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Reaching New Heights
Students consider the impact of genetics on a person's intelligence and appearance. After reading an article, they examine the controversy over using human growth hormones. They debate the approval of using the hormone to increase the...
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A Sense of Place
Students read "Fish Tale: Falling For a Live One" from The New York Times and discuss the methods and techniques the writer uses to create a strong mental image. Students pick a place in their community they wish to write about and...
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The 'Capital' of the World
Students are introduced to the purpose of the World Bank and its president Paul Wolfowitz. After reading an article, they work together to complete a writing exercise in which they use primary source documents to state their viewpoint. ...
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Growing and Changing
Learners practice interviewing skills. In this school newspaper lesson, students interview learners in their school about what they want to be when they grow up. Students take pictures of the people they interview use the photos...
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The Long and Short of It
Young scholars take a look back at the week's news by exploring the news summaries article offered in The New York Times' Week in Review section each week. They look further into ongoing news stories of interest to them in order to...
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Consuming History
Learners research various foods as well as indigenous plants and animals from different historical eras around the world. They use their research to create a design for theme restaurants.
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Follow the Leaders
Students research current world political leaders, as well as the opinions of their supporters and critics, in order to create a "Present Political Leaders Hall of Fame" display for the classroom.
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High-Risk Areas
Students create concept maps exploring causes of drug abuse that, in Siberia and around the world, often lead to the contraction of H.I.V., and develop solutions papers.
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Dear Me
Students take a classroom "gallery walk" memorializing 9/11. As a class, they read and discuss the article "A Day to Clear the View, and Remember." Then, they write letters focusing on events that have made them want to alter their life...
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Chromatography of photosynthetic pigments
Students explore the technique of chromatography to separate compounds in a mixture. In small groups, they separate by paper chromatography and identify the major and accessory photosynthetic pigments.....................................
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LEAGUE: Into the Desert: Lesson 1
Students discover the human and physical characteristics of desert regions. For this regions lesson, students describe deserts around the world, discuss animals, vegetation, water conservation, and how humans can care for the land.
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In a Class of Their Own
Students explore taxonomy and how birds are classified in this scientific system. They use this knowledge to create entries for a field guide to birds that can be used to identify different species.
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The Surreal World
Learners explore the concept of Surrealism and how it can be expressed in various art forms. They next create a Surrealist collage, and engage in a Surrealist process to invent a title for their work. They critique a class exhibition of...
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Cracking the Genetic Code
Students investigate different purposes for manipulating DNA. After reviewing the structure and functions of DNA, students explore topics related to the use or manipulation of DNA and the potential benefits and problems, later making a...
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Forever in Our Memories
Students consider reactions to various plans for building on the grounds of the World Trade Center. They explore ideas and opinions that went into creating other memorials of events in American history and propose ideas for improving...
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A Ray of Hope?
Students examine the roles of different leaders in the Middle East, the United Nations Security Proposal 242 and recognition of Israel by its Arab neighbors, and then debate the current Saudi proposal for peace in the Middle East.
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Searching with Certainty
Students explore ways to determine credibility in sources of information. In small groups, students develop a thesis question for a research paper, then use three different methods to find Internet sites with credible information.
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Where the Sidewalk Transcends
Students use titles of Shel Silverstein poems to generate their own poetry for Students. Each student then compares his or her poem to the Shel Silverstein poem of the same title.
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Ticker Text Parade
Students examine news headlines and create very brief news pieces in the style of news tickers. They write papers reflecting upon these experiences and on the value of concisely written news reports.
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Members Only
Students discuss the advantages and disadvantages of private communities and the lives led by their residents. They design ideal planned communities for people featured in other Class Matters articles.
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Crisis Management
Students research the issues facing President Bush and write short political commentaries predicting what course the president take. For homework, they write editorials stating what they think the president should do to best serve the...
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Why Can't I Vote?
Fourth graders take an unannounced test (failure is expected) and the top scores are rewarded with candy bars. They compare this test to the literacy tests given before 1960 and votes to candybars. They journal their responses.
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Making an Effective Presentation
Students discover how to effectively deliver a presentation. They use a PowerPoint presentation as the vehicle for looking at guidelines for making an effective presentation. The guidelines apply to any type of presentation students...
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R U Talkin 2 Me?
Students discuss how they use communication devices. They read an article about communication technology. They create a poster depicting the impact of such devices on future generations. They also write a paper about what they have...