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"Midnight Ride of Paul Revere"-Fact, Fiction, and Artistic License
EDSITEment
In this EDSITEment lesson, students explore the true story of Paul Revere and his journey, using interdisciplinary resources such as primary source readings and artist Grant Wood's and poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's interpretations of this historical event.
Grade: 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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A "Brief, Urgent Message": Theme in "Slaughterhouse-Five"
ReadWriteThink
As a culminating activity for "Slaughterhouse-Five," students make a compilation album that reflects their analysis, understanding, and reaction to the ideas in the book. Based on discussions of the "Tralfamadorian" view of literature, each song on the compilation is approached as a "brief, urgent message" about the work.
Grade: 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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A Letter to Abraham Lincoln Homepage
Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
In this "OurStory" module from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History entitled "A Letter to Abraham Lincoln", children will read "Mr. Lincoln's Whiskers", a children's book that tells the story of Grace Bedell and the famous letter that she sent to Abraham Lincoln in 1860. The module includes links to hands-on activities and a list of recommended readings for further exploration. "OurStory" is a series of modules designed to help children and adults enjoy exploring history together through the use of objects from the Museum's vast collections, quality children's literature, and engaging hands-on activities. Ideal for afterschool use, "OurStory" resources will allow children to think critically, to be creative, and to achieve academic standards both in and out of the classroom.
Grade: K | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
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A Taste of Exploratopia
Science NetLinks
This lesson encourages students to engage in their own scientific investigations; to teach them that these investigations may take many forms; to demonstrate that the weight of new evidence can modify scientific theories.
Grade: 3 | 4 | 5
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A Vision of Puerto Rico: The Teodoro Vidal Collection Homepage
Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
This online exhibition, from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, invites you to look at the history of Puerto Rico through the eyes of the collector who captured the island's history from the 16th to the 20th centuries with the thousands of wonderful objects he collected. Students will gain a unique insight into a cultural tradition that continues to play an important role in the growing diversity of the United States.
Grade: 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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Abraham Lincoln: An Extraordinary Life Homepage
Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
This online exhibition from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History commemorates the 200th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln. It is the first time that the Museum has displayed many of the major holdings of the Smithsonian's Lincoln collection together at one time. The exhibition covers each major period of Lincoln's private and public life, especially his years in Washington when he made the crucial decisions that ended slavery and preserved the nation. Also included are the artifacts of Lincoln's assassination-his top hat, the prison hoods of the conspirators, and other sobering reminders of this tragic story.
Grade: 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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Accountable Book Clubs: Focused Discussions
ReadWriteThink
In this lesson, students form literature circle groups and read either "Esperanza Rising" or "Becoming Naomi Leon" by Pam Munoz Ryan. Students read sections of their book and use a Critical Thinking Map to then guide group discussions about prominent social issues. Students complete collaborative homework using a class wiki. Groups join for a culminating discussion evaluated by their classmates.
Grade: 6 | 7 | 8
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America's New Birth of Freedom: Documents from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
Was the Civil War worth the lives of more than 620,000 Americans? This online exhibition from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History features a signed copy of the Emancipation Proclamation and 10 letters expressing Lincoln's views on emancipation and the conclusion of the Civil War. Through the use of downloadable images of the original documents and 4 brief videos using Lincoln's words to answer questions about the Civil War and the Emancipation Proclamation, students will learn how Abraham Lincoln struggled with the same questions that many Americans had about the causes and costs of the bloodiest struggle in American history.
Grade: 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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Answering the Call 1917-1945
Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
Merchant seamen and ships played a vital role in winning both world wars of the 20th century. In this section of "On the Water: Stories from Maritime America", an online exhibition from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, students will learn how the United States mass produced huge merchant fleets to support the soldiers fighting overseas. They will also learn about the men and women who built the ships and risked their lives sailing them while playing a vital and unheralded role in the American war effort.
Grade: 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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Antibiotic Attack
Science NetLinks
This lesson helps students understand how the human body may not work as well or at all if harmful germs are able to get inside it and how antibiotics can help someone get better.
Grade: 3 | 4 | 5
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Artificial Anatomy Homepage
Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
"Artificial Anatomy", an online exhibition from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, highlights the museum's varied collection of paper-mache anatomical models. It showcases two major themes: the history and use of paper-mache; anatomical models and their construction, conservation and preservation. The exhibition also includes an interactive game named "Body Parts" and a searchable database of the museum's anatomical model collection
Grade: 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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Atmospheric Aspirin
Science NetLinks
In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, you'll hear about how trees release an aspirin-like compound under stress. Science Updates are audio interviews with scientists and are accompanied by a set of questions as well as links to related Science NetLinks lessons and other related resources.
Grade: 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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Balancing Points Facilitator Page
Science NetLinks
Balance is a fun concept to play with. By constructing models, your group will learn that putting heavier objects closer to the center and lighter objects farther from the center is one way to find a balance.
Grade: 3 | 4 | 5
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Blurring Genre: Exploring Fiction and Nonfiction with Diary of a Worm
ReadWriteThink
This lesson, from ReadWriteThink, provides an introduction to the use of factual information in creative writing. Students first examine fiction texts that incorporate factual information. They then gather facts on a topic decided upon by the class and use them to write a class book modeled after the mentor texts they read.
Grade: 6 | 7 | 8
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Bon Appetite! Julia Child's Kitchen at the Smithsonian
Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
Julia Child shared the passions, philosophies, and products of the kitchen in her home, with family, friends, colleagues, and fans for 45 years. Learn about Julia Child and her profound effect on American popular culture, cooking and broadcast television through this online exhibition from the National Museum of American History. Students can use an interactive collection search to view selected objects from Julia's kitchen, browse an interactive storyline to discover more about Julia Child, her kitchen and her long love affair with cooking and look around the entire kitchen as it exists on exhibit at the Smithsonian using an interactive, panoramic photograph.
Grade: 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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Cover to Cover: Comparing Books to Movies
ReadWriteThink
In this lesson from ReadWriteThink, students compare and contrast two matching texts-novels and the movies adapted from them. Students then design new DVD covers and a related insert for the movie version. Several pieces of literature appropriate for use with this lesson are suggested.
Grade: 6 | 7 | 8
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Creating Better Presentation Slides through Glance Media and Billboard Design
ReadWriteThink
In this ReadWriteThink lesson, students improve their ability to make effective slides to accompany speeches and presentations through study and application of basic design principles. Students are introduced to "glance media" theory and then demonstrate their learning by creating slides to accompany an existing historical speech.
Grade: 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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Creating Character Blogs
ReadWriteThink
In this lesson, students view examples of appealing blogs, learn the basic elements of blog creation, and then create a blog from the perspective of a fictional character. Students demonstrate understanding of the text by including images, quotations, links, and commentary on their blogs. Students then help each other develop their blogs by acting as editors during the creation stage and reviewing each other's blogs upon completion.
Grade: 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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Dear Mr. President
Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
Are you excited about the election of Barack Obama? Have you thought about writing him a letter? In 1860, an eleven-year-old girl named Grace Bedell wrote a letter to Abraham Lincoln advising him to grow whiskers, and he did! Perhaps you can persuade the President to do something as well! In this activity from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, students will analyze the letter Grace Bedell wrote to President Abraham Lincoln, then write and send their own letters to the president of the United States. This activity is included in an "Ourstory" module entitled "A Letter to Abraham Lincoln". "OurStory" is a series of modules designed to help children and adults enjoy exploring history together through the use of objects from the Museum's vast collections, quality children's literature, and engaging hands-on activities. Ideal for afterschool use, "OurStory" resources will allow students to think critically, to be creative, and to achieve academic standards both in and out of the classroom.
Grade: 3 | 4
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Dinosaur Eggs Discovered!
Science NetLinks
This lesson introduces students to how the scientific enterprise, science, and technology were used in discovering and understanding dinosaur eggs found during a famous paleontological expedition in Argentina.
Grade: 6 | 7 | 8
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Down at the Shore
Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
Field trips are great ways to learn about life on the water. In this activity, students will find and explore a local maritime area-a river, seashore, or another place related to the water, and share the experience with others. The activity guide includes printable tip sheets tailored to help you explore different kinds of water-related areas. Included in an "OurStory" module from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History entitled "Life on the Water", this activity is intended to help children and adults enjoy exploring history together through the use of children's literature, everyday objects, and hands-on activities.
Grade: K | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
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Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn: Jazz Composers
Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
This online exhibition, from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, examines two jazz standards, each one its author's most-recorded piece: "Caravan", written in 1936 by Duke Ellington and Juan Tizol, and "Take the "A" Train", composed in 1941 by Billy Strayhorn. Through brief biographies of the composers, primary source documents, and media clips, students will learn about the collaboration of these two great jazz composers and the process involved in writing and recording two of the most celebrated jazz pieces ever written.
Grade: 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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Endangered Languages
Science NetLinks
This lesson introduces students to the science of linguistics and endangered languages.
Grade: 6 | 7 | 8
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Exploring the Gettysburg Address
Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
This teacher tip-sheet is included in the online exhibition from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History entitled "The Gettysburg Address" and includes tips for how to use the interactive document tool, suggested discussion questions based on the speech, and other recommended resources related to the Gettysburg Address. Students will closely examine a copy of the Gettysburg Address written in Lincoln's hand and will be encouraged to think critically about the meanings and context of one of America's most famous speeches.
Grade: 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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Find Grace's Family
Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
In this activity, children will analyze a primary source document-Grace Bedell's letter to Abraham Lincoln-and look for hints about Grace and her family. They will then draw a picture to represent the information they found in this activity, part of an "OurStory" module entitled "A Letter to Abraham Lincoln", from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. "OurStory" is a series of modules designed to help children and adults enjoy exploring history together through the use of objects from the Museum's vast collections, quality children's literature, and engaging hands-on activities. Ideal for afterschool use, "OurStory" resources will allow students to think critically, to be creative, and to achieve academic standards both in and out of the classroom.
Grade: K | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
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Fishing For a Living 1840-1920
Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
Oceans, seacoasts, and rivers have long been sources of food and profit. From tiny villages to bustling seaports, communities have harvested fish, whales, and other marine resources to survive. In this section of "On the Water: Stories from Maritime America", an online exhibition from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, students will learn about the importance of salmon fishing to the Native Americans of the Pacific Northwest, and the communities that developed around the Atlantic cod, Chesapeake oyster, Columbia River salmon and whaling industries.
Grade: 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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Four Simple Steps to Small-Group Guided Writing
ReadWriteThink
In this ReadWriteThink lesson students learn how to communicate information of interest, stimulated by discussion of Nicola Davies' "Bat Loves the Night" and several websites. Students learn three sets of strategies for writing: (1) engaging in writing with fluent, sustained attention, (2) writing informative titles, and (3) adding enough information to communicate clearly.
Grade: K | 1 | 2
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Freedom Songs
Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
Songs played an important role during the civil rights movement. In this activity, students will listen to freedom songs and then make their own version of one of the songs. It is included in an "OurStory" module from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History entitled "Students Sit for Civil Rights". "OurStory" is a series of modules designed to help children and adults enjoy exploring history together through the use of objects from the Museum's vast collections, quality children's literature, and engaging hands-on activities. Ideal for afterschool use, "OurStory" resources allow children to think critically, to be creative, and to achieve academic standards both in and out of the classroom.
Grade: K | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
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From "Picturing America": Norman Rockwell, Freedom of Speech-Know It When You See It
EDSITEment
In this EDSITEment lesson, students study Norman Rockwell's "Freedom of Speech" and learn about freedom of speech and what it means in their community, state, nation, and world. After exploring the idea of freedom of speech students report on a town meeting and create a collage featuring examples of free speech.
Grade: 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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Genes and Placebos
Science NetLinks
In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, you'll hear about how your genes may influence whether or not you respond to a fake drug. Science Updates are audio interviews with scientists and are accompanied by a set of questions as well as links to related Science NetLinks lessons and other related resources.
Grade: 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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Get the Reel Scoop: Comparing Books to Movies
ReadWriteThink
In this lesson from ReadWriteThink, students compare and contrast a book with its movie counterpart. Students then select a cut or adapted scene from the book to present in readers theater. Several pieces of literature appropriate for use with this lesson are suggested.
Grade: 3 | 4 | 5
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Graffiti Matters
Science NetLinks
In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, you'll hear how graffiti has unintended side effects. Science Updates are audio interviews with scientists and are accompanied by a set of questions as well as links to related Science NetLinks lessons and other related resources.
Grade: 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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Gravity Launch Facilitator Page
Science NetLinks
There are a lot of challenges with space flight. One is simply getting the rocket off the ground. This is because the thrust to launch a rocket has to work against the force of gravity. So, there are two forces at play in this game: earth's gravitational pull and thrust. Your kids will play with a computer interactive that demonstrates these two forces in action.
Grade: 5 | 6 | 7 | 8
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How Did I Move?
Illuminations
In this Illuminations lesson, students are provided with a method for understanding that for y = mx + b, m is a rate of change and b is the value when x = 0. This kinesthetic activity allows students to form a physical interpretation of slope and y-intercept by running across a football field. Students will be able to verbalize the meaning of the equation to reinforce understanding and discover that slope (or rate of movement) is the same for all sets of points given a set of data with a linear relationship.
Grade: 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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How Should I Move?
Illuminations
In this Illuminations lesson, a motion detector is used to help students understand graphs and equations. Students experience constant and variable rates of change and are challenged to consider graphs where no movements are possible to create them. Multiple representations are used throughout the lesson to allow students to build their fluency with in how graphs, tables, equations, and physical modeling are connected. The lesson also allows students to investigate multiple function types, including linear, exponential, quadratic, and piecewise.
Grade: 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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I Remember That Book: Rereading as a Critical Investigation
ReadWriteThink
This ReadWriteThink lesson begins with a reflective writing activity that has students explore their memories about reading. They then create a map that plots significant encounters with books and offers a visual representation in which they sketch what they do when they choose not to read. Next, they brainstorm their most vivid memory of pleasurable reading, select a book to reread, and write a series of reflections on their original reading of the book. Finally, they study and write essays about rereading.
Grade: 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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If a Body Texts a Body: Texting in The Catcher in the Rye
ReadWriteThink
This ReadWriteThink lesson serves as a review of the novel "The Catcher in the Rye," an exploration of Holden Caulfield's character and narrative voice, and a study of a now everyday form of communication - text messaging. Students first compare and contrast several forms of communication. They then select five moments in the novel in which Holden may have sent a text message had the technology been available. The lesson concludes with students sharing their text messages and a discussion of the rationales behind their choices.
Grade: 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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Imagining Abraham Lincoln
Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
Cartoons are great documents that can tell both funny and serious stories. In this activity, from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, children will first read "Mr. Lincoln's Whiskers". Then they will use what they have learned about Abraham Lincoln and their critical thinking skills to add a scene to the story in the form of a comic strip. Included in an "Ourstory" module entitled "A Letter to Abraham Lincoln", this activity is designed to help children and adults enjoy exploring history together through the use of objects from the Museum's vast collections, quality children's literature, and engaging hands-on activities. Ideal for afterschool use, "OurStory" resources will allow students to think critically, to be creative, and to achieve academic standards both in and out of the classroom
Grade: K | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
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Impostor Caterpillars
Science NetLinks
In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, you'll hear how a species of caterpillar that tricks ants into treating it better than their own young. Science Updates are audio interviews with scientists and are accompanied by a set of questions as well as links to related Science NetLinks lessons and other related resources.
Grade: 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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In Old Pompeii
EDSITEment
In this EDSITEment lesson, students learn about everyday life, art, and culture in ancient Roman times through a virtual field trip to the ruins of Pompeii. Students create a travelogue to attract visitors to the site and they can additionally write an account of their trip modeled on a description of Pompeii written by Mark Twain.
Grade: 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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Inland Waterways 1820-1940
Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
The country's vast system of rivers and lakes has helped people settle the land and create communities. The realities of life and work on the inland waterways of the United States are the focus of this section of "On the Water: Stories from Maritime America", an online exhibition from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. Students will learn how commerce on the Great Lakes, canals and rivers played an important role in the development of the country. They will also learn about the professions and technologies that developed to safely navigate the perils of these vital waterways.
Grade: 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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Interactive Gettysburg Address
Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
Use this interactive document from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History to bring one of the five know handwritten copies of the Gettysburg Address to life! Students can zoom in on the document, click on highlighted passages that help put the famous speech into context and listen to actor Liam Neeson read the entire address. Transcripts of the manuscript are also available in English and Spanish to help students understand one the most famous speeches in American History. This resource is included in the online exhibition entitled "The Gettysburg Address.
Grade: 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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Interactive Star-Spangled Banner
Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
Explore features of the Star-Spangled Banner using this interactive flag included in the online exhibition entitled "The Star-Spangled Banner: The Flag that Inspired the National Anthem". Using this interactive tool from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, students can click on hotspots and learn something new about the flag each time they click. They can also zoom in on the image of the flag in order to see incredible detail.
Grade: K | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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Jamestown, Quebec, Santa Fe: Three North American Beginnings
Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
This exhibition, from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, explores the international origins of the societies of Canada and the United States and commemorates the 400th anniversary of three lasting settlements in Jamestown, Quebec, and Santa Fe. Using a multicultural approach, students will learn about the virtually simultaneous introduction of English, French, and Spanish culture to this vast area and tells the stories of Native and European societies through 1700. Downloadable PDF's are included to relate the themes addressed in the exhibition to standards of learning.
Grade: 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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Language and Power in "The Handmaid's Tale" and the World
ReadWriteThink
In this lesson from ReadWriteThink, students work in small groups to examine Atwood's use of the narrator's language musings, as well as neologisms and Biblical language, in an assigned chapter of "The Handmaid's Tale." Students then share their findings with the class. This activity can be extended to include an analysis of power and language in our own world and adapted for use with other suggested novels.
Grade: 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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Latino Poetry Blog: Blogging as a Forum for Open Discussion
ReadWriteThink
In this lesson students use critical thinking skills to analyze Latino poetry. Students then refine their writing skills as they respond meaningfully to their peers' poetry analyses on a class blog.
Grade: 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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Learning Clubs: Motivating Middle School Readers and Writers
ReadWriteThink
In this lesson, students participate in learning clubs, a grouping system used to organize active learning events based on student-selected areas of interest. Guided by the teacher, students select content area topics and draw on multiple texts-including websites, printed material, video, and music-to investigate their topics. Students then have the opportunity to share their learning using similar media, such as learning blogs.
Grade: 6 | 7 | 8
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Lenses and Lighthouses
Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
Have you ever wondered how the lights in lighthouses are so bright? In this activity, students will examine a Fresnel lens to develop an understanding of how some lighthouse lenses work. They will then apply their knowledge of the lighthouse lens technology to imagine a new invention using a lighthouse lens to complete a different task. Included in an "OurStory" module from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History entitled "Life on the Water", this activity is intended to help children and adults enjoy exploring history together through the use of children's literature, everyday objects, and hands-on activities.
Grade: K | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
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Life on the Water
Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
For hundreds of years, seacoasts, rivers, lakes, and canals have had a big impact on the ways America has changed as a country. By using this "OurStory" module from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, children and adults can enjoy exploring lighthouses and the maritime history of the United States together through children's literature, everyday objects, and hands-on activities. Focused around "Keep the Lighthouse Burning, Abbie", a work of children's literature about a teenage girl who becomes a hero by running her father's lighthouse during a storm, the module includes links to hands-on activities and a list of recommended readings for further exploration.
Grade: K | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
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Linear Alignment
Illuminations
In this Illuminations lesson, students explore linear equations and the effects of changing the slope and y-intercept on a line. It gives students exposure to y = mx + b, and can be used as an introduction to the topic. Using graphing calculators, students are challenged to overlap lines onto the sides of polygons. To achieve this goal, students change slopes and y-intercepts of lines, noting observations about behavior as they work. As students change the y-intercept of a line, they see it raise or lower the line. As students change the slope, they see it affect the steepness of the line.
Grade: 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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Literacy Centers: Getting Started
ReadWriteThink
This lesson, from ReadWriteThink, gives teachers resources and guidance to create Literacy Centers in their own classrooms. The lesson describes teacher preparation steps for establishing reading, listening, computer, and poetry centers and offers suggestions for managing centers and students. The lesson then introduces students to each Literacy Center, providing the foundation for adaptable year-long literacy learning.
Grade: K | 1 | 2
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Living in the Atlantic World 1450-1800
Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
The web of maritime connections between Western Europe, western and central Africa, and the Americas that made up the Atlantic world is the focus of this section of "On the Water: Stories from Maritime America", an online exhibition from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. Students will learn how Atlantic-based trade shaped modern world history and life in America. Topics covered are the tobacco and sugar trades, the Middle Passage and the transatlantic slave trade, and the piracy that plagued the Caribbean Sea and North American coast during this period.
Grade: 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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Looking for the Byronic Hero Using Twilight's Edward Cullen
ReadWriteThink
In this lesson from ReadWriteThink, students make comparisons between the familiar concepts of hero and villain and the new concept of the Byronic hero, using Stephenie Meyer's "Twilight" and the character Edward Cullen or another suggested character from literature, film, or comics. Students choose from a number of projects to extend their understanding of this complex and compelling character type.
Grade: 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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Maritime Munchies
Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
What kinds of food do you eat? How do the foods you eat today compare to the types of foods that sailors ate during long voyages of the past? In this activity, students will cook one or more historical maritime recipes and then compare the foods they eat to what was served on ships in the past. Included in an "OurStory" module from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History entitled "Life on the Water", this activity is intended to help children and adults enjoy exploring history together through the use of children's literature, everyday objects, and hands-on activities
Grade: K | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
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Maritime Nation 1800-1850
Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
The maritime history of the United States during the first half of the nineteenth century is the focus of this section of "On the Water: Stories from Maritime America", an online exhibition from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. Students will learn how shipbuilders, mariners, and maritime merchants helped the new nation defend itself and grow. Topics covered are the roles that privateers played during the American Revolution and the War of 1812, immigration, early steam travel and coastal shipping in the Atlantic Ocean, the California Gold Rush, and the life-saving technology that was used to rescue the victims of shipwrecks.
Grade: 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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Mobilizing Minds: Teaching Science and Math in the Age of Sputnik
Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
On October 4, 1957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik, the first artificial satellite to orbit the earth. In order win the "Space Race", the United States urgently needed both a select group of mathematicians, scientists, and engineers; and a general population of mathematically and scientifically informed citizens. In this online exhibition from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, students will learn how fear of Soviet domination galvanized reform in science and math education during the 1950's and 60's.
Grade: 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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Modern Maritime America 1950-Present
Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
Maritime activity is as important as ever, and it affects the lives of people everywhere. The importance of shipping to today's global economy and the types of ships that transport goods throughout the world are the focus of this section of "On the Water: Stories from Maritime America", an online exhibition from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. Students will learn of their personal connections to martime enterprise and the role that global shipping playing in their everyday lives.
Grade: 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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Movement with Functions
Illuminations
In this unit of 3 lessons from Illuminations, students use movement to reinforce the concepts of linear functions and systems of equations. Multiple representations are used throughout, along with tools such as motion detectors and remote-controlled cars. Students explore how position, speed, and varying motion are reflected in graphs, tables, and algebraic equations.
Grade: 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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Mr. Lincoln's Hat
Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
In this activity, children create top hats out of paper by reading or listening to directions that use simple terms from geometry. After making the hat, they measure their heights with and without the hat, and then take a picture wearing the hat. This resource is included in an "OurStory" module, entitled "A Letter to Abraham Lincoln", from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. "OurStory" is a series of modules designed to help children and adults enjoy exploring history together through the use of objects from the Museum's vast collections, quality children's literature, and engaging hands-on activities. Ideal for afterschool use, "OurStory" resources will allow students to think critically, to be creative, and to achieve academic standards both in and out of the classroom.
Grade: K | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
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Narrative Structure and Perspectives in Toni Morrison's "Beloved"
ReadWriteThink
This lesson, from ReadWriteThink, uses Toni Morrison's "Beloved' as a model text of a work with multiple narrative perspectives. Students use close reading and an activity in which they visually represent the novel's non-linear organization to consider ways in which subjective values shape contradictory representations of a fictional world. The ideas of this lesson can be adapted and applied to complex works by other authors, such as William Faulkner, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, or Barbara Kingsolver.
Grade: 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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Ocean Crossings 1870-1969
Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
Ocean liners were ships of transport for immigrants and machines of leisure, status, and national prestige. This section of "On the Water: Stories from Maritime America", an online exhibition from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, focuses on the roles that these ships played during the massive immigration of people to the United States from both Europe and Asia during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Students will also learn how passenger liners such as the "Mauretania, Titanic," and the "S.S. United States" became a popular, and sometimes dangerous, mode of leisure travel for those who could afford it.
Grade: 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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On the Water Collection Search
Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
This interactive collection search contains objects that are featured in the exhibition "On the Water: Stories from Maritime America: Stories from Maritime America". All are from the collections of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, with most coming from the Division of Work and Industry. Representing a broad sweep of American maritime history, these objects were collected over more than a century and reflect broad patterns of technological, economic, social, and cultural change
Grade: 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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On the Water: Stories from Maritime America
Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
The maritime history of the United States is brought to life in this online exhibition from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American history. With a focus on boats, ships and the lives of the men and women who lived, worked, traveled and died on them, students will understand the importance of maritime activity throughout the nation's history. Objects from the Museum's collections, audio and video clips, oral histories and narrative accounts provide a unique look into this important aspect of American history. An interactive collections search, learning resources and an extensive list of web links are included to extend the experience further.
Grade: 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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On Top of the World
Illuminations
If you were standing on the top of Mount Everest, how far would you be able to see to the horizon? In this lesson, students will consider two different strategies for finding an answer to this question. The first strategy is algebraic-students use data about the distance to the horizon from various heights to generate a rule. The second strategy is geometric-students use the radius of the Earth and right triangle relationships to construct a formula. Then, students compare the two different rules based on ease of use as well as accuracy.
Grade: 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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Persuasive Techniques in Advertising
ReadWriteThink
In this lesson, from ReadWriteThink, students learn persuasive techniques used in advertising, analyze advertisements in a variety of sources, and explore the concept of demographics in marketing. They then create their own advertisement targeted for a specific demographic.
Grade: 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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Polarized Mirages
Science NetLinks
In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, you'll hear how polarized light from shiny surfaces looks like water to insects. Science Updates are audio interviews with scientists and are accompanied by a set of questions as well as links to related Science NetLinks lessons and other related resources.
Grade: 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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Protest Signs
Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
Protest signs are a powerful and important way for people to express their feelings. In this activity children will compare 2 protest signs from the civil rights movement and then create their own expressive chalk art or poster. It is included in an "OurStory" module entitled "Students Sit for Civil Rights". "OurStory" is a series of modules designed by the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History to help children and adults enjoy exploring history together through the use of objects from the Museum's vast collections, quality children's literature, and engaging hands-on activities. Ideal for afterschool use, "OurStory" resources allow children to think critically, to be creative, and to achieve academic standards both in and out of the classroom.
Grade: K | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
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Reading Freedom on the Menu
Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
"Freedom on the Menu" is a work of children's literature that tells the story of the Greensboro sit-ins from the perspective of a young girl. This activity includes four reading helpers that will help adults and children actively read "Freedom on the Menu" together. It is included in an "OurStory" module entitled "Students Sit for Civil Rights". "OurStory" is a series of modules designed by the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History to help children and adults enjoy exploring history together through the use of objects from the Museum's vast collections, quality children's literature, and engaging hands-on activities. Ideal for afterschool use, "OurStory" resources allow children to think critically, to be creative, and to achieve academic standards both in and out of the classroom.
Grade: K | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
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Reading Mr. Lincoln's Whiskers
Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
This useful reading guide will help engage young readers as they read "Mr. Lincoln's Whiskers", a children's book based on a true story about a girl who writes a letter to Abraham Lincoln. It includes 4 active reading helpers that will help children identify new vocabulary, make predictions and think about the characters and their emotions. Part of an "OurStory" module entitled "A Letter to Abraham Lincoln", from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, this resource is designed to help children and adults enjoy exploring history together. Ideal for afterschool use, "OurStory" resources will allow students to think critically, to be creative, and to achieve academic standards both in and out of the classroom.
Grade: K | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
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Reading: Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie
Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
"Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie" is a work of children's literature about a young heroine who runs her family's lighthouse during a fierce storm. Included in an "OurStory" module entitled "Life on the Water", this activity includes four strategies that will help adults and children actively read "Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie" together. "OurStory" is a series of modules designed by the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History to help children and adults enjoy exploring history together through the use of children's literature, everyday objects, and hands-on activities.
Grade: K | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
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Road Rage
Illuminations
In this Illuminations lesson, students use remote-controlled cars to create a system of equations. The solution of the system corresponds to the cars crashing. Multiple representations are woven together throughout the lesson, using graphs, scatter plots, equations, tables, and technological tools. Students calculate the time and place of the crash mathematically, and then test the results by crashing the cars into each other.
Grade: 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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Science at the White House
Science NetLinks
This lesson engages students in different areas of science through research and helps them integrate writing and scientific knowledge by creating a persuasive letter to President Obama highlighting the science they studied.
Grade: 6 | 7 | 8
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Send a Lincoln Letter
Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
Writing and receiving letters is fun! In 1860, Grace Bedell wrote a letter to Abraham Lincoln and took it to her local post office to mail it. A week later, a very special letter was waiting for her when she returned! Write a letter and then take it to the post office using helpful advice in this resource from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. Included in an "OurStory" module, entitled "A Letter to Abraham Lincoln", this activity will encourage children to write letters to friends and family as well as learn more about their local post office. "OurStory" is a series of modules designed to help children and adults enjoy exploring history together through the use of objects from the Museum's vast collections, quality children's literature, and engaging hands-on activities. Ideal for afterschool use, "OurStory" resources will allow students to think critically, to be creative, and to achieve academic standards both in and out of the classroom.
Grade: K | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
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Separate is Not Equal: Brown v. Board of Education Homepage
Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
The U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Brown v. Board of Education marked a turning point in the history of race relations in the United States. On May 17, 1954, the Court stripped away constitutional sanctions for segregation by race, and made equal opportunity in education the law of the land. Brown v. Board of Education reached the Supreme Court through the fearless efforts of lawyers, community activists, parents, and students. "Separate Is Not Equal: Brown v. Board of Education", an online exhibition from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, will help students understand an historic struggle to fulfill the American dream that set in motion sweeping changes in American society, and redefined the nation's ideals.
Grade: 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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Setting the Precedent: Four Women Who Excelled in Business
Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
Meet four American women who succeeded in business during the twentieth century in this online exhibition from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. Each woman-Freda Diamond, Estelle Ellis, Dorothy Shaver, and Brownie Wise-was exceptional in many respects. An influential industrial designer, a prolific magazine publisher, a prominent department store retailer, and a top-ranking business executive, each achieved a degree of visibility in her field enjoyed by few other women. Students can read about their lives and accomplishments, and learn about their careers through short biographies, timelines and interactive games.
Grade: 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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Slates, Sliderules and Software: Teaching Math in America
Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
The history of mathematics education in America is the focus of this online exhibition from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. Beginning with the advent of public education in the early nineteenth century and ending in the modern Information Age, students will learn how advances in technology and changes in education theory have affected how math has been taught in American schools.
Grade: 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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Snapshots in Time
Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
How does maritime activity impact your community and daily life? In this photo sharing activity, students investigate this central question by locating, exploring, and photographing evidence of maritime activities affecting them and/or their community. They will then write a detailed description about the effect of these activities and share both photographs and descriptions online. This activity is one of the learning resources connected with the online exhibition entitled "On the Water: Stories from Maritime America", from the Smithsonian's' National Museum of American.
Grade: 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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Sniffing out Cancer
Science NetLinks
In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, you'll hear how new technology could smell skin cancer before it turns deadly. Science Updates are audio interviews with scientists and are accompanied by a set of questions as well as links to related Science NetLinks lessons and other related resources.
Grade: 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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Sonic Patterns: Exploring Poetic Techniques Through Close Reading
ReadWriteThink
In this lesson from ReadWriteThink, students use an online tool to examine the relationship between the speaker and his father in Robert Hayden's "Those Winter Sundays." Students then create their own original text, using the idea of a composed memory and their knowledge of sonic patterns such as consonance, assonance, and alliteration.
Grade: 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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Speaking Poetry: Exploring Sonic Patterns Through Performance
ReadWriteThink
In this lesson from ReadWriteThink, students engage in a variety of vocal activities and performance techniques based on word sounds. Students prepare a recitation of Robert Hayden's poem "Those Winter Sundays" for small group performances and compare their interpretative choices as part of the reflection process. This lesson is designed to follow a close reading of the poem.
Grade: 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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Students as Creators: Exploring Multimedia
ReadWriteThink
This lesson from ReadWriteThink gives students the tools to create their own multimedia presentations, while stressing the importance of copyright. Several multimedia formats are introduced, and the topic and format are left open-ended so teachers can tailor the project to the topics they are studying and/or the equipment they have available.
Grade: 6 | 7 | 8
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Students Sit for Civil Rights Homepage
Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
"Students Sit for Civil Rights" is an "OurStory" module that includes activities based on reading "Freedom on the Menu", a work of children's literature about the Greensboro sit-ins that played an important role during the civil rights movement. "OurStory" is a series of modules designed by the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History to help children and adults enjoy exploring history together through the use of objects from the Museum's vast collections, quality children's literature, and engaging hands-on activities. Ideal for afterschool use, "OurStory" resources allow students to think critically, to be creative, and to achieve academic standards both in and out of the classroom.
Grade: K | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
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Taking America to Lunch
Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
For generations, the lunch containers many of us have hauled to school and work have reflected American culture. "Taking America to Lunch" is an online exhibition that includes a sampling of illustrated lunch boxes and beverage containers dating from the 1890s through the 1980s. Students will learn how television changed the metal lunch pails carried by industrial workers and students a century ago into an important commercial vehicle for popular culture.
Grade: K | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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Talking and Driving
Science NetLinks
In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, you'll hear how hands-free cell phones may be dangerously distracting to drivers. Science Updates are audio interviews with scientists and are accompanied by a set of questions as well as links to related Science NetLinks lessons and other related resources.
Grade: 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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The Gettysburg Address Homepage
Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
President Abraham Lincoln's short address at the Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, battlefield is one of the most eloquent political speeches in American history. Its inspiring message remains as meaningful today as when first delivered at the dedication of the Soldiers National Cemetery on November 19, 1863. This online exhibition, from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, tells a unique story of the Gettysburg Address by focusing on the last handwritten copy of the speech, a manuscript that usually resides out of the public eye in the Lincoln Bedroom of the White house. Also included to help students further explore this important document are a printable version of the manuscript, transcripts in both English and Spanish and an interactive document that features actor Liam Neeson reading the entire address.
Grade: 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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The Placebo Effect
Science NetLinks
In this Science NetLinks lesson, students learn about the placebo effect-what it is, what it has taught researchers about brain function, and why it is important for people to understand its potential impact on their lives. The lesson is accompanied by an esheet and two student sheets.
Grade: 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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The Social Ramifications of Alcohol Abuse
Science NetLinks
The focus of this lesson is on understanding the social ramifications of alcohol abuse. For example, if someone who has been drinking gets behind the wheel of a car and causes an accident involving other people, one person's risky behavior becomes a problem that affects many other individuals. It is imperative that students develop an understanding of the dangers involved in alcohol abuse and begin to view risky behaviors as a deterrent to drinking.
Grade: 6 | 7 | 8
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The Water Nearby
Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
Do you live near the water? There is probably a body of water closer than you think! In this activity, students will use Google Maps to first find their school, and then locate and learn about the closest body of water to their school. Included in an "OurStory" module from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History entitled "Life on the Water", this activity is intended to help children and adults enjoy exploring history together through the use of children's literature, everyday objects, and hands-on activities.
Grade: K | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
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There Are No Small Parts: Minor Characters in "David Copperfield"
ReadWriteThink
In this ReadWriteThink lesson, students create a social networking site for a minor character in the Dickens' novel "David Copperfield." Small groups choose a minor character from the novel and determine everything they already know about him or her. They then use Web research and imaginative thinking to create a "back story" for the character and share their perspective through a social networking page.
Grade: 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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Thoreau's Plants
Science NetLinks
In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, you'll hear how global warming has altered the composition of plants on the shores of Walden since the time of Henry David Thoreau. Science Updates are audio interviews with scientists and are accompanied by a set of questions as well as links to related Science NetLinks lessons and other related resources.
Grade: 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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Thoughtful Threads: Sparking Rich Online Discussions
ReadWriteThink
In this lesson, students experience an online literature circle and learn how to enhance the quality of their literature conversations through thoughtful, open-ended discussion prompts.
Grade: 6 | 7 | 8
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Three Mile Island: The Inside Story
Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
America's worst accident at a civilian nuclear power plant occurred on March 28, 1979. Unbeknown to anyone, half the fuel melted in one of two nuclear reactors on Three Mile Island near Harrisburg, Pa. Large quantities of radioactivity leaked from the reactor, but most of it was contained. This online exhibition, from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, provides information about the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant, the course of the accident there and the steps-extending over almost 15 years-through which the nature and extent of the damage were gradually revealed.
Grade: 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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Timeline of American History
Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
Take a journey through time and discover fascinating stories from America's past as you explore this interactive timeline composed of items from the National Museum of American History's online collections, exhibitions, and programs. You can browse by historical era or select one of eight themes to highlight specific objects across time. Each timeline entry contains an image, a brief description, and a link to find more information about that object or topic.
Grade: K | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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Tragic Love: Introducing Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet"
ReadWriteThink
This pre-reading lesson, from ReadWriteThink, helps students expand their knowledge of Shakespeare and build an understanding of "Romeo and Juliet" by connecting the summary of the play to their everyday lives as teenagers. Students also explore the definition of tragedy and how "tragic love" is ingrained in the lives of teenagers from all cultures. The lesson helps students build background knowledge of the play, the genre of tragedy, and related terms and concepts, creating a context in which students can better understand and relate to the Shakespearean text.
Grade: 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
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Where in the Wild?
Science NetLinks
This lesson from Science NetLinks helps students understand that some animals have features that make them harder to find in their surroundings. Some use these features to hide from predators while others use them to help catch prey.
Grade: K | 1 | 2
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You Can Climb Any Mountain
Xpeditions
In this lesson, from Xpeditions, students think about the skills and qualities required to be a good mountain climber and learn about blind climber Erik Weihenmayer and his experiences climbing the highest peak on every continent, especially Mount Everest. Finally, students consider how studying mountain climbing has taught them about what it takes to be good at their own favorite activities
Grade: K | 1 | 2
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