Curated OER
Going to the Promised Land
Students analyze primary resources and map in order to draw conclusions regarding the migrant-worker experience during the Great Depression. They explain and explain the impact of economic and ecological events on individuals.
Curated OER
The Reformation
Fifth graders identify key events of the Reformation. They recognize the impact of religion during the Middle Ages.
Curated OER
Do Individuals Matter?
Students work together to discuss the benefits of choosing a career in business verses a humanitarian career. They identify the values and knowledge needed in each career. They share their thoughts with the class and answers questions.
Penguin Books
Wonder in the Classroom
Would you rather be right, or would you rather be kind? A novel unit based on R.J. Palacio's Wonder focuses on the need to be kind to others and to accept their differences. As learners read the book, they discuss the themes of...
Curated OER
Pieces of the Past
Seventh graders compare and contrast the way of life of Native Americans in Texas and around the country. As a class, they brainstorm about the uses of pottery today and use broken pieces of pottery to create an artifact. In groups,...
Curated OER
Making Cents of Independence
Learners explore the causes and major events of the Texan and American revolutions. Comparisons and contrasts are made between the two revolutionary experiences and applied to the symbolism used on the Texas State quarter.
Curated OER
Information Fluency Unit
Fourth graders, after defining the task and searching for some creative strategies, role play being a Park Ranger who tries to save Big Bend from being removed from the National Park system in Texas. They support the keeping of Big Bend...
Curated OER
Diary of a Worm Secret Agents
Second graders explore the geography of Washington D.C. and President Bush's hometown of Crawford, Texas. They read the book, Diary of a Worm, determine the best route to go to Texas from Washington D.C., and throw a birthday party for...
Curated OER
Money Circulation: A Story of Trade and Commerce
Students are introduced to the meaning, symbolism, and value of the quarter. They determine the percentage of total monetary value held in quarters and graph the results. Students infer about the U.S. Mint's distrubution of coins. They...
Curated OER
Evolutions of Pottery
Students study the history and importance of clay and pottery. They observe a video dealing the kiln. Students explore ideas for improving construction of pottery. They demonstrate a variety of construction methods and identify the...
Curated OER
A Day in the Life
Pupils examine the various roles people played on the 19th century Texas frontier. Using the internet, they get to know five residents of Fort Griffin and take notes on their characteristics. They choose one person to research more in...
Curated OER
Character Education: Responsibility
Pupils study Manuel de Zavala and his role in the history of Texas. In this character education lesson plan, students read about Manuel Lorenzo and underline the responsibilities he took on in his life. Pupils then answer questions about...
Curated OER
'My Town' Brochure
Ninth graders use the internet to research a city or town on the "Walk Across Texas" route. They create a brochure or booklet advertising their assigned city or town.
Curated OER
The Impact of the Railroad on Western Settlement
Eleventh graders utilize a painting to explore the effects of the railroads on the U.S. in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They discover how art can reflect the mood and spirit of the time in which they are created.
Curated OER
A Lucky Break
Explore idioms with a chicken theme! Consider doing these activities prior to Thanksgiving, as there's a section about wishbones! First your youngsters will match a short list of idioms with their meanings. Then, give each learner the...
Curated OER
Archeology of the Future
Students are introduced to the basic vocabulary of archeology. Using the vocabulary, they classify artifacts and make inferences about their uses. In groups, they create a chart for the criteria needed to analyze artifacts and share...
Curated OER
Follow the Yellow Brick Road
Students watch a portion of "The Wizard of Oz" and discuss how a map could be useful to Dorothy. They identify key components of maps and design a map of their classroom, including a key.
Curated OER
Caring and Gratitude
Students understand the importance of being grateful for what they have. In this philanthropic lesson, students respond to a quote by Matthew McConaughey about gratitude. Students brainstorm a list of important things in their lives and...
Curated OER
A Festival Day In Ancient Greece
Sixth graders present a Greek festival. In this Greek festival instructional activity, 6th graders experience many facets of an ancient Greek festival. Students in sixth grade present the Greek festival to second grade students.
Curated OER
Mission Nuestra Señora de la Concepción and the Spanish Mission in the New World
Students explore Spanish missions. In this research skills instructional activity, students research Internet and print sources regarding the architecture, purposes, and functionality of Spanish missions.
Curated OER
Going to the Promised Land (Dust Bowl Migration)
Students examine Dust Bowl migration. In this Great Depression lesson, students research primary sources regarding migration issues in the United States during the Great Depression. Students discuss their research findings and impressions.
Curated OER
The Adventure Begins: "Boys I Believe I Have Found a Gold Mine!"
Students view and discuss historical documents regarding Native Americans and Californians prior to the gold rush in the 1940's. They complete a variety of activities designed to show what they have learned from these sources and class...
Curated OER
The Transcontinental Railroad
Students investigate the impact of the Transcontinental Railroad. In this Transcontinental Railroad lesson, students research Internet and print sources regarding the effect of the railroad on Chinese immigrants and American...
Curated OER
Sleuthing A Writer's Skills
Young scholars read The Train Ride Home by Robin Solomon. In this literature response instructional activity, students will inspect the writing of Solomon to determine how she established a certain tone through her...