Curated OER
Talking Trees
Students investigate the ecosystem. In this environmental instructional activity, students read the book The Tree by Dana Lyons and list ways to save the trees. Students create a poster about saving the trees.
Curated OER
Interpreting Christopher Columbus
Students compare historical interpretations. In this research skills lesson, students use Internet and print resources to research the controversy regarding Christopher Columbus's work as an explorer. Students use their findings to write...
Curated OER
Take Me to the River
Students learn about a different way of life. For this river and dams lesson, students discuss the Hoover Dam. Students then view pictures of the Hoover Dam, discuss the impact of dams, and compare life before and after building a dam.
Hubbard's Cupboard
The Pilgrims' First Thanksgiving
Students explore holidays by participating in class singing activities. In this Thanksgiving history instructional activity, students discuss the importance of Thanksgiving Day and read several poems which discuss the history of...
Curated OER
The Immigrant's Voice
Students explain the concept of the "push-pull" effect. They distinguish between voluntary and involuntary immigrants and apply the concept of double consciousness to the immigrant's sense of national identity.
Curated OER
From America, With Love
Students research the experiences of specific immigrant groups in the United States. Letters are written from imaginary immigrants to relatives in their countries of origin, including historically accurate details.
Curated OER
Border Poetry/Writing Workshop
Learners analyze a poem set in the U.S.-Mexico borderlands and defend their own interpretations of the work. They demonstrate understanding of poetic technique by writing their own poems of living on the border.
Curated OER
The Role of the Bison
Students explore the role of the bison in the lives of the Plains Indians during the past two centuries and the hunting techniques of the Plains Indians.
Curated OER
Australian Travel Adventure
Seventh graders are introduced to the states and territories within Australia. Using the internet, they bookmark sites and take notes on what they want to share with their classmates. They also complete a map study on the country to...
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Debating for Land
Students research pertinent information based on historical facts and is supported by quotations from primary sources in order to prepare for a class debate about land ownership in the 19th century.
Curated OER
Navaho Rug
Students wget a chance to enhance their manual dexterity and follow a sequential process. Students gain an appreciation and an understanding of a culture other than their own.
Orange County Department of Education
Integrity and a Boy Called Slow
Fifth graders identify the character trait of integrity in the main character, Slow, in "A Boy Called Slow." They participate in a discussion to determine what steps the main character took to earn his new name. Students write an essay...
Curated OER
We Can Dance
Fourth graders research the different kinds of dances Texans participate in. They try to dance the dances they have researched.
Curated OER
Why is Sacagawea on the Golden Dollar?
Students research the decision to place the image of Sacagawea on the Golden Dollar, then write persuasive essays either defending or opposing this decision.
Curated OER
Key Figures of the 1899 Harriman Alaska Expedition
Learners gain general knowledge of the goals, route, participants, and significance of the 1899 Harriman Expedition. They link names of glaciers, fiords, mountains, flora and fauna with names of the 1899 Harriman Expedition...
Curated OER
The Scarlet Letter
Students listen to group reports and then individually research one of the other reports. Upon the completion of this second research activity students write a short story in the style of Hawthorn's writing.
Curated OER
Santa Fe, New Mexico: Vocabulary Follow-Up
In this vocabulary instructional activity, students fill in blanks in sentences, using Santa Fe, New Mexico associated vocabulary given at the top of the page. A reference web site is given for additional activities.
Curated OER
At the Crossroads
Third graders explore where South Africa is and then research details about the country to fully assess the background to the book, "At the Crossroads." They receive a map of Africa and color in the country of South Africa and list five...
Curated OER
Biographical Scene Investigators
Students explore different activities that are centered on the subject of discovering the meaning of a biography and autobiography. This is done with the application of Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences.
Curated OER
Abridged and Unabridged Dictionaries
Students perform research into the history and formation of the English Language. The use of multiple types of activities is used for application of the theory of Multiple Intelligences.
Curated OER
Popcorn History
Students investigate the history of popcorn. They research the history of popcorn using the internet. Students work in small groups to create a timeline outlining the history of popcorn.
Curated OER
Cultures of Our World
Students eat food, make crafts, read books, and wear costumes all to learn about another culture. In this culture lesson plan, students can also go to a museum.
Curated OER
Mexico: One Land, Many Cultures
Students research and study the country of Mexico and complete a project about it. In this Mexico lesson plan, students research Mexico's geography, traditions, art, songs, stories, and legends that are native to Mexico.
Curated OER
Should We Celebrate Columbus Day?
Learners gather information about Columbus' impact on the Americas. They use the information to determine whether or not a fictitious community should continue to recognize Columbus Day.