Curated OER
Retelling the African Folktale Abiyoyo
Act out the African folktale Abiyoyo. Kindergartners listen to the tale and discuss the characters, dressing as their favorite characters in order to retell and perform Abiyoyo using props. They will gain an understanding of story...
Michigan State University
Researching and Compiling Survey Information
Bring Internet research and social issues to your language arts class in this activity. After investigating the topic "Media Violence and How It Affects Teenagers" on the Internet, middle schoolers work in groups to compile their...
Prestwick House
Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass
Take a moment in your language or social studies class to review key terms and details from Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass. A quick crossword puzzle allows learners to check understanding before a larger unit, test, or...
Curated OER
Studying Locally, Teaching Globally
Young scholars work in small groups to create outlines and mind-maps that demonstrate their understanding of the effects of outsourcing on economic relationships and the U.S. economy.
Curated OER
Striking Up a Conversation
Young scholars, in groups, examine, discuss, and present the positions of the various parties involved in the New York City Metropolitan Transportation Authority public transportation strike, including the Transport Workers Union, the...
Curated OER
Financial Security
Pupils take an economic angle on social security, working in small groups to create a reader's guide to the program and the current debate.
Curated OER
Party Like It's 1992 or '84 or '76 or '68!
Students explore, analyze and study how political party platforms have changed over time. They create a party platform time line by researching Republican and Democratic Party stances on various issues during the last few decades.
Curated OER
Virtual Connections
Students use prior knowledge to develop a survey on their peers' habits and preferences regarding video games and online gaming. They examine the social aspect of online gaming by discussing "Where Warriors and Ogres Lock Arms Instead of...
Curated OER
What's the Hold-Up?
Students explore the current plan by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg to retain underperforming third graders in public schools. They research and debate social promotion versus retention.
Curated OER
The Aesthetics of Activism
Students explore ways in which artistic expression has been used to promote awareness of AIDS. They create their own designs to promote awareness of a social, political, or economic issue of importance to their age group and community.
Curated OER
Afghan I Stand
Students explore the history of ethnic groups, leadership, internal and external conflicts, social and economic conditions, and geographical boundaries of Afghanistan to present to fellow classmates at a teach-in.
Curated OER
Discriminating Issues
Students examine how U.S. Law Defines Discrimination In this lesson. They research the issues surrounding a variety of types of discrimination, and then write editorials analyzing legal and social positions on discrimination in the...
Curated OER
Hi-Tech Volunteerism
Students examine their personal skills and strengths and connect them to specific volunteer possibilities in developing countries. Based on what they explore hi-tech venture philanthropy, students envision projects that affect global...
Curated OER
Over the Borderline?
Young scholars study President Bush's proposal for immigration policy in the US and examine various perspectives on immigration that are currently being debated. They read and discuss an online New York Times article.
Curated OER
The Past Is Gone, But Not Forgotten
Pupils examine the role of historic sites in preserving the past, and use a NY Times article about a preserved 19th century farm as a springboard for discussion about the conservation of other historic sites and research about historic...
Curated OER
Putting on a Show
Students list and research "cutting edge" technology, then develop a Consumer Electronics Trade Show by designing posters, and developing speeches to promote products.
Curated OER
Inquiring Minds
Students participate in a "fishbowl" discussion to address the notions of government and intelligence accountability for the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States. They write letters to the President of the United...
Curated OER
The Vaccination Question
Young scholars share opinions about common vaccines, then consider facts and opinions about the HPV vaccine and hold a fishbowl and discussion. They survey members of the community to determine their perspectives on the issue.
Curated OER
No Place For Bullies
Students investigate the problem of bullying and focus upon the incidents that occur in schools. They conduct research and write a definition of bullying. They examine the consequences of cyberbullying while reading and discussing an...
Curated OER
Strangers in a Strange Land
Students participate in a round-table discussion about the ethnic Albanian refugee crisis occurring in Kosovo as a result of Serbian persecution. They examine another 20th century refugee crisis and compare its causes.
Curated OER
Perspectives from the Present
Students use the Learning Network's '1999 Year in Review Quiz' to revisit significant news events and examine the impact these news events had. They create their own quizzes based on news topics of their choice.
Curated OER
Cyberattack Detection Versus Privacy Protection
Students examine the issues of privacy and security as they relate to computer monitoring. In this privacy protection lesson, students carry out a round table discussion and write a persuasive essay pertaining to whether citizens must...
Curated OER
It's All Greek to Us
Students examine the various ways in which ancient Greek culture has influenced modern-day life. They study the context in which modern-day Greeks consider the 2004 Summer Olympics by reading and discussing the article "Where It All...
Curated OER
Stunning Recommendations
Students read and discuss the article, "Demands Rise for Tighter Oversight on Use of Stun Guns." They write letters to their state government representative with suggestions on how to regulate and study the safety of stun guns.