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The Pioneer Experience
Tenth graders consider the move westward. In this Westward Movement lesson plan, 10th graders compare and contrast the experiences of 2 pioneers by creating t-charts. Students analyze diaries, photographs, and political cartoons that...
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Local History Project: Create a Tourism Brochure
Students create a Chamber of Commerce tourism brochure for their community . They work in small groups to research historical sites, community events and natural attractions. After each group completes their topic they are peer edited...
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Searching for Me in You
Students explore their own culture and identity through the study of literature and artwork of other cultures. Students read and discuss Last of the Breed and identify cultural values. They create a presentation that incorporates their...
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Solving Science Mysteries
Young scholars choose a science-related mystery to investigate such as the Loch Ness Monster or Bigfoot. They, in groups, research theories and give a persuasive talk presenting the theory they feel to be most likely.
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George Orwell's Essay on his Life in Burma: "Shooting an Elephant"
Students read George Orwell's essay "Shooting an Elephant" as an analysis for the historical context. In this historical analysis activity, students analyze the main points in the essay to identify its cultural and historical context....
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Smoke and Mirrors
Pupils develop a persuasive peer-to-peer case against smoking. They read two scenarios, perform a skit, and prepare a factual presentation.
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A Christmas Memory
Students think about and remember a special Christmas they had with their family when they were younger. They write an essay using vivid descriptions that appeal to the senses.
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What a Difference a Year Makes: Billy's Letter
Seventh graders read, "Where the Red Fern Grows" and write a RAFT letter from the point of view of the character Billy to his grandpa reflecting on the death of his dog and his adjustment to life in town.
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Opinion Polls And Surveys As Research Tools
Eleventh graders determine, evaluate, and use resources that are most appropriate and readily available for investigating a particular question or topic. Examples include knowledgeable people, field trips, prefaces, appendices,...
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It's Debatable!
Students examine the basic elements and vocabulary of debating. They research an issue and write a letter to the editor of the local newspaper, and role-play a Parliamentary debate on a particular bill.
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Acting Out
Sixth graders investigate peer pressure, gangs, drinking, and using drugs. In small groups, they conduct research, develop, edit, and write a three-minute script, and perform the script for the class.
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Fiction vs. Nonfiction
Students explore fiction and nonfiction writing. They identify the elements of fiction in a short story and identify the criteria necessary in a nonfiction piece. Students distinguish the author's purpose in an expository text,...
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The Great Paragraph Race
Students construct and analyze paragraphs. In groups, students place given sentences in order to form a paragraph. They determine the main idea of the paragraph. Students perform activities to determine the concept of topic sentence,...
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Political Party Manifesto
In this political party manifesto worksheet, students work collaboratively to respond to 5 short answer questions regarding party platforms and then write their own manifesto speech.
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Francophone Tourism Package
Students research and write a report about a French-speaking country and present their research to classmates. They create a persuasive advertising brochure promoting one specific country as the best tourist destination.
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Religion: Eastern Schism Debgate
Students, debate the Eastern Schism in church history. They divide into four groups as Christians debate iconoclasts and the open debates the patriarch. Students debate the use of icons in religion and who has supreme authority over...
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Animals in Research - Right or Wrong?
Students research animal testing in scientific research. They role-play a research scientist, teacher, animal rights activist, or cosmetics manufacturer, and develop an argument for or against animal testing.
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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 future of Affirmative Action
Eleventh graders explore the term Affirmative Action. In this US History lesson, 11th graders create a presentation that will determine the future of federal affirmative action programs. Students write a speech that will be...
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Description and Modifying: What's On Your Plate?
Students create a food product and an advertisement promoting it. In this description and advertising lesson, students read children's book for inspiration and discover advertising techniques. Students complete their ads and...
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I Oppose!--Counter-argument/Classifying
Students create an effective classification and counter argument. In this counter-argument lesson, students decide upon a label for at least three types of people and then describe their groups. Students describe three types...
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History: Impact of the Lewis and Clark Expedition
Pupils formulate theories about the Lewis and Clark Expedition about its purpose and impact on America. They write position papers supported with facts discovered in their research. Students include quotes, factual references, maps,...
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The Purpose and Power of Persuasion
Seventh graders are introduced to and discuss the power of persuasion. After reading text, they identify the author's purpose, perspective and argument. They write their own fiction and non-fiction texts and develop a perspective after...
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Make a Travel Folder
Students select a place in the United States they would like to visit. Then, they need to do some research about the area. After that, they write a travel folder about the place they selected.