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Lesson Plan
National Geographic

National Geographic: American Genius: Perseverance

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students investigate the importance of failure to the process of innovation by investigating several items that were invented by accident. They share one "failure to success" story by creating a 3-panel comic strip poster, and then write...
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Article
Other

Gilbert and Sullivan Archive: Sir Arthur Sullivan

For Students 9th - 10th
Biography of Arthur Sullivan, from the famous comic opera/operetta duo, Gilbert and Sullivan. The site contains a picture of Sullivan as well as a list of works. (Published Dec. 1888)
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Article
Other

Gilbert and Sullivan Archive: The Life of w.s. Gilbert

For Students 9th - 10th
A detailed biography of William S. Gilbert. Along with Arthur Sullivan, he created comic operas. Site contains a picture and links to related sites.
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Website
British Library

British Library: 20th Century Works: Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats

For Students 9th - 10th
"Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats" is a book of comic verse by the American modernist poet T.S. Eliot. Read an overview of these poems and view additional resources such as articles, collection items, and teacher resources.
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Interactive
American Museum of Natural History

American Museum of Natural History: O Logy: The Amazing Mundo

For Students 3rd - 8th
Introduction, in comic strip format, to a selection of minerals and rocks that are used to make everyday objects, such as glass, aluminum foil, coins, and computer chips.
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Whiteboard
ClassFlow

Class Flow: Sensational Journalism and the Yellow Kid

For Teachers 6th - 8th
[Free Registration/Login Required] This flipchart covers the use of sensational journalism and the first comic strip cartoon known as the Yellow Kid. It is focused on the time around the Spanish American War.
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Website
John F. Kennedy Center

The Kennedy Center: Steve Martin

For Students 9th - 10th
Interesting biographical details on the life and career of comic actor, Steve Martin, a Kennedy Center Honoree in 2007.
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Website
PBS

Pbs: American Masters: Buster Keaton

For Students 9th - 10th
Biographical facts on the life of Buster Keaton,comic actor and film director in the 1920's.
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Handout
PBS

Pbs: Jonas Salk (1914 1995)

For Students 9th - 10th
A Science Odyssey biography of Jonas Salk from PBS, noted medical scientist who discovered the vaccine for polio. Easy to read format with link to "Paralyzing Polio," a colorfully animated and interactive comic strip. Links also...
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Handout
Wikimedia

Wikipedia: Joseph Pulitzer

For Students 9th - 10th
Wikipedia provides biographical information on Joseph Pulitzer (1847-1911), an American newspaper publisher. The Pulitzer Prize was set up by his will.
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Primary
Other

Juggling Hall of Fame: "From Boy Juggler to Star Comedian" (w.c. Fields)

For Students 9th - 10th
This page presents an excerpt from "From Boy Juggler to Star Comedian," written by American comedian, W.C. Fields. It is a very interesting account of an important part of his life.
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Activity
Shmoop University

Shmoop: De Daumier Smith's Blue Period

For Students 9th - 10th
This both comic and tragic short story is wonderfully analysed in this site which focuses on characters and themes.
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Website
Other

Gilbert and Sullivan Archive: h.m.s. Pinafore

For Students 9th - 10th
The Gilbert and Sullivan Archive provides an introduction, plot summary, text, glossary, clip art, reviews, music, and more for "H.M.S. Pinafore."
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Website
Incredible Art Department

The Incredible Art Department: Art Periods and Styles

For Students 9th - 10th
A large collection of resource links here for a wide range of art periods and styles from ancient times to the modern day.
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Handout
Encyclopedia Britannica

Encyclopedia Britannica: Redd Foxx

For Students 9th - 10th
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Redd Foxx, an American comedian and television actor known for his raunchy stand-up routines. His style of comedy, often described as "blue" for its foul language and highly adult subject...
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Handout
Encyclopedia Britannica

Encyclopedia Britannica: Richard Pryor

For Students 9th - 10th
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Richard Pryor, an American comedian and actor, who was one of the leading comics of the 1970s and '80s. His comedy routines drew on a variety of downtrodden urban characters, rendered with...