Pennsylvania Department of Education
6 Traits: Word Choice
Students explore language arts by participating in a vocabulary usage activity. In this word choice lesson, students read examples of great word usage in literature and discuss with the class why some words appear stronger than others....
Curated OER
The Early American Temperance/Anti-tobacco Movement
Tenth graders consider movements to regulate alcohol and tobacco use. For this Temperance Movements lesson, 10th graders compare and contrast movements in the 1800's and the modern era as they research selected primary and secondary...
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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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Wetlands in Danger
Fifth graders investigate the characteristics of wetlands. They conduct Internet research, complete a class KWL chart, and write a persuasive essay as a final project.
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The Palestinian/Israeli Peace Process
Young scholars research the history of the conflict in the Middle East and why the peace process is so complex. They step out of their "comfort zone" and examine both the Palestinian and Israeli perspectives of the conflict with an open...
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Four Year Plan Essay
High schoolers complete a personal vision, a four year plan essay, meant to stimulate their thinking process. They set a foundation for what they hope to strive for in the next four years to come.
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The Biomed Unit Project
Young scholars write a persuasive paper following the expository theme format of introduction, first body paragraph, second body paragraph, third body paragraph, and conclusion that addresses the prompt of the final project adequately....
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Limited Resources - Understanding Our Cultural Resources
Students examine and compare preserving natural resources and preserving cultural resources. They conduct Internet research on two topics, and write a position paper on whether cultural resources or natural resources are more important...
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What Is Democracy?
Students explore the concept of democracy. They define and describe democracy and choose an issue they believe the government should care about for its people. They write a persuasive essay about their issue.
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Heroes and Heroines of the Underground Railroad System (UGRR)
Fourth graders choose one leader, either Tubman or Coffin, and write a persuasive summary paragraph that explains why the leader displays the character traits of a hero/heroine in the UGRR
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Understanding Science Fiction
Fourth graders learn about the genre of science fiction. In this science fiction lesson, 4th graders learn about the characteristics of science fiction as a genre. They write an original piece of science fiction.
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Thinking inside the Box: Dangers of Tanning Beds
Students research their assigned position pro- or con- for the statement "The use of tanning beds by teens should be regulated" and write a short position paper. They participate in a debate concerning the statement. Students write a one...
Curated OER
Recounts
In this language arts worksheet, students use the graphic organizer to review the concepts needed in order to write an individual account of a significant event.
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Art or Artifact?
High schoolers analyze and discuss illustrations of the New World by John White. They examine the images, answer questions about each one, and write an essay.
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Supreme Court
Eleventh graders explore the redistricting process. In this American Government lesson, 11th graders examine the electoral map. Students write an essay posing an argument for the redistricting process.
Great Schools
A Questionnaire: What Do You Like to Read?
What do your fifth graders know about types of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry? Find out as they fill out this questionnaire that requires them to list authors and texts that exemplify each genre. Not only will you be able to assess what...
Museum of Tolerance
Artifact Research Activity
Artifacts give us the privilege of learning about the past, may it be family, culture, or traditions. Here, class members learn about their family's past with the help of an artifact, or family heirloom. Once an artifact is discovered,...
Curated OER
Transformations
Students identify the types of transformations in their lives. As a class, they determine the ones they have control over and which ones they do not. They practice solving problems in math and oral communication that they are faced with...
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Chasing Redbird by Sharon Creech
Students read the book Chasing Redbird by Sharon Creech on their own. They answer a variety of questions each day over certain pages of the book that were required for that days completion.
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Check Out Lights and Shields with Beads
Students explore Ultraviolet detecting beads and conduct several investigations with them. In this investigative lesson plan students participate in an experiment to see the harmful effects of UV light and discuss their findings.
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Posters -- What's the Main Idea?
Students discuss the basics of poster productions. In groups, they follow written directions to make a poster about asthma, allergies, AIDS, or personal safety. They present their poster to the class and reflect on the process in a journal.
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Create a Cloud in a Jar (Hands-on Version)
High schoolers examine the conditions necessary for cloud formation. For this clouds lesson students complete an activity that shows them atmospheric pressure.
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Designing More Effective Packages
Young scholars make an environmentally sound package. In this packaging lesson students examine various types of modern packaging. The problem of waste is discussed leading into a discussion of waste reduction. The young scholars choose...
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Peer Editing Worksheet
The strength of this peer editing worksheet is that it addresses all the elements that should appear in a well-written essay. In addition, editors are encouraged to avoid one-word responses and instead, to make specific suggestions for...