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Social Studies: Geographic Regions
Third graders create Powerpoint presentations about the five themes of geography in regions of the United States. They focus on the Northeast, Southeast, and Midwest regions. Students use both pictures and words in their shows.
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Social Studies Lesson: Apartheid
Learners examine the Apartheid system of South Africa through a role-play activity. The role-play activity ends with a class discussion on how the events affected each individual. A class discussion continues after reading an article...
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social Studies: First Amendment Role-Play
Students evaluate First Amendment case decisions by the Supreme Court. they divide into three groups - Supreme Court justices, prosecution attorneys, and defense lawyers. Both sides present their arguments and the justices deliver...
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Social Studies: World Cultures and the Library of Congress
Young scholars use the Library of Congress Website to locate information for a world cultures project. They select countries to research, investigate visa information, currency, climate, and accommodations. Students follow the directions...
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Connection to Social Studies-The Pyramids
In this simple machines worksheet, students read about the pyramids and the simple machines used to build them. They answer three critical thinking questions about the building of the pyramids.
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Why did the Aztec and Inca civilizations disappear?
Middle schoolers can analyze primary source documents to answer the question, "Why did the Aztec and Inca civilizations disappear?" They will read the provided excerpts then answer 11 different questions to uncover the ultimate answer.
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Reading Club: Sex Ed
If you teach health, sociology, ethics, or a class that addresses controversial issues, this resource related to schools' sex education programs may be useful. The New York Times' Learning Network provides a lengthy article on a unique...
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You Decide
What a cool worksheet! The full set of our Constitutional Amendments are included in this resource which helps learners know how to answer 10 questions intended to build an understanding of constitutional and unconstitutional actions.
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The U.S. in Afghanistan: Analyzing Political Cartoons
Students take a closer look at the U.S. presence in Afghanistan. In this global issues instructional activity, students analyze political cartoons related to the War on Terror. Students discuss their impressions of the war and then...
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The Railroads: The First Transcontinental Railroad
The move West was greatly effected by the first transcontinental railroad. Present your class with well-organized information regarding major causes, players, and effects the railroad had on the face of an expanding America. Note: A...
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Arab-Israeli Conflict: Global Studies
The presentation kicks-off with a challenge for upper graders to come up with a peace plan to resolve the Arab-Israeli conflict. The causes and effects of the conflict are presented only briefly. Refugees and terrorism are two example...
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The Inca Empire: Fact of Opinion
Supplement a lesson on the Inca with this worksheet. Highlighted are 2 image documents which are analyzed to answer 5 fact or opinion questions. Pupils need to provide examples and evidence to support their answers.
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Leaks and Gossip: Examining WikiLeaks Through Political Cartoons
Use political cartoons to spice up a discussion on national security! Two cartoons, one by Normal Rockwell in 1948, the other a parody of Rockwell's by Chuck Asay in 2010, depict the dangers of leaking information. Background information...
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Cartoons for the Classroom: General Motors Bailout
Bestow background in big business bailouts on your scholars with this political cartoon analysis handout. Two cartoons focus on the General Motors bankruptcy, and its effect on American taxpayers. Background information gives context for...
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Olympics and Politics: Let the Games Begin!
Let the games begin! Use political cartoons to analyze current events regarding the Olympic Games. This worksheet includes two cartoons depicting the 2008 Beijing Olympics, background information to help with analysis, and talking points...
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Jobs During WWII
Kids can consider the types of jobs people did during WWII. They'll look at six different images of people working. They then answer two to three questions to determine what job is being shown. Tip: Have learners pick out evidence from...
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Creating Historians: Giving Scholars the Answers
How allowing index cards on tests can empower critical thinking; part one of a series on approaching social studies as a group of historians.
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Say Hi to Haibun Fun
What is a haibun? With this interesting lesson, writers will experience the Japanese writing form haibun, identify elements important to Japanese writing styles, analyze a haibun, and compose their own. Different from the typical journal...
NPR
Distracted by Everything - Being Wired at All Times
This multimedia activity challenges media-savvy learners to look at the critical issue concerning the inundation of technology and multitasking in the classroom, and its effects on the education of themselves and others. The tasks...
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Blogging to Create a Community of Writers #6: Writing a Review
Looking for a good social media lesson for your class? Then, this lesson is for you! They study various written reviews, then must choose an item to review of their choice. They can choose from: a book, restaurant, CD/musical...
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Reform in the Late 19th Century
Eleventh graders explore, examine, and study the concept of reform in the late 19th century in the United States. They explain the methods that social critics advocated to improve society and examine efforts to help the urban poor found...
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Basil Heatter, "The Long Night of the Little Boats"
“It was a miracle.” Basil Heatter’s “The Long Night of the Little Boats,” which details the miraculous rescue of the British army from the shores of Dunkirk in 1940, is featured in a series of exercises that ask class members to read,...
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Understanding Tiananmen Square
William Bell's Forbidden City is used as the basis of a study of China, Chinese culture and government, and especially of the events in Tiananmen Square in 1989. Class members select a topic for Internet research and then prepare a...
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Ad Busting
Debunk advertising myths by creating an opposing image. First, find an ad with a persuasive and emotional pull. Once you have identified the message, create a counter-advertisement that shows the opposite message. For example, if an ad...