Media Education Lab
Propaganda in Context
"Board Game Helps Fight Real World Ebola," a video produced by Voice of America, provides the text for a guided instructional activity that asks viewers to analyze the propaganda techniques used in the video. Groups then select a example...
Global Oneness Project
Far From Home
A timely and provocative lesson inspires high schoolers to tackle the Syrian refugee crisis. They analyze a compelling photo essay before discussing and writing about it.
Curated OER
The Elements of a Community--Who Belongs, Who Decides?
Students identify the elements of a community. They watch a video excerpt, complete a class web diagram, answer discussion questions, and describe the controversy from the video.
Curated OER
ABC Community Walk
Students listen to several stories about cities and different types of communities. They take a walk in their city to identify unique characteristics. They create an alphabet book using people or features of their own community to go...
Curated OER
Community Facts Book
Students engage in a lesson that is concerned with the study of a utility bill. They take part in a variety of activities in order to comprehend the parts of the bill and how charges are made. Students also take part in an online activity.
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Cell Phones Create Dangers
Students research what laws, if any, relate to cell phones in your state and community. Students interview local law enforcement personnel to find out if cell phones have caused accidents in your town or city. Try to get statistics on...
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All Around the Neighborhood - Part 3
Second graders illustrate the roles, responsibilities, and skills of community members and write a paragraph that summarizes the importance of those roles, responsibilities, and skills. They are asked: "What is a role?" Students are...
Curated OER
Philanthropy - What Is It?
Students explore the meaning of the word philanthropy and identify examples of philanthropy in their home, school and community. They design a poster to communicate the meaning and impact of philanthropy.
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I Am Who We Are
Students explore the concept of philanthropy and identify specific acts of philanthropy that have affected them personally. They plan and carry out acts of philanthropy focusing on giving back to their community.
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Funding the Arts: Art from the Heart
Students explore means by which community arts might be supported. In this "community" social studies instructional activity, students research various local non-profit organizations. Students role-play as members of the board of a...
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Our Town
Students discover what makes a community run smoothly by reading signs and visiting various places in their community. In this social studies lesson, small groups of students take photographs of community signs and places and then ask...
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Injustice on Our Plates: Immigrant Women
Young scholars investigate the plight of undocumented workers. In this social justice lesson plan, students research undocumented workers as well as consumer boycott movements and write about their impressions.
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Caring for Others - Interview Questions
A worksheet produced by the 4-H organization challenges youngsters to consider seven questions regarding caring for others. They must choose five of the questions, then interview one of their peers by asking them the five questions. One...
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We Are All Pieces of the Puzzle
Seventh graders are shown a small puzzle. They are explained that without all the pieces, a puzzle is not complete. Students are explained that the same principle applies to the world of work. They are also explained that each person who...
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Social Studies: Micronesian Independence Day
Students pretend that they are visiting a relative in Micronesia and compare its Independence Day with the U.S. holiday. They compare the two countries' flags while older students in grades three through five create travelogues. Younger...
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THE TRAVELS OF BABAR: An Adventure in Scale : Integrating Visual Art and Social Studies
Students comprehend how the use of color impacts a work of art. They research how a theme can be rendered in a variety of ways (words, music, visuals). Students analyze how an artist's choices affect the aesthetic quality of artwork.
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Sharing Our Surplus Stash: A Trick-Or-Treat Twist
Students give the gift of candy to community members. In this citizenship and giving lesson, students read Franklin's Halloween and discuss why the main characters give away part of their Halloween candy. Students brainstorm who in their...
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I Live in Kansas!
Student research and apply information about communities in Kansas. In this Kansas instructional activity, 3rd graders study ten communities in the state, complete a booklet, and compare the communities to their own. They use the...
Facing History and Ourselves
How Do Rules and Traditions Shape Communities?
Sixth graders explore the concepts of laws and customs in a community, examining the reasoning behind rules. Then then collaborate to write their own classroom code of conduct.
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GLOBALIZATION
Students define the concept of the global community. They analyze characteristics of global communities using Stark's three categories: communication, economy, and culture/community. They write a five-paragraph essay which includes an...
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Design of Our Own
Students explore the concept of philanthropy. In this service learning lesson, students recognize family, school, and local community leaders who have contributed to the common good. Students also study community foundations.
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Teaching Spanish Heritage in the Context of the Ancient Mediterranean
Learners identify and interpret Spanish heritage, including the Mediterranean culture, language, history, trade, and migration. Following, they began an in-depth study of Egypt, the Middle East, Greece, and Rome and were able to make...
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Providing Service for a Nonprofit
Students participate in a non-profit organization. In this citizenship lesson, students volunteer at a non-profit organization and apply the concept of philanthropy. Students reflect upon their experience.
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Justice and Kindness Play a Part: King Day
Students recognize injustice in the world. In this social justice lesson, students discuss the responsibility they have to be advocates for justice and kindness and identify a time when they felt they were treated unfairly.