Missouri Department of Elementary
Assessing Self-Concept
A "My Self-Concept Report Card" worksheet launches a lesson about the importance of positive self-talk. After completing the worksheet, individuals make a list of the things they would do to improve or maintain a positive self-concept.
Missouri Department of Elementary
Color Your Destiny
Class groups bring feeling words alive by creating a poster that illustrates with images and colors, but not words, the feeling conjured by the word. The posters are then combined into a mural for the classroom wall.
Curated OER
All About Groups & Community
Second graders examine the various kinds of groups in our communities and lives. They make charts and drawings of different groups and complete a worksheet imbedded in this plan. The groups are a true cooperative format, with each...
Curated OER
The Trash We Pass
Where does our garbage go? What is the difference between a recyclable and non-recyclable item? Pose these important, but often overlooked, questions to your class and invite them to consider the lasting and damaging effects of the...
Global Oneness Project
Deconstructing Consumerism
To increase awareness and launch a discussion of consumerism, class members view What Would It Look Like, a 25 minute film of images that capture the global effects of the consumption of goods. Viewers make a list of the images that they...
Missouri Department of Elementary
STAR Deputies
Scholars become STAR deputies in a lesson that encourages them to be problem-solvers. Small groups gather to complete a worksheet by answering questions. A discussion presents a scenario in which a problem occurs on the playground. Small...
Missouri Department of Elementary
STAR Deputies, Unite!
STAR deputies unite! Scholars gather in small groups to solve problems using the STAR method. Pupils read a card that describes a situation that requires problem-solving. They role-play the scenario in front of their peers.
Global Oneness Project
Communities on the Threshold of Change
Viewers of the short documentary Santa Cruz Del Islote consider how changes in climate and overfishing impact the life style of the 1,200 residents of a small island off the coast of Cartagena, Columbia.
Southern Poverty Law Center
Analyzing Gender Stereotypes in Media
Why might toy advertisers use gender stereotypes to sell their products? Young people think critically about media messages and its role in gender stereotyping with a thought-provoking instructional activity.
Missouri Department of Elementary
Similar and Different
Using a Venn diagram, pupils compare the similarities and differences between two classmates. Next, they review the CARE acronym (Collaboration, Acceptance, Respect, Empathy) and discuss how it applies to diversity in the classroom.
Curated OER
Costco and Zoning
High schoolers research zoning laws in their own communities through literature, Web and interviews, identify retailers attempting to build in your community, find out what kind of outlets have been built in nearby areas, explore ways...
Curated OER
Some see art, some see vandalism
Pupils find out what the laws are concerning graffiti in the community. Is it a misdemeanor, does being caught result in a fine? Jail? Community service to remove it? The information is found by interviewing key people in the community.
Curated OER
Early Voting, Other Election Changes are Possible
Students use the internet and linked sites to explore current voting methods in their community. They research suggestions that have been made for changes and interview people who made these suggestions (when possible). Students suggest...
Curated OER
Slip-Sliding Away... On the Way to School
Students research snow removal in their community. They survey students to find out if they are having problems with the walks on their way to school and how bad the problem is. Next, they organize the findings to present in class....
Curated OER
Help the Elderly With Meals on Wheels
Pupils research the history of the Meals on Wheels program. Using the internet, they discover their community's connection with the program and other programs similar to them. They discuss options in which to help more organizations...
Curated OER
Lights, Camera...Ticket...2
Students research the pros and cons of traffic light cameras that generate tickets and interview local city officials to see if they have considered this for the community. Students then prepare a panel to present the advantages and...
Curated OER
Protecting your home from carbon monoxide
Students create and distribute flyers, mailings, posters in public areas to help make people aware of how to protect yourself from carbon monoxide. Students research what carbon monoxide is and what can be done to protect those in the...
Curated OER
Panhandlers May Go Begging Elsewhere
Pupils research what laws affect panhandlers in the community or nearest city, what other cities do about panhandlers and businesses, and what homeless advocate groups suggest is a humane solution. Students then create a presentation for...
Curated OER
Lead Poisoning A Home Health Hazard
Students read background material on lead poisoning, assessing its impact on students. They locate local sources that might contain lead-based paint. Students research what is being done in the community to alleviate the problem. They...
Curated OER
I'm A Star!
Fourth graders answer questions about being responsible community member. They listen and brainstorm ideas of why it important to be responsible community members. Students are given a copy of "I'm A Star Community Member" game...
Curated OER
So where CAN I dump the snow?
Students research the ordinances about dumping snow in your community. Check with city officials and even a city Web site. They find out what other cities like yours have. Is yours typical?
Curated OER
All Around the Neighborhood - Part 2
Second graders review community leaders, their role and responsibility. After reviewing the job of a police officer, they write about the skills, roles and responsibilities a worker has on a provided silhouette. Students share their...
Curated OER
Don't Answer That Phone!
Students research the rights of customers in private stores like Subway and the dry cleaners and the use of cell phones. Students determine what laws, if any, are related to such cell phone use and present findings to the class along...
Curated OER
Cleveland May Gamble on Gambling
Pupils read articles, both pro and con, about a city proposing to approve gambling. They discuss the biases of the articles then interview parents and community members about the issue. They work in small groups to develop either a pro...