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Seasons of Trees
Students examine how trees change over time. In this forestry activity, students read the book The Seasons of Arnold's Apple Tree and choose three trees to observe over a period of time. Students record observations and seasonal changes...
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What We Need
First graders identify basic needs of plants. In this plant growth lesson, 1st graders observe types of plants and review the parts of a plant as well as the development of a seed. Students review related vocabulary and read The Carrot...
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Dear Diary
In this narrative learning exercise, learners compose a diary entry that includes different facets of writing. Students then respond to different narratives in the class by answering 11 different questions.
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All About Me
High schoolers examine their own personality traits and preferences. They use this information to write an autobiography.
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Varied Word Choice
Fifth graders examine how to use a variety of word choices when writing. They discuss how using more descriptive words leads to a more varied word choice, watch a teacher-created PowerPoint presentation, and using a Thesaurus replace...
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"The Pianist" As A Tool For Classroom Instruction About the Holocaust
Learners watch "The Pianist" to gain insight on the Holocaust and World War II. They write an essay based on ideas from the film and read a variety of poems and writings from the time period. In groups, they discuss the diffuculties of...
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Posters -- What's the Main Idea?
Students discuss the basics of poster productions. In groups, they follow written directions to make a poster about asthma, allergies, AIDS, or personal safety. They present their poster to the class and reflect on the process in a journal.
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Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Fourth graders research and write an author report on Roald Dahl, including books written by him, birthplace, family life, and other information on his writing. Students read aloud chapters in the book. Students create a newspaper...
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Road to Russian Revolution
Students discuss how historians can form a picture of a society based on primary sources such as diaries of people who lived through a period. They are explained that there is no proof that Nicholas II kept a journal at Ekaterinburg,...
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Social Issues
Students examine issues that affect Americans every day and create a documentary regarding a selected topic. In small groups they select an issue, conduct Internet research, and create an information sheet. Students write interview...
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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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Body Language
First graders investigate the three main parts of a plant. In this plant parts lesson, 1st graders explore vocabulary for the topic and read a story about plant parts. Students view a PowerPoint and take a quiz for the topic. Students...
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A Character's Decalogue Using "Because of Winn Dixie"
Students read the book Because of Winn Dixie and then create a personal decalogue, which is a list of 10 personal beliefs. In this decalogue lesson plan, students then write a decalogue of a fictional character and write a story based on...
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Common Theme in Folktale: 900 Versions of Cinderella
Seventh graders examine various stories that have a Cinderella theme. In this Language Arts lesson, 7th graders compare and contrast stories. Students write various journal assignments in regards to the stories.
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CRM and Political Issues
Ninth graders explore the impact of the American Civil Rights Movement. In this 20th century American history lesson plan, 9th graders watch "A Time for Justice," and listen to a voting rights speech delivered by President Johnson....
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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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Bench-Pressing Issues
Students examine some of the issues that may be facing the changing United States Supreme Court. With further exploration, they formulate their own opinions and deepen their awareness of these critical topics.
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You Are What You Read
Sixth graders select a prose, poetry, or nonfiction excerpt from a book of their choice and share it by reading aloud to their classmates, who identify the genre and respond to related questions in their journals.
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Letters from Rifka
Students read Karen Hesse's book "Letters from Rifka" and explore how it presents the experiences of a Russian immigrant to America. They research and write reports on the experiences of various immigrants from different cultures, keep...
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Magical Metamorphosis
Sixth graders compare and contrast incomplete and complete metamorphosis using a Venn Diagram. They predict, observe, measure, and record data on the life cycle of mealworms. Students write and illustrate the life cycle of the mealworm....
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Discriminating Issues
Students examine how U.S. Law Defines Discrimination In this lesson. They research the issues surrounding a variety of types of discrimination, and then write editorials analyzing legal and social positions on discrimination in the...
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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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What Is Cloning?
Students differentiate between reproductive and therapeutic cloning and then use research, discussion, and writing in journals to examine their own personal opinions on these subjects.
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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...