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New World Meets Old
Students demonstrate understanding of basic facts about Christopher Columbus and different theories regarding his background. They try to solve the mystery of Christopher Columbus' background and write an essay offering their own opinion.
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Seeking Civil Rights
Students explore the impact of the Plessy v. Ferguson case. For 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.
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Up Close and Personal with Black Bayou Lake
Students get up close and personal with Black Bayou Lake. Visiting web sites and taking virtual tours, they write multi-paragraph essays using descriptive words and literary devices.
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The Sculpture of Henry Moore
Eighth graders complete a unit of lessons on the characteristics of Henry Moore's sculpture. They examine and discuss examples of Moore's sculpture, identify the defining characteristics, write an essay, and create a sculpture in the...
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Save the Library!
Students discuss library resources and how to locate them by answering various scenarios. Role-playing as librarians, they write essays stating five reasons why the library should not be closed down.
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I Don't Pay Attention to Advertisements
Sixth graders examine the eight persuasive techniques, identifying them in all avenues of media including magazine, TV, Internet, and billboards, and making them aware of how advertising already influences them. They write an essay using...
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The Incident of September 11th
Sixth graders identify and write in their journals in order to activate prior knowledge on the events that surround September 11th. Students, with a partner, read various essays, articles and personal experiences of September 11....
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Interpreting Political Cartoons
Students review political cartoons and discuss what political impact they can have. They choose a current political cartoon and write an essay exploring its intent and impact.
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Rubric Rating
Students develop a rubric or scoring guide to assess newpaper articles. They rate the story and write the reasons for the rating. An Essay Scoring Guide is attached for reference.
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Dred Scott and the Constitution
Students investigate the outcome of the Dred Scott case. In this human rights lesson, students read Justice Taney's decision about property rights and citizenship. Students write essays about the outcome of the case and President...
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Making the Case for Progressive Constitutional Changes in Connecticut
Students take a closer look at Constitutional Amendments. In this Progressive Era lesson, students discover how the amendment process works and then examine 4 amendments proposed during the era in Connecticut. Students research primary...
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Understanding Causes of Global Conflict: Peer Interviews
Young scholars examine sources of conflict. In this global conflict lesson, students discuss how peer pressure, bias, oppression, ethnocentrism, miscommunication, and fear contribute to personal conflict as well as global conflict. Young...
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The Convention on the Rights of the Child
Students chronicle development of human rights for students up to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, define human rights for students according to Convention, and identify and discuss three components of the Convention:...
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Focusing with Anticipation Guides
Students write with a sharp, distinct focus identifying topic, task and audience. They discuss anticipatory statements with supporting details. Students create an essential question at the beginning of a composition, novel, or unit.
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Lion, Witch, Wardrobe
Students read the story of "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." Based upon the story, students perform reinforcement and discovery activities, according to their ability level. Pupils may write an essay, perform computer research,...
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Civil War
High schoolers consider what it was like for black regiments during the Civil War. In this American Civil War lesson plan, students view segments of "Glory," and "The Descendants of the 29th Regiment." High schoolers discuss the...
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What's in a Picture Book?
Students analyze Appalachian folktale picture books. They read and analyze various Appalachian picture books, answer discussion questions, and in small groups complete a handout, and write an essay analyzing the text and illustrations of...
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The Music and Message of Lauryn Hill
Students explore the music of artist Lauryn Hill and analyze the way she uses her music in a socially responsible manner. In this music artist lesson, students read the lyrics to Hill's songs and listen to some example songs. Students...
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Managing or Meddling?
Students examine Bosnian and Herzegovinian society before and during American involvement, focusing on the successes in Brcko. They write a reflective essay considering the role of "helper countries" in foreign affairs.
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The Great Chicago Fire: Did Mrs. O'Leary's Cow Really Cause It?
Students research the Great Chicago Fire and its myths on how it started. They use their critical thinking skills to determine what really happened. They write an essay supporting their opinion on the fire.
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The Founding of Los Angeles, California
Seventh graders examine the social and cultural impact of settler groups in California and the origins of the founding of Los Angeles, California. They read and discuss an informational handout, and discuss what it is and was like to...
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Feeling for Answers
Students consider the legal issues related to a suicidal or depressed college student by reading and discussing the article, "Laws Limit Options When a Student Is Mentally Ill." They write essays considering how the events at Virginia...
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Elements Of Biology: Evolution
Students study the theory of evolution and examine why it is so controversial. In this biology instructional activity students view a video on evolution, research the theory of evolution on the Internet and complete an essay.
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New York State Testing Program English Language Arts Book 3--Grade 8 (Sample Test 2005)
In this New York State Testing Program English Language Arts worksheet, students read two articles and answer reading comprehension questions. Students answer two short answer questions and compose an essay using details from the articles.