National First Ladies' Library
Anarchists
High schoolers identify and gain an understanding of the politics behind the killing of President McKinley, as well as the anarchist movements that continue to exist worldwide. Then they select a form of anarchy and write a short story...
Curated OER
Artificial Heart Technology
Learners discover the basics of the human heart and how it functions. They examine the whole circulatory system and how an electric heart would work inside the human body. They can choose to perform their own surgery by following...
Curated OER
Completing the Circuit
Students use a battery, wires, small light bulb and a light bulb holder to learn the difference between an open circuit and a closed circuit, and understand that electric current only occurs in a closed circuit. They describe the...
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Painted Dreams
Third graders explore the importance of art in Haitian culture by analyzing the cause and effect within the story, "Allie's Basketball Dream." They examine all the aspects of the story and characters including their goals, dreams,...
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The People Behind the Numbers
Tenth graders brainstorm potential definitions for "developed" and "developing" countries. They work in groups of four and research using Web sites listed to find information about their country then they create a spreadsheet which...
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What is a Hero? Heroism in Greek Mythology
Students explore the tales of Greek mythology and discuss what it means to be a hero. They associate acts of epic heroism with philanthropy noting that these characters acted in a larger than life manner to secure the common good.
Curated OER
Write a Song About American History
Young scholars explore the historic background of the song, The Battle of New Orleans. Working in pairs, students research other historic events and write their own songs based on them.
SMART Project
Shop with Us at Whelan School
Third graders use their math and research skills to create and manage a classroom/school store. They use a computer to manage, organize and access information. They practice pricing products, computing sales, counting money and...
Curated OER
Taking Small Steps
Students write a journal entry about a time when they had to make a tough choice between right and wrong. They read read the newspaper for
to find articles about people have been in situations that required
them to make a personal choice...
Curated OER
Introduction to Keith Haring
Students experience a dance club-like environment one would find in Haring's 1980's. They dress in 80's clothes and learn break dancing moves. They relate the experience to Haring's artwork and explain his influences.
Curated OER
Elvis Fanatic in Jail
Students read, analyze and critique a newspaper article about an Elvis fan who stole from her employer to buy Elvis memorabilia. They assess how to understand a short news report and discuss the use of present perfect tense in the article.
Curated OER
Be on the Lookout!
Students create "Wanted" posters for destructive bugs. They practice research skills as they learn about the characteristics, diets, habitats, and habits of a variety of bugs.
Curated OER
Value: Love, Topic: Friendship
Sixth graders participate in a skit, "Henry Gets it Right." They discuss the skit and qualities of a friend. They discuss an example of a wild animal taking care of animals of a different species. They consider the behavior versus the...
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Empathy/Fairness
Students explore empathy and fairness. They examine the importance of being able to empathize with people who are different from themselves. Students explore ways of resolving conflict and they recognize the concerns of others.
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Assertiveness/Self-Confidence
Students explore the concepts of assertiveness and self-confidence. They observe that is is all right to say no. Students discuss what it means to be assertive and how it takes inner strength and self-confidence to be assertive. They...
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Continent Adventure
Students review or learn information regarding the 7 continents on our planet. It is also a fun movement and fitness activity.
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The Star Spangled Banner
Students perform Star Spangled Banner, and analyze purpose and meaning of patriotic songs.
National First Ladies' Library
Stories from the Thousand and One Nights
Young scholars hold a Thousand and One Nights storytelling festival with each one memorizing a story to relate to classmates. While examining provided resource links, they select and practice a story they would like to retell. As a dress...
Curated OER
Minerals, Crystals, and Gems
Students discover the relationships between minerals, crystals and gems. They bring in rocks that they find at home, in the schoolyard, etc. and examine them and attempt to identify them. They set up a classroom exhibit that includes all...
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Climate and Cultures of Africa
Students gain an understanding of the relationship between climate and culture in the sub- Saharan Africa. Students will complete short exercises pertaining to the various cultures of Africa and the climate in which they live....
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Wind Chimes
Students construct wind chimes using physics. In small groups they design and create wind chimes using a specific weights, number of notes, and keeping the cost under ten dollars.
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Waste Minimization and Protecting the Environment
Students study the amount of waste produced and its effects on the environment. They discuss food, money, and energy and how their waste effects others. They read a play to explore how waste is produced and create a collage of...
Curated OER
The Whale Poem
Students watch a whale video clip for information. Students brainstorm on the facts that they learned about whales. Students use the Internet to find information and images about whales. Students write and publish a whale poem.
Curated OER
To Be Or Not To Be a State? That Is the Question
Eighth graders research Puerto Rico's culture, religion, language, government, etc. and identify differences and similarities with the United States. They participate in a debate about whether or not Puerto Rico should become a state.