American Documentary
American Aloha: Hula Beyond Hawai'i
In this lesson, students will examine Hawaii's issues of colonization, authority, authenticity and cultural identity, and understand the distinction between native and non-native Hawaiians. This lesson includes links to videos, links to...
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Portraits, Pears, and Perfect Landscapes: Investigating Genre in the Visual Arts
Students define genre in the visual arts, particularly in Western painting and explain the differences between subject and genre. The genre of a variety of works of art is identified.
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The Ramayana: Showing your Dharma
Students identify characters and events from the Ramayana. They discuss ways in whcih the images convey non-verbal information and messages. They discuss similarities and differences in the visual and verbal tellings of the Ramayana.
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Water Wars
High schoolers investigate the water wars taking place in Ethiopia. In this global issues lesson, students research the water shortages in East Africa. High schoolers participate in a discussion that requires them to put themselves in...
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Imagining Apple Without Steve Jobs
Who was Steve Jobs and what has he contributed to American culture and technology? Kids ask themselves these questions as they read a New York Times article about Apple and Mr. Jobs. There are seven comprehension questions for learners...
ARKive
Galapagos Conservation
The Galapagos Islands inspired Darwin to develop his theory of evolution. These wonderful islands will also be the topic of a lesson on habitat and conservation. In small groups, learners will collect and synthesize information regarding...
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Close Reading
Eleventh graders read and study Hamlet. Then they are introduced to close reading as a means of understanding what is being read--not only understanding the printed word, but also the nuances and connotations of language as it is used by...
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The Other Drug War
High schoolers view the film "The Other Drug War" and discuss its content. They participate in a class debate over prescription drug pricing and complete a worksheet to use a discussion guide after viewing the film.
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Ghosts of Rwanda
Pupils engage in a class discussion of notes they have taken while watching the film "Ghosts of Rwanda." They discuss a specific teacher-chosen quotation from the film. They then write a two to three page essay on a specific question...
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Ghosts of Rwanda Pre-Viewing Lesson Plan
Students watch a film about the history of Rwanda and discuss the meaning of genocide. They study the basic principles of the United Nations and examine how point of view effects the reporting of history.
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The Aftermath of Genocide
Students read and discuss articles written about the Rwandan genocide. They participate in a class discussion, and write a letter to the U.N. or a letter to the editor of their local newspaper.
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Kim's Nuclear Gamble
High schoolers view a video clip on North Korea's nuclear weapons. They identify issues between the United States and North Korea. They write any questions they have about the documentary and participate in a class discussion.
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Jefferson's Blood
Learners view the video "Jefferson's Blood" and complete a series of activities, dealing with both Thomas Jefferson's public and private life, in order to better explain Jefferson as a man and politician.
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Do Individuals Matter?
Students work together to discuss the benefits of choosing a career in business verses a humanitarian career. They identify the values and knowledge needed in each career. They share their thoughts with the class and answers questions.
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Fancy a Walk?
Students examine the causes and effects of vertigo. In this personal health lesson, students watch 2 Red Cross video segments that feature a walkway in Spain. Students discuss vertigo and respond to discussion questions about the video...
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Prisoners in Another War
Students examine the role of the Geneva Convention. In this world history lesson, students investigate primary sources that prompt them to consider the evolution of the Geneva Convention.
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"Getting Away with Torture?"
Students discuss what they know about the abuse of Iraqi prisoners at Abu Ghraib. They research policy memos and assess their influence on military personnel. They identify the Geneva Conventions rule on the treatment of prisoners as well.
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Sherlock Holmes: Teaching English Through Detective Fiction
Students read examples of mysteries and detective fiction. With a focus on Sherlock Holmes, they are introduced to the techniques for reading properly. In groups, they define new vocabulary, make predictions and summarize the stories. ...
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Teaching With the Power of Objects
Students define value of an object. In this value lesson plan, students identify reasons for collecting objects, compile a personal inventory of items they find valuable, and then define why those items are valuable to them. In step two...
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Interrogation Tactics in the News
High schoolers investigate interrogation tactics at use in the world. In this global issues lesson, students watch "Torturing Democracy," and discuss the implications of interrogation techniques used by the United States following 9/11....
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Civic Engagement for Us?
Students identify the different forms of civic engagement. They identify their responsibilities at the different levels of government. They also analyze young leaders running for office.
BBC
Community Action
Upper graders and middle schoolers engage in a instructional activity on community. A class discussion kicks off the instructional activity. Pupils share things that they do as community service after school or on weekends. They imagine...
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Rafe's Classroom Secrets
Students consider Rafe's classroom secrets and teaching methods.
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Welcome to Paul Robeson: Speak of Me As I Am
Eighth graders examine Paul Robeson's contribution to American political and artistic heritage. They also study about McCarthyism and social unrest in America. Finally, they compare the methods used by two civil rights leaders