Authentic Lessons for 21st Century Learning
In this lesson on the importance of clean water as a natural resource, students will begin by observing a polluted water source within a United States community. Next, students will explore the significance of the Ganges River and the political and religious issues that impact the ongoing struggle to... Read more »
Created by: Kristen Sublett
Date Updated: April 23rd, 2025
Ganges River Pollution
In this lesson about the Industrial Revolution, students will begin by observing photographs of factory workers and analyzing primary sources to make inferences about working conditions during the Industrial Revolution. Based on the information they gather, students will write a letter protesting working... Read more »
Created by: Sarah Brewer
Date Updated: November 13th, 2024
The Industrial Revolution
In this lesson, students learn about the way trade affects the spread of religion by studying the contributions of Mansa Musa to the culture of West Africa. Students examine the empire that Mansa Musa led by viewing images related to Mansa Musa’s contributions, viewing a video, and reading an article... Read more »
Created by: Laura Halstied
Date Updated: September 10th, 2024
Trade and Religion in West Africa
This lesson addresses the circumstances that led up to the internment of Americans of Japanese descent during World War II. It asks students to consider the impact that internment had on the lives of those who were detained. Students will have opportunities to look at photos from internment camps and... Read more »
Created by: Daniel Schwarz
Date Updated: May 22nd, 2023
The Internment of Japanese Americans During World War II
In this fourth lesson of the "What Is a Wave?" unit, students will learn how electromagnetic radiation is related to common items, understand how electromagnetic radiation is a form of energy, and create electromagnetic spectrum charts. Read more »
Created by: Laura Halstied
Date Updated: June 5th, 2023
Electric Avenue
Students begin this lesson by analyzing a poem written by Wilfred Owen, a British soldier in WWI. Students then make observations and inferences about the technologies developed and used in WWI. Students view a short video about WWI technologies and complete Jigsaw readings in groups about the technologies.... Read more »
Created by: Laura Halstied
Date Updated: November 12th, 2024
Technology in WWI and Its Effects
In this lesson, students will explore the technology used by European explorers during the Age of Exploration. Through analyzing images, watching a video, and selecting an activity from a Choice Board, students will learn about four navigational tools and how this new technology influenced European... Read more »
Created by: Laura Halstied
Date Updated: June 23rd, 2022
European Exploration and Navigational Tools
Students will begin this lesson by establishing their current understanding of diplomacy tactics by discussing Magnetic Statements independently and collaboratively. Students will learn about President Richard Nixon's diplomatic ventures by reading and annotating articles, then filling out a graphic... Read more »
Created by: Cody Sivertsen
Date Updated: January 10th, 2023
Nixon Diplomacy
In this lesson about the labor movement, students will compare and contrast photos of farmworkers that were taken before the start of the movement and in the present day. Students will watch a video and examine an infographic to learn about the injustices faced by farmworkers, the rise of the labor... Read more »
Created by: Mariana DeLoera
Date Updated: September 7th, 2023
The United Farm Workers Union and the Delano Grape Strike
In this lesson, students evaluate how the media played a role in the presidency and resignation of President Richard Nixon by exploring news articles and watching a video. Students extend their learning by analyzing the history of presidential impeachments. As a reflection to wrap up the lesson, students... Read more »
Created by: Laura Halstied
Date Updated: February 21st, 2023
The Role of the Media in Nixon's Presidency
Werewolves Who Write
“And they called it puppy love…” This lesson will have students falling in love with werewolves from all packs as they explore how mythology and lore has progressed over time, place, and culture. After they discover which pack they belong to, they will work together to design a movie poster that depicts... Read more »
Created by: Margaret Salesky
Date Updated: April 1st, 2025
Werewolves Who Write
In this lesson, students review the First Amendment and consider whether or not the separation of church and state can violate the fundamental rights of American citizens. Students then analyze images and complete a Painting a Picture activity. To extend their learning, students read a brief document... Read more »
Created by: Tanner Lusher
Date Updated: October 17th, 2023
Engel v. Vitale (1962)
In this lesson, students will explore the history of the loss of land for Native American tribes and how policies in place further contributed to the loss. Students explore the Dawes Severalty Act of 1887, the Curtis Act, and the Burke Act and their lasting impacts. To extend their learning, students... Read more »
Created by: Mariana DeLoera
Date Updated: October 25th, 2023
The Dawes Severalty Act of 1887
In this lesson, students will be examining the practices associated with rituals and festivals that honor the dead around the world. They will design anchor charts and participate in a Detective Board activity in order to identify similarities between the various rituals. As they read a handout and... Read more »
Created by: Mariana DeLoera
Date Updated: March 5th, 2024
Día de los Muertos and Other Occasions Honoring the Dead
Real Interest Rates and Financial Institutions
In this lesson, students step into the shoes of George Bailey from It’s a Wonderful Life as they explore different types of financial institutions and examine how changes in interest rates and salaries affect our willingness to make major purchases on big-ticket items such as cars and houses. Students... Read more »
Created by: Mariana DeLoera
Date Updated: June 11th, 2024
Real Interest Rates and Financial Institutions
How can we place students in the role of being active rather than passive learners? How do we allow students to have choices in their learning while at the same time creating a diverse learning environment? The answer is learning stations. In this professional learning session, participants will discuss... Read more »
Created by: Mary Braggs
Date Updated: May 4th, 2023
In this professional development, participants explore elements of student engagement and examples of positive classroom culture. Next, they participate in a variety of engaging instructional strategies as learners and gain experience modifying and/or scaffolding these strategies to support their own... Read more »
Created by: Heather Shaffery
Date Updated: August 13th, 2024