Curated OER
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas: Anticipation Guide
Let your learners voice their opinions on morals and human rights with an anticipation guide for Asa Butterfield's The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. Before reading the novel, kids read several statements that encourage them to agree or...
Curated OER
Study Skills- Fact and Opinion
Learners engage in a variety of activities in order to achieve the objectives of a layered curriculum unit. They take notes on the differences between fact and opinion. Students also use a newspaper in order to recognize opinionated...
Curated OER
Who Was Responsible for the Start of the Cold War?
Students determine who is responsible for the start of the Cold War. In this Cold War lesson, students conduct their own research about the evolution of the war and write essays that reveal their opinion on how the war began.
Ohio Literacy Resource Center
Arguing with Aristotle Ethos, Pathos, Logos
Introduce your classes to the Art of Rhetoric with a lesson that focuses on Aristotle's persuasive appeals and how they have been used, both ethically and unethically, to influence opinion.
Curated OER
Separation of Powers
Students examine the separation of powers in local and federal government. Using case studies, they review several instances of separation of powers. After reading the case studies, they write a brief opinion essays supporting their...
Curated OER
To Censor or Not? The Power Of War Photos
Students view video clips from the "American Photography" series. They write an essay about the regulation and censorship of photographs. They share their opinions with the class.
Curated OER
Busy Bus Driver
In this reading comprehension worksheet, students will read a passage about a bus driver, determine the answer to five true or false questions, and then write a short opinion essay explaining how he should solve his problem.
Curated OER
Tinker Toys
Learners explore various computer items. They describe possible alternative uses for computer technology. Students explore the practice of "reverse engineering." They write an opinion essay on the ethics behind "reverse engineering."
Curated OER
ARC Writing Lab Worksheets: Parallel Structure
In this parallel structure worksheet, learners read about parallel structure within sentences and between sentences, then complete a practice sheet of exercising, rewriting sentences. An answer key is given.
Curated OER
News or Propaganda?
What is considered news vs. propaganda? Learners will discuss objectivity and press responsibility while exploring these two concepts. They work in small groups to explore the article in-depth, guided by reading comprehension and...
Curated OER
Examining Secondary Sources: The American Revolution
Learners who have a grasp on the events of the Revolutionary war view clips from five different films as secondary sources. They take notes on each clip thinking about historic inaccuracies. They then view parts of the film The Patriot...
Curated OER
Past Imperfect: Examining Secondary Sources of the American Revolution
Ninth graders respond in essay form to the following writing prompt. Mel Gibson, star of The Patriot, is quoted as stating, "If one were to adhere to historical accuracy all the way, you'd probably have the most boring two hours on...
Curated OER
Inner Circle/Outer Circle Debate Strategy
Arranged in facing concentric circles, half the class discusses an issue. The other half of the class takes notes which are then used to fuel a class discussion and to prepare editorial opinions on the topic at hand. So much emphasis is...
Polk County Public Schools
The Blame Game for the Loss at Pearl Harbor
Known as the day that will live in infamy, the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 was a shock to all. But why was the United States unprepared on that December morning? Study a series of primary sources in a document-based question that...
Curated OER
The Violence of Ancient Rome
Students compare the violence in ancient Rome and the violence in American society today. They research and write an essay that requires comparison and contrast techniques as well as supporting personal opinions about violence in our...
Curated OER
New World Meets Old
Students demonstrate understanding of basic facts about Christopher Columbus and different theories regarding his background. They try to solve the mystery of Christopher Columbus' background and write an essay offering their own opinion.
Curated OER
The Sculpture of Henry Moore
Eighth graders complete a unit of lessons on the characteristics of Henry Moore's sculpture. They examine and discuss examples of Moore's sculpture, identify the defining characteristics, write an essay, and create a sculpture in the...
Curated OER
Lion, Witch, Wardrobe
Students read the story of "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." Based upon the story, students perform reinforcement and discovery activities, according to their ability level. Pupils may write an essay, perform computer research,...
Curated OER
Why Do We Need Clean Air to Live? - Biology Teaching Thesis
Students name the main components of the respiratory system. They write a reaction that contains complete sentences, and uses proper spelling and grammar, after viewing a video. Students define the following terms: lungs, respiration,...
Curated OER
The Great Chicago Fire: Did Mrs. O'Leary's Cow Really Cause It?
Students research the Great Chicago Fire and its myths on how it started. They use their critical thinking skills to determine what really happened. They write an essay supporting their opinion on the fire.
Curated OER
Keeping Your Heart in Good Shape: What are the Benefits? - Biology Teaching Thesis
Learners name the main parts of the heart and what events occur there. They write a reaction that contains complete sentences, and uses proper spelling and grammar, after viewing a video. Students define the following terms: contraction,...
Curated OER
Peer Pressure
Eleventh graders analyze the social impact media plays in relation to peer pressure. In this peer pressure activity, 11th graders listen to Afroman's "Lets All Get Drunk" and read the lyrics. Students write about the song and view a...
Curated OER
I Don't Pay Attention to Advertisements
Sixth graders examine the eight persuasive techniques, identifying them in all avenues of media including magazine, TV, Internet, and billboards, and making them aware of how advertising already influences them. They write an essay using...
Curated OER
Interpreting Political Cartoons
Students review political cartoons and discuss what political impact they can have. They choose a current political cartoon and write an essay exploring its intent and impact.