provide evidence from the story to support...
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The Big Burp: Where's the Proof.
Students explore the Cambrian explosion and Paleocene extinction events. In this climate change lesson, students read articles to link evidence they find to extinction and climate change. Links to the articles are included in the lesson.
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And the Survey Says...
Eighth graders evaluate whether a certain argument is valid or invalid. In this science lesson, 8th graders discuss the importance of using unbiased evidence. They design an experiment that they can test in school.
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Three Reasons Why I Want To Be...
Students investigate the process of writing an expository paper. The purpose of the paper is established in the introduction and the supporting details are sequenced in a logical order. The paper possesses punctuation and grammatical...
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Making a Formal Argument - "The Most Important Word"
In this formal argument worksheet, learners learn debate skills by writing a formal argument to the given prompt. Students must be able to state their position, provide points that support their decision, and support each point with...