Polk Bros Foundation
Answer the BIG Question with Cited Examples and Evidence
Close up your unit of study with an examination of one of the guiding or essential questions as it relates to what your class has studied and other research. Class members first write down the question. Then they note down information...
FNO Press
Fno.org: The New Plagiarism
Subtitled "Seven Antidotes to Prevent Highway Robbery in the Electronic Age," this article is particularly addressed to teachers who assign research projects.
Other
Christina School District: Kindergarten: Essential Questions [Pdf]
Printable six-page document. Each page begins with a Big Idea topic and then lists five essential questions for students to ask and learn from throughout the unit. Bid Idea topics include: We see all kinds of people each day; Books help...
Other
Driving Questions: Students Uncovering Amazing Content Through Inquiry
This blog post provides background on the concept of Driving Questions as a basis for Project-Based Learning and gives some direction for how to create them. The links at the end of the blog allow teachers to explore this technique more...
CommonLit
Common Lit: Units: 7th Grade Thematic Unit: Heroes
Complete teaching unit for 7th Grade Thematic Unit: "Heroes." In this unit, 7th graders will read seven texts that explore why people act heroically. Throughout this unit, students will revisit the essential question: "Why do people act...
CommonLit
Common Lit: Units: 6th Grade Thematic Unit: Growing Up
Complete teaching unit for 6th Grade Thematic Unit: "Growing Up." Students will read eight texts that speak to the theme of growing up. They will revisit the essential question: "What does it mean to grow up?," read thematically-paired...
CommonLit
Common Lit: Units: 6th Grade Thematic Unit: Outside Looking In
Complete teaching unit for 6th Grade Thematic Unit: "Outside Looking in." Students will read seven texts that speak to the theme of being an "outsider." They will revisit the essential question: "What makes someone an outsider?" Students...
CommonLit
Common Lit: Units: 6th Grade Poetry Unit: Identity
Complete teaching unit for 6th Grade Poetry Unit: "Identity." Students will read 6 poems that speak to the theme of creating an identity. They will revisit the essential question: "How do we forge an identity?", read thematically-paired...
CommonLit
Common Lit: Units: 5th Grade Author Study: Shel Silverstein
Complete teaching unit for 5th Grade Author Study: Shel Silverstein. Students will read 6 poems by Shel Silverstein that speak to the theme of how we should live our lives. Students will revisit the essential question "According to Shel...
CommonLit
Common Lit: Units: 9th Grade Thematic Unit: Education
Complete teaching unit for 9th Grade Thematic Unit: "Education." Students will read six informational texts focusing on the essential question: "How can education be used to create change?" They will gather information from their...
CommonLit
Common Lit: Units: 5th Grade Author Study: Gary Soto
Complete teaching unit for 5th Grade Author Study: Gary Soto. Students will read 4 short stories and 2 poems by Gary Soto that examine romantic and family love. Students will analyze these texts while considering the essential question:...
CommonLit
Common Lit: Units: 8th Grade Argumentative Writing Unit: Improving Society
Complete teaching unit for 8th Grade Argumentative Writing Unit: "Improving Society." Students will read six texts about problems in society. Throughout the unit, 8th graders will gather information from their readings in a graphic...
CommonLit
Common Lit: Units: 7th Grade Thematic Unit: Happiness
Complete teaching unit for 7th Grade Thematic Unit: "Happiness." Students will read 6 texts that speak to the theme of happiness. Students will revisit the essential question "How we can achieve happiness?" throughout the unit. They will...
CommonLit
Common Lit: Units: 6th Grade Informational Unit: Success
Complete teaching unit for 6th Grade Informational Unit: "Success." Students will read six informational texts focusing on the essential question: "What does it take to be successful?" Students will gather information from their readings...
CommonLit
Common Lit: Units: 12th Grade: Thematic Unit: Morality
This is a complete teaching unit for 12th Grade Thematic Unit: "Morality." In this unit, 12th graders will read eight texts that speak to the theme of morality. Students will revisit the essential question "How do we evaluate what's...
CommonLit
Common Lit: Units: 11th Grade: Thematic Unit: Values and Beliefs
Complete teaching unit for 11th Grade Thematic Unit: "Values and Beliefs." Students will read 8 short stories that examine how values and beliefs are shaped. They will analyze these stories, and the short story form, while considering...
CommonLit
Common Lit: Units: 9th Grade Thematic Unit: Love
Complete teaching unit for 9th Grade Thematic Unit: "Love." In this unit, 9th graders will read six texts that speak to the theme of love. They will revisit the essential question "What is love, and how does it change us?" throughout the...