University of Southern California
Coming to America After the War
As part of their exploration of the American dream, class members examine primary source materials to compare immigrant experiences of those arriving early in our country's history to those arriving in the US after World War II. To...
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I Am Special, You Are Special Too #2
After being read a story, the students attempt to identify one individual difference, and one thing about themselves that is similar to other students in the class and one thing that makes them special. For the art lesson plan, students...
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Exploring Heroism
Students examine the concept of heroism in this lesson, through personal reflection, group activities and a thoughtful analysis of the documentary, HEROES OF GROUND ZERO. They explore their own understanding of what it means to be a hero.
Learning to Give
Africa - The Great Southland
Applying the five themes of geography, preteen explorers develop a visual aid for younger learners in celebration African American History Month. They investigate the political, geographic, economic, and social aspects of the continent...
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What's Civil About War?
Students study about the Civil War through primary sources used in the PBS production of "Freedom: A History of US" based on Joy Hakim's books, "A History of US", and the companion PBS Web site.
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Haunting Music
Students discover music that was inspired by the spooky and bizarre. In this music of Hector Berlioz and Camille Saint-Saens activity, students identify elements of music and listen to the Symphonie Fantastique and Danse Macabre....
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The Role of the Museum
Young scholars identify the role of the museum as a cultural resource in the community. They use primary and secondary sources to evaluate institutional, and media influences on people and society in both historical and contemporary...
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The Three Faces of William Penn
Students analyze art depicting William Penn. They analyze three different paintings discussing the symbolism, artistic elements, and depiction of Native Americans in each painting.
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Tissue Paper Designs
Fifth graders explore the colors in the color wheel and complete a tissue art activity that includes a minimum of three different colors from the color wheel and two colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel. They discuss...
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Superhighway Scholars
Students study the states of their choice by using Superhighway Scholars website. In this Unites States history lesson plan, students create a collage using information collected about a state of their choosing. This lesson plan provides...
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Mud Puddles And Bubbles
Students create muddy foot prints, "paint" with their feet, and explore the uses of bubble mix in this three-part lesson for the early-elementary classroom. The three activities can be used separately, or adapted depending on the...
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Victorian Architecture from Heather Fitzgerald
Sixth graders compare housing in the United States during the Industrial Revolution. In this Industrialization lesson, 6th graders compare and contrast Victorian and Tenement style housing as they research primary sources gathered by...
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Newton's Color Wheels
Students investigate the effects of light while experimenting with several color wheels. They make observations and record them. The information from the observations is used to help fuel the discussion that follows. The lesson includes...
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Paul Revere and Point of View
Students analyze the engraving of Paul Revere to make a judgment about the time period of the Boston Massacre. The objective is that one creates an account of the event from the perspective of a British soldier.
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Identity of Women in Portraiture
Young scholars look at portraits to learn history. Making connections is done with the identification of details found in the portraits. The gallery depicts the historical times of the Revolutionary War in Colonial America.
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Revolutionary Money
Examine paper money from the American revolution! Historians study the paper bills and discuss the history of money. How has money changed over the times? Activities are included.
Museum of Tolerance
Music Evokes Memories and Emotions
Dim the lights, take a deep breath, and press play to explore the emotions and memories that music elicits. Class members begin using relaxation techniques designed to create a positive listening experience. As music plays, learners...
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An Apple a Day
Students sort and compare apples before making apple prints. In this apple lesson, students use a painting to inspire art prints made with apple halves. Students compare and sort apples.
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Monet's Magical Garden
Students study classic paintings by masters like Monet. In this art history lesson plan, students listen to the story Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert and sing flower songs with the rest of their class. Students examine the painting The...
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Do We See What We Know?
Eighth graders compare two visual works of art about John Brown. They read a text or listen to an interview, and identify information about him. They debate their opinions using evidence in written and visual texts. They research other...
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Introductory Activity for Color Unit: Edible Color Wheel
Students use food coloring and frosting to make an edible color wheel. They identify the primary colors and experiment with mixing colored frosting to produce the secondary colors. Students then eat their color wheel.
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Islamic Art
Young scholars examine the various forms of Islamic Art. Using the art, they identify the basic elements and research its history and style of calligraphy. They create a piece of art based on information they collected and demonstrate...
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Fugitive Slaves and the Underground Railroad
Eleventh graders consider the impact of the Underground Railroad. In this slavery lesson, 11th graders examine primary documents as they conduct independent research to explore the role of the Underground Railroad during the fight for...
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Experimenting with Colors
Students experiment with mixing primary colors together using frosting and pretzel sticks.