US Department of Veterans Affairs
Celebrating America's Freedoms
From a flag-raising ceremony to a poster contest, there are many ways for learners to pay respect on Veteran's Day. Class members participate in one or many activities to honor those who served our country.
Curated OER
Diverse Voices - African American Ventures
Students research African American history and the Underground Railroad. In this African American history lesson, students discuss the Drinking Gourd. Students read 'If You Traveled the Underground Railroad' and discuss. Students work in...
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Second Graders Create Their Own Social Studies Book (Part I, The 5Ws of the Constitution)
Students develop their own social studies textbook using a blank theme book as they complete activities and learning experiences throughout the year. The activities are in art, music, simulations, read alouds, shared writing and a class...
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The Border Goes to Hollywood
High schoolers view a movie or tv show, or listen to music to analyze the ways border life is depicted in arts and entertainment.
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Underground Railroad
Students explore the Underground Railroad. In this U.S. history and technology lesson, students research an assigned topic related to the Underground Railroad, such as "abolitionist," "conductor," or "station houses." Students design a...
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Simulated Underground Railroad Experience
Fourth graders participate in a simulation activity that culminates their study of the Underground Railroad. They climb on obstacles while bells rings and older students act as conductors. They work in a darkened area with only one light...
Curated OER
Jazz Lessons That Tell The Story
Jazz lessons can provide a look into history, and a way to talk about present day jazz musicians.
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Can You Carry a Tune in a Bucket?
Learners use water filled pipes to play a tune and consider the mathematics behind the sound waves. In this sound wave lesson, students play a tune with water filled pipes. They create a mathematical model to evaluate the wavelengths and...
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Billie Holiday's Song "Strange Fruit"
Pupils analyze a variety of primary source materials related to lynching (news articles, letters written to or written by prominent Americans, pamphlets, broadsides, etc.) in order to assess the effectiveness of the anti-lynching...
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Film Character Picture Quiz
For this film character worksheet, students are given pictures of characters in movies and they define the film. Students answer 12 multiple choice questions.
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Science vs. Science Fiction
Students acknowledge the difference between science and science fiction through a compare/contrast activity. They discuss their reading materials together. Students identify characteristics specific to science fiction.
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Thanks for Your Service
Students thank their freedom fighters. In this Veteran's Day lesson, students honor members of the U.S. Armed Forces by designing a program to pay tribute to them. Students use technology tools to conduct interviews, take pictures, and...
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Teaching Fundamental Movement
Students perform fundamental movement activities for flexibility and motor skills. For this movement lesson plan, students perform physical activity for all grade levels.
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Phenomenology Lesson Plan #7: Theme Part 2
Young scholars summarize the Phenomenology unit in this lesson. They identify character and universal themes from different films. They create a ten question survey for reviewer responses.
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National Anthems of Selected Countries
In these national anthems worksheets, students read the general information and the anthems for the countries of the United States, Canada, Sweden, Switzerland, Zambia, Great Britain, Chile, Ethiopia, Korea, New Zealand, Greece, Taiwan,...
Curated OER
Celebrate The Four Seasons
Students investigate cause and effect and compare and contrast how recurring cycles are evident in multiple aspects of their education. They answer questions in the chosen field. Students model each aspect by interpreting, perceiving and...
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Comparing the Satellite and Broadcast Radio Landscapes
High schoolers research the development of satellite technology over the last 50 years students explain how the enactment of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 changed the rules for corporate ownership of multiple media outlets.
Curated OER
Underground Railroad
Fourth graders reflect on their knowledge of the Underground Railroad. In this slavery instructional activity, 4th graders discuss slavery and watch a video. Students complete a K-W-L chart after discussion and reading, as well as, a...
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Symbols of Our Land
Students explore the symbols and figures significant to the American culture in the five lessons of this unit. The U.S. flag in various versions, the Statue of Liberty, and the Lincoln Momorial are all covered in short segments in this...
New York Times
New York Times: Hollywood Composer
Survey the career of John Williams, a prolific composer of movie music whose work includes the scores of many blockbuster films such as "War of the Worlds" and "Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith."
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: John Williams
If you have seen "Jaws," "ET-the Extraterrestrial," "Star Wars" trilogy and prequel, or "Indiana Jones," you have heard this composer's work. Read more about his life and work. Listen to his music using RealAudio or Windows Media Player.
PBS
Pbs: New Perspectives on the West
This in-depth resource presents a history of the American West from pre-Columbian times until World War I with profiles, documents, and images. It encourages visitors to link these into patterns of historical meaning for themselves....
Songwriters Hall of Fame
Songwriters Hall of Fame: John Williams
John Williams has written many famous themes for many popular movies. Learn more about him and his music by reading a brief biography and viewing a short discography of his work.
Library of Congress
Loc: Patriotic Melodies
The Library of Congress site profiles 26 American patriotic songs with commentary, supporting visual material, and recordings of "America the Beautiful," "Fanfare for the Common Man" and the like.