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Science Under Control
Pupils investigate and assess scientific issues for which government regulation has been or might be enacted. Using their research, students write letters to lawmakers supporting or contesting related legislative efforts.
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Inspection Gadgets
Students examine the weapons used in past wars to prepare for a mock weapons inspection, then write a report detailing the state of weapons technology during a specific time period.
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The Fight for Human Rights
Students explore the concept of human rights by developing and defending their own 'Bills of Human Rights' and by writing a reflective essay that compares their notions of human rights and the protection of them.
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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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Soldiers' Stories
Pupils share opinions about the conditions under which they might risk their lives for a cause. They write letters from the perspective of soldiers and family members during a tour of duty.
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"Retale" Value: Exploring Plot Similarities in Fiction and Nonfiction Stories
Students explore seven basic story lines and apply these story lines to news articles in the New York Times. They write reports comparing the plot of a news article to novels, plays and movies with which they are familiar.
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Living the Dream?
Students consider the stories of two immigrants and translate their past, present and future into original pieces of writing or artwork.
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Shaken Up
Learners discuss the type of information that they expect to read in news coverage of earthquakes. They explore the devastating aftermath of an earthquake in South and Southeast Asia and research and write their own articles describing...
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Playing it Safe
Young scholars explore the importance of an election and act as political advisers for an upcoming election. Students create platforms for various candidates, by writing a letter to their candidate with suggestions for winning the election.
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What's Past is Prologue
Pupils examine a picture of a Cuban billboard and discuss what the billboard signifies. Students then consider the impact of the end of Fidel Castro's rule by reading and discussing the article ¿What Was Once Theirs.¿ Pupils research...
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All You Need Is Love
Students discuss the differences between adult love and teenage love. After reading an article, they explore a relationship that began as teenagers and ended in marriage later in life. In groups, they create posters about famous...
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The Mind Behind Design
Students explore a design website and journal their findings. In this design and writing lesson, students analyze the design process and discuss benefits to society through design. Students choose a design that they feel is the most...
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The Sorcerers Shown
Students consider the different genres of literary and movie characters. In this character types activity, students brainstorm character genres from books and movies. Students read the article 'Which Wizard Beats 'Em All?' and develop...
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Characters' Coming of Age
Students develop older versions of child or adolescent characters from favorite works of literature, adapting them for teenage or adult sequels. They each outline a sequel and write its first chapter.
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Branches of Government
Students participate in a sorting activity to research and categorize the three branches of government. They listen to teacher read aloud and write questions for a game based activity
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Why Does Service Matter?
Students were required to interview local community service volunteers. In groups, they present the information they gathered from the interview and determine if these people have made a difference in the community as a whole. They end...
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Making Memories
Students write reflective essays discussing some of their most poignant holiday memories. They illustrate their writing with original artwork and photographs to contribute to a class-designed holiday memory book.
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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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No New Workers Need Apply
Students explore older people's perspectives on work and retirement by creating charts to reflect statistical trends and formulate interview questions. They write follow-up articles that record and comment on the attitudes of their...
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Exploring Indiana's Natural Resources
Fourth graders complete a variety of activities as they study the European exploration of the Midwest, focusing on Indiana. They map the path explorers took, comparing the British with the French. They research why the explorers stopped...
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Youth Leading the Way
Students share opinions about groups or activities that give meaning to their lives. They read and discuss the article "Challenging Tradition, Young Jews Worship on Their Terms". Afterward, they investigate and write news articles about...
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Still Life Painting: Arranging Nature
Learners choose meaningful objects for a still-life arrangement and paint it using watercolors and write an artist’s statement. In this still life art lesson, students identify and analyze the characteristics of a still-life painting and...
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A Life in Politics
Students answer a quiz about congressional leaders. They research former majority leaders and create charts about them. They write letters to the current majority leader about a current issue.
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A Faith of Their Own
Students examine various topics related to womens' roles in Syria's Islamic revival. After reading and discussing an article on the subject, they participate in a fishbowl discussion and write an essay about traditions in their own lives.