Curated OER
Spaced Out
Students explore the transit of Venus and the information that this minieclipse provides about the distance between the Earth and the sun. They create their own astronomical units.
Curated OER
Web Writer's Block
Students evaluate Web sites banned in various countries, and investigate the reasons why particular countries would want to block information from its people.
Curated OER
the Business of Good Ideas
Students consider economic factors in patenting a new invention. They research an already-patented health product and assess its profitability.
Curated OER
Coffee Makes the World Go Round
Students examine the concept of "fair trade coffee," then research facts about coffee and the coffee industry and create original exhibits to be included in a "Global Coffee Awareness Fair."
Curated OER
An Ancient Odyssey
Students identify both the traditional myths and historical facts that are associated with geographical locations in ancient Greece. They create a "Travel to Ancient Greece" display to present their findings.
Curated OER
Lose a Vote, Gain a Vote
Students explore the issues behind close Senatorial races. They investigate the qualities of political leaders, the 2002 senatorial elections and the differences and similarities between the Republican and Democratic parties.
Curated OER
Shifting Wins
Students analyze how the outcome of the 2002 midterm elections changed the balance of power in the government. They write a news analysis and evaluation of how the nation be governed in the future.
Curated OER
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.
Curated OER
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.
Curated OER
Prairie Dog Prognosis
Students discuss the transmission of diseases from exotic pets to humans. They research different aspects of particular zoonotic diseases from the perspectives of the animal vector, the parasite, the infected human, and the carrier human.
Curated OER
Modern Messages
Learners explore the aims of artists working in various contemporary art movements, then create works in a similar art style to convey
Curated OER
Squaring Off
Students define examples of patterns and explore the makeup and purpose of patterns found in nature. They create models illustrating the patterns researched in class and relaying the purpose of patterns in various natural objects.
Curated OER
Breathing Easier
Students explore asthma, and then write proposals outlining how teachers, coaches, administrators and school support staff can be better prepared to treat students with asthma.
Curated OER
Looking Back, Up and Ahead
Students explore how scientists have forecasted the 2002 Leonid meteor shower. They pose their own predictions for peak meteor rates per hour during the 2002 shower and compare their results with actual observed rates.
Curated OER
Power House
Students reflect, speculate, identify, research, and create a blueprint for renewable energy sources.
Curated OER
Changing the Channel
Learners explore the historic transfer of the Panama Canal from the United States to Panama, investigating how this shift might affect various aspects of Panama's economy, relations with other countries, and international trade.
Curated OER
Forceful Persuasion
Students investigate U.S. foreign policy in Middle Eastern countries, and rank their level of support for American military and diplomatic actions.
Curated OER
Reporting in Letters
Students investigate the cultures and politics of different countries and write radio letters to listeners in those countries modeled after Alistair Cooke's "Letter from America."
Curated OER
Counterterrorism 101
Students discuss the roles that morality and pragmatism play in war, and then create a timeline documenting Israel's evolving response to terrorism since 1948.
Curated OER
Ambivalent Council
Students consider the purpose of a constitution and research Iraq's five major population groups. They write a letter to the Iraqi Governing Council from the perspective of a member of one of these Iraqi population groups.
Curated OER
Small Wonders
Learners investigate some of the 'mysteries' of the animal, marine and insect worlds, and create student books explaining their findings to younger students.
Curated OER
Strong Feelings
Students explore how emotions affect the decision-making of peacekeepers and design simulators for training emergency-response personnel.
Curated OER
Global Job Hopping
Students examine basic trade terms and data about the economies of countries increasingly used as outsources for American jobs.
Curated OER
Get Set!
Learners create vivid descriptions for various sets used in the new movie Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.