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Building on the Past
Students consider how the scientific advances of the past have contributed to the science topics reported on today in the Science Times section. After reading a current science article, they compare and contrast the way science was...
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Once Upon a Word
Young scholars explore the derivations and usage of common slang terms. Through internet research and discussion, students consider the Latin and Greek roots of contemporary slang terms. Groups complete an etymology chart documenting...
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Alphabet Soup
Students study language. In this unique alphabets lesson plan, students read the article by Michael Everson "For the World's A B C's, He Makes 1's and 0's." They discuss the importance of alphabets and work in small groups to create a...
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Tolerating Diversity
Students examine the meanings of tolerance and intolerance and participate in a "town hall meeting". They analyze quotations about tolerance and connect them to their personal experiences.
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Bigger Than Life, But Not Necessarily Better
Students evaluate images of health in American society, then students examine where one develops his or her views about health.
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The Only Thing We Have To Fear...
Students explore the appeal of fear in today's society and beliefs about the paranormal, specifically ghosts. They create a survey to be distributed throughout the school regarding beliefs in ghosts and other supernatural beings and forces.
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Making Magic
Students assess the elements of J.K. Rowling's 'Harry Potter' series that have made it such a success. They incorporate these elements into a short film, incorporating such concepts as pop culture mythology, urban legend and archetypes.
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Holidays Seasoned with Meaning
Learners consider how the world events of the past year have impacted their perceptions of this holiday season. Each student then explores one general theme related to his or her feelings about the season by creating a news-based collage...
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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...
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Going, Going, Gone
Students investigate how online auctions work and rate the assurances offered by specific auction sites and sellers. They, in groups, evaluate various auction sites, focusing on the site's and seller's predicted reliability; create...
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Thanks for the Memories
Learners explore the importance of the family holiday meal, read and discuss "Pass the Turkey, Tamales, Kugel and Criticism" and write their own renditions of a fictitious family's holiday evening.
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Artful Technology
Students read the article 'Fading Indian Rock Art Saved, at least in Database' and discuss its contents. After viewing examples of works from a variety of periods and places, students choose a time and place on which to conduct research.
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Book Party
Pupils compile a list of titles and authors worthy of having their own festivals, then research and write proposals outlining the activities for a specific book festival. They write analytical letters from the perspective of the author...
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Kid Lit Crit
Students explore different types of student literature; they then write their own fiction pieces, in either fantasy/adventure or memoir/realism style.
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Reader's Paradise
Students visit the school or local library (or bookstore) to create short film or radio documentary that records a specific habit or ritual associated with reading, book buying, or book borrowing.
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Sold!
Students investigate what James Zemaitis does for a living based on his picture and discuss the history and function of Sotheby's auction house. Students then study the changing face of modern art auctions by reading and discussing the...
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When Worlds Collide
Learners explore the intersection between immigration and America's vision of itself. They examine how immigrant groups view themselves as Americans, and how the American 'mainstream' views these same immigrant groups.
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Words That Will Haunt You
Students create taxonomies of Halloween-related terms. Drawing from their compiled vocabulary lists and previous reading, they compose personal essays of their own memories of the holiday. Students present their essays at a...
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Friendly Letter
Learners write friendly letters. In this friendly letters lesson, students write a friendly letter on the given template after being given direct instruction on how to write a friendly letter.
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A Power Point Slide Show for Third Graders
Third graders explore PowerPoint. In this technology lesson, 3rd graders select a topic of interest and follow a guided lesson researching their topic. Students complete storyboards, introductions, table of contents and expository...
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Writing an Original Fable
Students discover how to write fables. For this writing skill lesson, students review the literary elements of fables and take all of the steps in the writing process to create their own fables.
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Hurricane Katrina: You Be the Reporter
Students work in a small group to create news stories, feature stories and editorials/letters to the editor and organize them in a podcast, video-based program, or newspaper/magazine focused on Hurricane Katrina.
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If I Had a Robot
Students study writing. In this creative writing instructional activity, students write a story about having a robot and make a three-dimensional robot to accompany their writing.
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Author’s Purpose Activity
In this author's purpose worksheet, students read a few sentences about a book and then answer short answer questions about the author's purpose. Students complete 12 questions.