New York City Department of Education
Colonial America and The American Revolution
How did the founding of the American colonies lead to a revolution? Use the essential question and sample activities to guide learners through a series of history lessons. Additionally, the packet includes effective strategies to...
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The White House or Bust: How Americans Elect Their President
Students explain the presidential duties and who is eligible to run for president. In this The White House or Bust article, students complete a map of the electoral college. In addition students analyze historical campaign posters....
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Personal Reflections
Students culminate and extend the Museum visit back into the classroom. They consider the choice Telemachus made to continue searching for his father. They relate the moral dilemma to their own personal experiences.
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Hoax Calls
Sixth graders discuss what they know about hoax calls and discover that they are illegal and can endanger lives. They also note that hoax calls can be traced and are recorded. They discuss why some people might want to make a hoax call...
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How To Make a Rainstick
Students research the uses of rainsticks in ancient native cultures. The teacher discusses the ceremonies rainsticks were traditionally used in. The students then construct their own rainstick.
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Raven Mask
Students explore the artistic expressions of the Northwest Native American Indians and using traditional palette of colors, create a personal interpretation of the traditional raven mask.
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Female Fur Traders: Breaking Arbitrary Barriers
Eighth graders read a variety of articles and watch a video about the history of female Canadian fur traders. They contribute to a website on the subject and develop a presentation with their research for the class.
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Promises, Promises
Seventh graders discuss promises they have made and whether they have kept them. In this promises lesson, 7th graders work in groups to discuss the importance of promises. They develop a verbal statement about their point of view on each...
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Long-Term Goals
Students identify long and short term goals. In this perseverance lesson plan, students discuss the difference between short term and long term goals. Students categorize their personal goals as short or long term. Students read a quote...
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Music and Fairness in a Round
Eighth graders discuss fairness. In this fairness lesson plan, 8th graders meet together to talk about how downloading free music affects the common good. They talk about their own feelings of whether it is fair or not.
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Alligator Craft Paper Bag Puppet
Students make paper bag puppets. They use the puppets as a story teller and reader. Students use the puppets to ask questions during and after reading. They assemble their own puppet. Students use the puppets to introduce new themes,...
Alabama Learning Exchange
Environmental Scrapbook and Podcast
High schoolers collect newspaper and magazine articles about the environment and construct a scrapbook using construction paper, glue, and scissors. To make it even more environmentally friendly, groups can create an online...
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Describe My City
Students explore the functions of cities by creating a visual image of their own neighborhood. Students diagram, list, and label the major businesses and cultural areas of the neighborhood where they grew up, then write a letter to a...
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Benjamin Franklin's Wisdom
Young scholars explore Benjamin Franklin's personal accomplishments and his wisdom on self-discipline. In this social studies activity, students analyze Benjamin Franklin's quotes and discuss their meaning. Young scholars share...
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Do the Right Thing
Young scholars define integrity and responsibility, then discuss the motto "Do the Right Thing." students participate in teacher-generated problems in small groups.
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Let's Put a Spin on Things: Graffiti Role Play
Fourth graders examine what is and what isn't graffiti. They role-play various scenarios, research the Graffiti Hurts website, and discuss when graffiti should be reported to local law enforcement.
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Polar Animals Writing Practice
In this polar animals writing instructional activity, students complete sentence starters that use polar animals, then write several sentences to continue their "story." A reference website for additional resources is given.
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Counting Polar Animals: 1-3
In this counting worksheet, students count polar animals, writing their count on lines beside each. Page uses numbers 1-3 only; a reference website is included for additional resources.
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Giving: Putting the Pieces Together
Fourth graders examine the gifts they might give to friends and family. They choose personal mementos to give and consider the limits of their gift-giving circle.
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Environment and Recycling Issues
First graders read and understand the text found while conducting internet research. They recognize how literature records information and reflects the human experience. Students also compare and contrast answers to questions. Then...
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Take Care of Your Computer Poster and/or Slide Show
Students discuss taking care of technical devices. In groups, students illustrate each point and write a few words about it using KidPix. They print out results and mount on a large poster.
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My Owl Babies Miss Momma
Students investigate the relationship between children and parents by reading a book about owls. In this story analysis lesson, students read the book Owl Babies and participate in a role play based on one of the characters....
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Garden in an Egg Carton
Learners investigate the growth of seedlings planted in egg cartons in the classroom. Measurements are taken as the plants grow and charts created to organize the data.
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Chinese Opera
Students study Chinese opera by sketching pictures of Chinese opera characters and musical instruments. They watch the film A Night at the Peking Opera, noting the elaborate costuming, the sparse staging, and the highly developed use of...