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Food Myths Critical Thinking and Reading
Students read a series of statements made by students about the hazards and benefits of various foods. They distinguish the "facts: from "opinions" in the dialogue, summarize the facts in a short paragraph, and write an essay...
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Is the Media Part of the Story?
Students discuss the role of the media in public opinion. They use the internet to research when the media has had an impact on war. They write an essay about their research and any conclusions they have made.
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Here's to Your Health!
Studets research a health issue. They write an essay about the health issue. The create a public service announcement.
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The Political is Personal
Learners examine their own political party affiliations and political beliefs. After reading an article, they discuss how students at Duke define their political philosophies. They brainstorm events, people and experiences that have...
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Establishing a Strong Authorial Voice
Why do some phrases contribute to a weak authorial voice? The first page of this packet explains what a strong and weak voice sound like, and it lists some common phrases that clutter writing, ultimately weakening it. The second page...
Administrative Office of the US Courts
Morse v. Frederick
If you stop a student from expressing views that advocate drug use, are you violating their right to free speech? Use the 2007 Supreme Court case Morse v. Frederick to discuss a nuanced interpretation of the First Amendment. Learners...
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HOT TOPICS OF THE MISSISSIPPI
Students use a five-step process to write a persuasive essay about an issue that is related to the Mississippi River. Students build an argument based on prior knowledge and information from a variety of sources. Students base their...
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Structure and Support
Eighth graders read copies of The Declaration of Independence, United States constitution, and the Bill of Rights. They write an opinion about the document they feel is most important in the history of the united states. This is their...
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"I Don't Pay Attention to Advertisements? (At least I don't think so?)"
Sixth graders study eight persuasive techniques that occur in a variety of media types. They write a persuasive essay and present it to the class. They create a "new product" for which they produce an advertisement using persuasive...
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Fahrenheit 451: Social Criticism
Learners write a four paragraph essay that tells about two things in society that Ray Bradbury criticizes in the book, Fahrenheit 451. For this social criticism lesson, students develop a thesis based on their reading of the book and...
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The Art of Persuasion
Students practice persuasive writing by creating a travel brochure. In this creative writing instructional activity, students research a popular tourist destination they would like to visit and create a brochure enticing readers to...
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The Electric Hearth
Students examine popular media. In this media awareness lesson plan, students keep logs of their interactions with media and then write an essay regarding the data.
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Maven Makeover?
Students reflect on the role of prisons and discuss how they believe sentencing should be handed down. After reading an article, they discover the experiences Martha Stewart went through while in prison. In groups, they share their...
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Respect, Prejudice, and Race
Students' examine their opinions about respect, race, and stereotypes and their beliefs as a group. They complete a short questionnaire and then write an essay on reducing prejudice and discrimination.
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Trade Impasse
Students examine the concept of free trade. They watch a video clip about this topic and write an essay comparing the opinions of the guests on the show. They research a country and role-play their decisions in international trade.
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A New NATO?
Students read and interpret NATO's mission statement. After reading an article, they discover incidents in which NATO has deviated from their original purpose. In groups, they research the opinions of the countries of NATO. They write...
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Carrot Sticks or French Fries?
Young scholars investigate the influence of fast food brand names on food choices and analyze the factors that contribute to branding preferences. They write an opinion essay on the corporate responsibility to influence food choices.
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Looking at Human Struggle Through The Language Arts Curriculum: The Faces of Slavery
Sixth graders examine the use of slavery in the United States. Using a map, they draw the route of the Tecora and Amistad voyages. Individually, they write an essay describing their opinions on whether the Africans on the ships should be...
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"you Shall Not Crucify Mankind Upon a Cross of Gold!": The Issue of Bimetallism in the Late Nineteenth-Century
Learners investigate the monetary system during the late 19th-century. They view a video, answer discussion questions, read and discuss text, and write an essay justifying either the pro-silver or pro-gold standard side.
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Risks and Benefits
Students research and discuss the risks and benefits of cell phones and driving. They analyze the mechanical and administrative causes of the accident of the Space Shuttle Challenger. They write an essay explaining the risks and benefits...
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Genetically-Modified Food
High schoolers investigate the pros and cons of genetic engineering. They watch a short Bill Moyers video, conduct Internet research, create a poster, participate in a pro/con debate, and write an essay expressing their personal feelings...
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Mother Teresa
Fourth graders examine the life of Mother Teresa and her contributions to humanitarian services. They listen to a guest speaker, listen to a teacher-led lecture, write an essay, complete journal entries, and participate in a service...
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Natural Resources
Students explore Iowa geography and topographic maps. In this geography and topographic maps lesson plan, student investigate maps, newspapers, Iowa flora and fauna. Students gain an understanding of how different landforms can be...
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Thesis Statements
A good thesis is hard to craft. Model for your writers how to develop and refine thesis statements with a series of slides that discuss the purpose and format of this all-important sentence. Viewers following along as the process is...