Curated OER
The Death Penalty -- Background and Quiz
Students participate in an activity about the death penalty. In groups, they research the history of corporal punishment and take notes on interesting facts. They identify and discuss the arguments for and against the use of it and...
Curated OER
Gorbachev Enters Software Piracy Argument
Students watch a news story about ex-President Gorbachev getting involved in a piracy case in Russia. After reading three statements about piracy, they choose the one that best fits their own views. In groups, they discuss each topic...
Curated OER
Photographs as Documents
Students analyze photographs of Maine's history. They discuss the character of Maine and read a photograph. They analyze photos in pairs and complete an analysis sheet for each one. They evaluate their photos and rank them for qualities...
Curated OER
Watch Over Wild Wanders
Students collect and organize data relating to migratory species and habitats; undertake a habitat action plan, then maintain planting and building projects for continuing benefit to wildlife; understand the unique needs of migratory...
Curated OER
Popular Sovereignty and the Lecompton Constitution
Students review the Kansas-Nebraska Act and the development of the Kansas territory Constitution. They complete a cause and effect worksheet and discuss the history of the Lecompton Constitution.
Curated OER
Teacher's Guide to 2008 Presidential Election Issues: The Economy
Students discuss the 2008 Presidential election. They examine the significant issues of the election and focus on the economy. Students study the major issues with the economy. Students decide how they feel about each canidates' views...
Curated OER
Show Me the Money!!!
Students research employment rates in the United States with a focus on broadcast journalists. In this employment rate lesson, students visit the given websites to explore popular states to live in, highest and lowest unemployment rates,...
Curated OER
Making Treaties and Weaving Wampum
Students are exposed to the cultural and artistic importance of wampum belts and the importance of the belts in American history as markers of relations between the Native Americans and European settlers.
Curated OER
The Ultimate Classroom: R & D
Redecorate a classroom on a budget. Middle schoolers rebuild a classroom after a disaster. They conduct Internet research to determine construction supplies needed and the most cost effective way to reach the predetermined results. They...
Curated OER
It's Greek To Me!
In this language lesson, scholars use Greek root meanings to determine the meaning of words. After being shown how Greek roots are used in many words, such as, photosynthesis, pairs are given two excellent black line masters...
Curated OER
Right to Remain Silent(?)
Learners consider the rights of journalists regarding source confidentiality, then create presentations on the New York Times' use of sources. They write guidelines to aid journalists in evaluating the trustworthiness of their sources.
Curated OER
A Leader's Lifetime and Legacy
For this lesson, students consider their prior knowledge about Palestinian leader Yasir Arafat and consider the immediate events surrounding his death. They then create timelines and write papers examining his political career.
PBS
Creating a Butterfly Garden and Habitat
This complete set of instructions for creating your very own butterfly garden and habitat is so cool! With some seeds and the handy resources in this activity, you and your class will be able to determine which type of habitat is best...
Curated OER
Pens, Paper and ... Cellphones?
Learners consider the benefits that so-called disruptive technology can have in the classroom, then design class activities that feature such technology prominently. They write essays responding (as students) to their classmates'...
Curated OER
A New Era for Palestinians
Get a global perspective and examine the challenges facing Mahmoud Abbas, the newly elected president of the Palestinian Authority. Thoughtful classroom citizens write letters to Mr. Abbas, asking him questions and suggesting advice....
Curated OER
Tax Jeopardy
Create a glossary of tax-related vocabulary and clip New York Times articles that present tax procedure in action, in preparation for participating in a tax quiz bowl. Young economists explore allegations that "Survivor" Richard Hatch...
Curated OER
Where Do You Stand?
Scholars assess a government's ability to intervene in personal health decisions. They research basic facts about euthanasia and describe their opinions about new legislation passed in the United States Congress about an individual's...
Curated OER
Is That a Fact?
Investigate popular scientific claims and gather evidence to defend or argue against an author's stance. Writers synthesize information and compose their own "Really?" columns modeled after those found in the weekly "Science Times"...
Curated OER
All's Well for Stem Cells
By exploring the latest research on cell and tissue renewal your young scientists can understand the various internal body parts and systems examined in these studies.
Curated OER
Hic-Hic-Hooray!
What is really the best way to get rid of hiccups? Investigate some old wives' tales and folk remedies related to health. Middle schoolers explore the science behind why people might believe these myths to be true and find the real...
Curated OER
Recreate the Race
Learners research and find the route of the Alaskan dog sled race.In this Iditarod race instructional activity students find the checkpoints for the Iditarod on a map. Learners research information in pairs about each one of the...
Curated OER
Energy Jeopardy
While science Jeopardy games are a dime-a-dozen, this one has some pretty unique categories that are still relevant to a middle school physical science curriculum. The topics include: leading nations, famous Americans (who invented...
Federal Reserve Bank
Market Basket SMART/ActivInspire Lesson Plan
Inflate your knowledge, not the economy! Pupils learn more about inflation with detailed worksheets and exciting activities such as role play, an interactive PowerPoint presentation, and a project in which they design...
Curated OER
Keeping Your English Up to Date: Hoodie
Language is fluid, especially the English language. See how it is currently changing and will continue to change. Using the example of the term "hoodie," learners work through a week's worth of vocabulary, spelling, and critical thinking...