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Is a Picture Worth a Thousand Words?
Eighth graders study the basics of photography and practiced five different modes of writing, required seven photos.
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Oliver/Kenyon
Learners, through two pieces of writing, identify poetic/language devices through the speakers, personification , imagery, metaphor, etc. They assess the patterns those devices are used in and analyze the theme of each. Each student...
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American and Japanese Cities
Students compare different cities within Japan and within the United States, as well as Japanese and American cities with each other. Students research cities and then write a short essay comparing them.
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Taking a Page From Franklin
Students analyze sentences from Benjamin Franklin. They use their notes to state the same ideas in essay form. They compare the new work to Franklin's orginal work.
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Sanctus--Frank Martin
Twelfth graders complete a music listening log and then work in small groups to complete essays that answer a given set of questions about the music.
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Agnus Dei--Rutter and Faure Requiems
Twelfth graders complete a music listening log while listening to and discussing Faure Requiem and Rutter Requiem. They complete a two to three page essay comparing the Agnus Dei movements by Faure and Rutter.
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The Art of Poetry: The Lunatic, The Lover, and the Poet
Students, in groups, reflect on their attitudes towards poets and poetry. They read excerpts from George Puttenham's The Arte of English Poesie, which was written during Shakespeare's day. They compare their attitudes toward poetry to...
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Science Mystery: The Vinland Map
Students research proof regarding the authenticity of the Vinland map. In this geography lesson, students hold a debate based on their research findings. They discuss which side won and write a short essay about their opinion on the issue.
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Universal Traditions
Students research personal bias towards the story Marriage is a Private Affair. In this tradition research instructional activity, students read the story and discuss the ending. Students free write about the topic and complete a Venn...
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Personal Odysseys and Everyday Heroes
Ninth graders study Greek Mythology, focusing on Gods and Goddesses. They compare the modern day hero with the classical hero and examine how individual characters are based on their own personal odysseys.
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People and the Physical Environment of Illinois
Learners read about the settlement of Illinois from statehood to the present. They categorize different areas of need such as survival, economic and social. Students make a list of ways people used the physical environment in Illinois...
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Develop Your Own Interpretation
Students use pieces of Andy Warhol's art to write critiques. Using different points of view, they answer discussion questions and share them with the class. They also interpret the art from a historian and artist point of view. They...
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I Heard the Owl Call My Name
Eleventh graders write a two to three page paper addressing one of the following topics: Analyze the values and beliefs of the two conflicting cultures. Explain which values seem to dominate within the conflict and why. They brainstorm...
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Cultura: Vias de Conciencia Ambiental
Students discuss what house and home represent in this country and read an article from a Venezuelan newspaper about environmental awareness. They create a Venn diagram that compares and contrasts environmental awareness and responsibility.
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The Meaning of Community
Students describe the word community as it applies to Fairfax County, Virginia. In groups, they brainstorm a list of words that are needed to have a strong community. They use the internet to assess the quality of life in the county...
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History: Women Wanting to Work
Learners compare and contrast the economic roles of women throughout history in the United States, India, and Israel. After examining pictures of women from various time periods, they share observations. They watch video clips and...
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The Judiciary in American History
Young scholars investigate the influence of political and societal forces on judicial decisions. Among the topics they examine are the selection of judges and the cause and effect relationship between politics, society, and the law. to...
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Social Studies: U.S. and China Trade Relations
Twelfth graders assess the status of trade relations between the United States and China. In groups, they give short presentations defending or opposing trade relations with China. After a class vote on the issue, 12th graders write...
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Indi/Visual
Eighth graders take photographs for a photo essay contest. Using primary source documents, they review various types of artwork and discuss how some of the images have become commonplace. They use the internet to view examples of...
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Children's Rights/Child Labor - Photos & Posters as Instruments of Change
Students research the use of students for labor around the globe. Using magazine pictures, they create a poster showing the various conditions they are subject to. They compare and contrast the differences in regions and evaluate the...
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Case Studies: Cross-Cultural Comparison
Students examine maps of Lebanon, Vietnam and Nigeria, discuss relationship between ethnicity, land and conflict, review material from case studies, complete comparison chart, and write essays comparing two of the case studies.
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Social Studies: Jeffeerson and the Declaration
Students investigate Thomas Jefferson's intentions for the Declaration of Independence. In discussion, they consider what parts of the document are most useful today and to what purposes does it address the most. Finally, students...
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Mississippi Delta Blues Moves: Second in a Series of Three with Barb Hoffman and Steve Hoskins, MGM
Students complete a graphic organizer reviewing Barb Hoffman's prior lesson," Slave Songs (1840-1876)" as well as listen to and discuss Delta Blues music samples. Students research one Delta Blues singer and write a "color coded"...
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The Great Migration: Two American Tales
Students compare and contrast experiences of European immigrants and African American migrants in U.S. cities. After examining the topic, they write essays evaluating the differences and similarities of the groups' experiences.