Curated OER
Take It Or Leave It
Third graders examine the significance of the Louisiana Purchase and the journey of Lewis and Clark, and discuss "needs" versus "wants". They listen to a story, plan for a journey like Lewis and Clark, create a list of supplies, and...
Curated OER
Sculpting a Message: From the Counter-Reformation to the Present Day
Students discuss persuasive messages in art. In this art history lesson, students research 17th- century European sculptures to find the messages given. They create their own sculptures and write press releases to explain their art.
Curated OER
E-Cycling!
Eighth graders research how and why electronics are recycled. In this earth science lesson, 8th graders determine the types of materials electronic devices are made up of. They produce a creative ad to encourage people to recycle.
Curated OER
History In Pictures
Sixth graders explore Lewis and Clark's expeditions. In this Lewis and Clark lesson, 6th graders view the routes they took and discuss how the territory has changed. Students make a timeline of their journey. Students research online for...
Curated OER
I Really Love This More
Young language arts learners choose between two activities and then attempt to convince their classmates of their choice as a way of practicing persuasive speech. This particular lesson uses Valentine's Day as a theme; learners chose...
Curated OER
Exploring Michigan
Students create and present an itinerary for a trip. In this travel lesson, students list ideas of travel experiences for their country. Students then pretend they are taking a trip to Michigan and read an example letter for their trip....
Curated OER
How To Win Votes
Second graders are introduced to the concept of political campaigning. As a class, they review how Parliament makes laws. They decide on an issue they would like to see passed and get other classmates to sign their petitions. To end the...
Curated OER
Fearing the Fear Factor
Students write a reaction paper on the topic: "Reality shows like 'Fear Factor' are dangerous/nothing to worry about because...." Students respond to the situation Akron, Ohio's First Energy Corporation being labeled irresponsible after...
Curated OER
Saving Bambi
Eighth graders read two articles about what is being done with deer dangers. They react to the stories read. They are reacting to if deer should be shot or not to help cut down on the many dangers they impose.
Curated OER
Let's Walk That Talk
Young scholars present speeches. In this philanthropy lesson plan, students invite another class to come visit. They talk about philanthropy and present persuasive speeches written in a previous lesson plan. The visiting young scholars...
Curated OER
Impromptu and Extemporaneous Speeches
Students brainstorm and agree on a topic that is interesting to both the speaker and the audience and research it with both tradition and non-traditional sources. They write and outline the body of the speech and translate the speech...
Curated OER
Seeking Civil Rights
Students explore the impact of the Plessy v. Ferguson case. In this social justice lesson, students examine the case, Jim Crow laws, and non-violent forms of protest. Students write essays to persuade the government regarding unjust laws.
Curated OER
The Road to the American Revolution
Students consider the case for forming a new, independent nation. In this American Revolution activity, students examine the people, places, and events that led to the outbreak of war in the colonies. Students compare colonial protests...
Curated OER
Cyber Safety
Students explore internet safety. In this cyber safety lesson, students gain information on how to choose safe websites. Students get tips on what types of information is safe to share on the internet and things to be aware of.
Curated OER
Measures To Combat Mad Cow Disease
Students read an article at CNNfyi.com about Mad Cow disease. They identify and explain bovine spongiform encephalopathy and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. They formulate ways to combat mad cow disease.
Museum of the Moving Image
Political Ads in Historical Context
Campaign ads target both timely issues and general themes. Presidential campaign ads from 1952 and 1988 provide class members an opportunity to compare how the topics ads choose to address can dramatically influence election outcomes.
iCivics
Drafting Board: Electoral College
Should the president of the United States be voted by the Electoral College or the popular vote? Your young historians will consider the pros and cons of the Electoral College, and make an argument using reasons and evidence provided in...
Curated OER
Persuasive Writing
Eighth graders study persuasive writing. They analzye an editorial for introductory,body, and concluding sentences. They develop arguments for and against various topics in small groups.
Curated OER
The Missing Link
What is the missing link? Provide your class with this incomplete essay (it's missing transition words), and have writers place words from the transition word bank into the essay. Also, since only three of the five paragraphs are...
Curated OER
Call Me
Pupils write essays to persuade their families to use a particular long-distance phone plan. They compare a 10-10 plan to a regular long-distance plan.
Curated OER
Effective Letter Writing
Learners explore letter writing. For this persuasive writing lesson, students write a letter to a local organization based on a topic of their choice. Learners employ the correct letter writing procedure as outlined in the checklist...
Curated OER
That Was Then, This is Now: When I Was Puerto Rican
Students explain how geographic/cultural setting influences identity by comparing/contrasting Esmeralda's Puerto Rican self with her American self. They closely read text to pinpoint when Esmeralda was no longer Puerto Rican. Students...
Curated OER
Making Art That Matters (Printmaking Option)
Students plan and execute a relief print that attempts to protest or persuade. They focus on effective definition of shape, use of symbols, and impact on their intended viewers.
Curated OER
Too Much of a Sweet Thing
Students examine the growing prevalence of processed sugar in the American diet, first through a demonstration that makes graphically clear the amount of sugar an average boy and girl consumes on a daily basis.