Teach Engineering
The Advantage of Machines
Show your students how to make their work easier. The first instructional activity in a series of 10 introduces the class to work and the way simple machines can be make work easier. The simple machines scholars can find in everyday...
Curated OER
Two Sides, Same Coin: How Political Beliefs Influence Language Use
Learners read several magazine articles on the same topic written from different political perspectives, paying particular attention to the diction, syntax, and arguments presented in support the point of view expressed. They then select...
Curated OER
How Diverse is That?
After reviewing biodiversity, learners work in small groups to analyze actual species distribution data. They learn to calculate the Shannon-Weaver diversity index for different communities. Though not particularly engaging, the content...
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Does it Measure Up?
Use this fun activity with youngsters learning how to use rules for measurement. Each is provided with six steps that direct them to draw specific things with specific heights or lengths. For example, they start by drawing a tree that is...
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Survival Experts
Young scholars take on the role of survival experts as they research and produce brochures or guides to educate others about what to do in the event of a natural disaster.
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Into a New Millennium, Lesson 4: 1970 to Present
Pupils view different slides on how agriculture has changed in America. In groups, they are given one resource to read and answer discussion quesions. After reviewing answers, they participate in different scenerios to help protect...
Foreign Policy Research Institute
Understanding China: The Prospects for Democracy in China
This document provides useful information for a unit on democracy in China. While it does not include detailed activities, it does have a list of democratic principles, and important facts about China that facilitate understanding of its...
Curated OER
Leadership: Leading Off
Students explore leadership skills. For this leadership lesson, students examine leadership styles as they reflect on controversies and celebrations in American baseball. Students discuss the attributes of positive and ethical leaders.
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Hurricanes!
Learners access hurricane reports form the national weather service online, and draw hurricane paths. They discuss how hurricanes form and move. The research should be reported in a comprehensive presentation that can be given to a whole...
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Integrating the Nintendo Wii in Adaptive Physical Education
Bring gaming into the classroom as part of a physical education lesson. Learners with disabilities participate in various physical activities using the Nintendo Wii. They use the video game system not only to play different sports, but...
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Families and Neighborhoods
Students investigate the characteristics of a neighborhood. In this communities lesson, students read the book Franklin's Neighborhood and list people and places in their community. Students create a neighborhood mural.
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Lights, Camera, Action!
Students develop a communication project about city wildlife. In this wildlife service project lesson, students research city wildlife, create a presentation of their groups choice, and present their findings. Students evaluate how their...
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Hazardous Chemicals? Not in my Water!
Students reflect on the effects of their actions on the environment. In this community service lesson, students investigate the hazardous quality of products within their homes. Student educate their families and communities about the...
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Makes Cents to Me: Penny Drive
St that people have wants and must find ways to get them. In this philanthropy lesson, students understand the ways people get things and arrange a penny drive to help others. Students arrange an artistic project to reflect on their fund...
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Alternative Energy Sources
Young scholars recognize that people have various opinions on the use of renewable energy.In this renewable energy lesson, students research to find the best uses of renewable energy. Young scholars create an original design for a group...
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Exporing Our Community
Young scholars explore attributes of the community in which they live. They compare rural, urban and suburban communities and attempt to classify their own community. Each group illustrates their assigned area by drawing buildings,...
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I am a Hero for Animals!
Students explore the humane treatment of animals. In this character development and civic responsibility instructional activity, students define "hero" and brainstorm related attributes. Students complete an action plan using the...
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Volunteering Requires Freedom of Choice
Learners explore ways to volunteer. In this volunteerism and philanthropy lesson, students brainstorm how the early Americans benefited from philanthropy, then discuss how others benefit from our philanthropy and how we choose ways to...
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A Peaceful Place Is Powerful for the Mind
Fourth graders explore, analyze and interpret how schools can become peaceful places to learn and interact with others. They study a wide variety of avenues to achieve this task through classroom, community and career activities...
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Following in Their Footsteps
Students discuss earlier lessons on tikkun olam. They plan their own tikkun olam project and set deadlines for its completion. They reflect on the project after it is finished.
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Love Letters to the World
Students compare three service projects and decide on one to carry out in their community. They determine the opportunity costs of completing one project over another and vote for the one they want to complete. Students realize how...
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Food Production and Services
High schoolers explore the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). In this FCCLA activity, students research and design food-related businesses. High schoolers create business plans and present them to their classmates.
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Travel Project
Students work in groups, researching, planning and presenting a 7-10 day excursion to a Spanish speaking country. This lesson emphasizes internet research culminating in an oral presentation of each trip.
Curated OER
Our Community Helpers
Students identify important aspects of community and culture that strengthen relationships. They discuss pictures of national symbols.