Curated OER
Creative Problem Solving
Learners respond to a situation presented about the wetlands. In this wetlands lesson plan, students understand the various opinions over the use of areas in the wetlands. Learners complete a worksheet using critical thinking questions...
Curated OER
Reformation Simulation
Learners discover the Medieval reformation. In this ethics lesson plan, students simulate council and government bodies to determine responses to various opinions regarding religion and ethics. They determine what postilions to take and...
Curated OER
Topical Discussions
Students share their opinions on controversial topics. They list their arguments and give reasons for thier position. A paper is written to reflect their views.
Foreign Policy Research Institute
Understanding the Koreas
Though this resource was designed in 2005, US tension with North Korea remains a relevant topic for exploration and understanding. Unfortunately, this lecture and reading-based lesson is unlikely to engage the class. The end product is a...
Novelinks
Words By Heart: Anticipation Guide
The anticipation guide for Words by Heart is the first of a series of six, contains lesson plans for the activity as well as a handout to be completed individually, in pairs, or as a class. It sparks interest for the text...
US Institute of Peace
Responding to Conflict: Negotiation—Identifying Wants and Needs
Let's make a deal! Are real negotiations as simple as they are in the game show? Scholars learn the art of negotiation during the 8th instructional activity in a series of 15. The activity kicks off with a fun group negotiation, then...
Polk County Public Schools
The Blame Game for the Loss at Pearl Harbor
Known as the day that will live in infamy, the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 was a shock to all. But why was the United States unprepared on that December morning? Study a series of primary sources in a document-based question that...
Curated OER
Gifts from the Hopi
Young scholars examine the gifts a community of long ago can give the community of today in terms of artistic, economic and spiritual areas. Using the Internet, they conduct searches to find information about kachina masks and pottery....
Curated OER
Objective Versus Subjective
Students examine the difference between subjective and objective statements, newscasts, and media. They discover that subjective is opinion based and objective is fact based.
Curated OER
In the News
Third graders participate in a instructional activity that helps to improve reading comprehension. They move through several activities that help them understand how to express their opinions, support their statements and communicate...
Curated OER
Still Life Painting: Arranging Nature
Students display the two still-life paintings they created along with their artist’s statement, write a review of a peer’s work, and discuss all of the paintings in a group critique. In this still life art lesson, students view the...
Curated OER
Express Yourself
Young scholars share opinions about the way students behave. They write letters to the editor responding to an article.
Curated OER
Focusing with Anticipation Guides
Students write with a sharp, distinct focus identifying topic, task and audience. They discuss anticipatory statements with supporting details. Students create an essential question at the beginning of a composition, novel, or unit.
Curated OER
Emotion or Reason?
Students use persuasive devices to construct oral or written arguments. In this arguments lesson, students discuss the types of persuasive devices used in arguments and form groups to select a topic to research. Students create a...
Curated OER
Speak Out!
Students consider their opinions on various topics and issues related to the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001. Then, focusing on one specific topic, each student supports his or her opinions in a...
Curated OER
Block the Shock Jock or Not?
Young scholars examine their own experiences with racist and sexist speech by deciding whether or not they agree or disagree with statements related to this subject. They explore the limits of public speech by reading about the...
Curated OER
We the People. . .
Learners explore the United States Constitution. In this government lesson plan, students write newspaper editorials that reflect their opinions about Amendments.
Curated OER
Meaning of Philanthropy
Learners explore the concept of philanthropy. In this service learning lesson, students discover what philanthropy is and identify people who benefit from philanthropy. Learners read selected newspaper articles regarding philanthropy and...
Curated OER
What Do People Know About Radon?
Students read the fictitious newspaper article entitled, "Levels of Radon in Jersey Town Exceed Limits." This helps them get a basic vocabulary started for the terms and concepts related to radon. In groups, they identify words that they...
Curated OER
Stunning Recommendations
Students read and discuss the article, "Demands Rise for Tighter Oversight on Use of Stun Guns." They write letters to their state government representative with suggestions on how to regulate and study the safety of stun guns.
Curated OER
Interpreting Christopher Columbus
Learners compare historical interpretations. For this research skills lesson, students use Internet and print resources to research the controversy regarding Christopher Columbus's work as an explorer. Learners use their...
Curated OER
Propaganda/Stereotypes Used in the Media
Learners write a character sketch on a television character who they feel is a stereotype. In this propaganda/stereotype lesson, students discuss the definition of the terms and ways that the media uses both. Learners relate...
Curated OER
Ch'in (Qin) Dynasty Debate on Censorship
Sixth graders learn team building, fair play, keeping an open mind towards others' opinions, U.S. government policies, and a better understanding of the meaning of censorship as they debate the merits of censorship.
Curated OER
Lessons in Learning
Learners share their opinions about public education by responding to one-question interviews. After reading an article, they discover new recommendations for the No Child Left Behind Act. They prepare a three-part reader response to...