Curated OER
It's in Your Pocket
Students examine American coins. In this American currency lesson, students study how American money came to be as well as the responsibilities of the U.S. Mint. Students discover details regarding American coins and design their own coins.
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The Kanaka Village at Fort Vancouver: Crossroads of the Columbia River
High schoolers study the interaction between Native American and European cultures in the Pacific Northwest in the 1800s. They focus their study on the Hudson's Bay Company and Fort Vancouver.
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From the White House of Yesterday to the White House of Today
Young scholars take a close look at the design of the White House and some of the changes it has undergone. They also reflect on how the "President's House" has been and continues to be used. They give specific examples demonstrating how...
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Variance and Covariance: How much to do baseball players really make?
Is baseball really the road to riches? Here, statisticians look at salary data from baseball players and use variance to measure the spread of the data to more accurately answer that question. Note: The salary data provided is from 1994,...
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Life Choices
By examining two differing perspectives on the topic of abortion, upper graders will be able to build an opinion of their own. A teacher-led lecture outlines key points in the debate for or against abortion including, the role of...
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Organizing Principles of Plants and Animals
Three lessons and five assessments are contained in this material. Various paper shapes are sorted as a simulation of biological classification. Learners gather a list of living things that they are familiar with and design a...
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Construction of Food Chains and Tracing Energy Changes
If you need a few basic activities for teaching food chains to your emerging ecologists, here they are. Three sheets of organism cards are included for learners to cut out and arrange according to trophic relationships. To make the most...
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Trophic Pyramids and Levels
The bulk of this lesson involves the construction of both an aquatic and a terrestrial ecosystem in which to observe trophic relationships. Detailed directions are provided, as well as discussion questions, and assessment activities....
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Models of Chemical Families
A simple activity for introductory chemistry classes is thoroughly explained in this lesson plan. Each individual receives a sealed box containing an unknown object. Inquisitors use indirect evidence to draw conclusions. This activity is...
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Another King George?
Learners study the differences between presidents and kings, and constitutional monarchs and despots. They examine why the US has a president instead of a king.
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Online Lesson Political Parties, Platforms, and Planks
Students explore historical political parties and their platforms. After studying the origins and functions of political parties, students create their own platform to address current issues. In groups, students design an ad campaign...
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History or Mis-story?
Students explore some of our country's founding myths and legends by participating in an online poll. For example, did George Washington really chop down a cherry tree, then confess to his father about the deed, saying, I cannot tell a lie?
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Ancient Chinese Tomb Building
Middle schoolers compare and contrast the monuments erected for George Washington, the first president of the United States, and Qin Shi Huangdi (r. 221- 210 BCE), the first emperor of China. This lesson also includes a creative project.
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Origin of the Purple Heart
Students research the origin of the Purple Heart. In this writing lesson students research personal stories of friends or family who have received the Purple Heart. Students then design their own armed forces award complete with an...
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This Land Is Our Land
Learners explore land use. In this land lesson, students examine the use of land and land records. They create a diagram of a specified piece of land and determine the area of the land. Learners discuss their findings.
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The Fact Finders
Students analyze agricultural data and make predictions about events in history. In this history lesson, students correlate the relationship between historic events and issues in agriculture to see if there is a correlation. They analyze...
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Yorktown
Students examine the last major battle of the Revolutionary War at Yorktown. After viewing photographs, they participate in simulations of the surrender by Cornwallis. To end the lesson, they put the events of the battle into the...
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Exploring 9/11 in Historical, Cultural and International Context: Why Here, Why Us, Why Now?
Students examine the international conflicts that might have caused the terrorist attacks of 9/11. In groups, they research the similarities and differences between the three major religions and how they connect to 9/11. To end the...
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Balancing Equations
Students practice balancing chemical equations using the trial and error method. In this balancing equations lesson plan, students use paper squares labeled with specific atoms to balance 5 given chemical equations.
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Who Gets to Invent and How Do Inventors Change Our Lives?
Students examine the way various inventions have changed their lives. As a class, they create a timeline of the most important inventions during their lifetime and another timeline of how old they were when it was invented. ...
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Whites of their Eyes
Students analyze the steps that lead to the Revolutionary War. They view an eye exam chart to illustrate how important it is to focus on your end destination and see how difficult it is to focus on over time and the retelling of a...
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Cornplanter and the Fate of His Land
Young scholars explore Chief Cornplanter and his importance as the leader of the Seneca tribe. In this Chief Cornplanter lesson, students examine how the Seneca land was taken over by the right of eminent domain. Young...
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Ben Franklin and the Rising Americans
Learners prepare for and learn through a walking tour of Philadelphia. In this history activity, students support their studies with a field trip. This activity could be adapted to suit regions with other historic places or museums.
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The Electoral Process
Young scholars explore the U.S. political system by completing several worksheets. In this government election lesson, students define and describe the two main political parties in detail to one another. Young scholars read a piece...