Opportunity and Discrimination, A Dream of Gold
The lesson focuses on what it means to be a citizen of the United States and why the Chinese Exclusion Act is important when considering the concept of racism. It provides critical thinking activities directed at understanding how the Chinese used the legal system and the Constitution of the United States.
The Presidency
This site features 40 documents from 23 Presidents -- Washington's first inaugural address, Adams' description of his reception by King George III as America's first minister to Great Britain, Adams' letter ordering the relocation of government offices from Philadelphia to D.C., Lincoln's instructions to the commander at Fort Sumter, Roosevelt's letter thanking Oppenheimer and his colleagues for their ongoing secret atomic research, and more.
Words and Deeds in American History
This site presents historical documents spanning from the 15th to the mid-20th century. Included are the papers of presidents, cabinet ministers, members of Congress, Supreme Court justices, military officers and diplomats, reformers and political activists, artists and writers, scientists and inventors, and other Americans whose lives reflect our country's evolution. A detailed description accompanies each document.
Before and After the Great Earthquake and Fire, 1897-1916
This site provides 26 films of San Francisco from before and after the Great Earthquake and Fire. The earthquake struck on April 18, 1906, along the San Andreas Fault, damaging most central California cities and killing more than 3,000 people. These films show Market Street, Chinatown, a parade, San Francisco viewed from a balloon, and vast devastation from the 8.3 magnitude earthquake and 3-day fire.
Lyrical Legacy: 400 Years of American Song and Poetry
Lyrical Legacy helps teachers explore eighteen American songs and poems from the digital collections of the Library of Congress. Each song and poem is represented by an original primary source document, along with historical background information and, in many cases, sound recordings and alternate versions.
Extreme 2002: Mission to the Abyss
This is the expedition page of the 2002 Mission to the Abyss. Developed by the University of Delaware Graduate College of Marine Studies, the site highlights the mission and crew, seafloor geology, creature features, and high-tech tools used in the study. This interactive website allows students to explore the submersible Alvin, find out how hydrothermal vents form, define the deep ocean, study plate tectonics, and meet hydrothermal vent organisms. The site includes extreme experiments, includin
Nanobacteria: Are They or Aren't They Alive?
This California State University lesson plan contains materials for a five-part activity regarding whether or not nanobacteria are alive. The case-study based activities include: What does it mean to be alive?; What evidence is there that nanobacteria are alive?; More evidence of life; Corroborating evidence (?); and The final chapter (or is it?). The website contains pertinent general information articles and resource lists for students as well as homework assignments based on readings. An answ
Great Moments in Science: Light of Life 1
This Great Moments in Science radio transcript discusses the history of bioluminescence. It covers the first scientists to study bioluminescence, organisms capable of making light, biochemistry of the phenomena, and interesting stories. The audio version of this program can be downloaded and requires RealPlayer.
Creatures that "glow" in the night
This Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education activity (PDF) encourages students to practice experimental design and scientific writing through the study of bioluminescence. Students observe and experiment with bioluminescent dinoflagellates (Pyrocystis fusiformis), learning how and why they produce light. The activity includes information for teacher preparation, an introduction to bioluminescence, defined vocabulary terms, a list of necessary materials, procedure, assessment questions, and
Two paths to knowledge
For students who always finish their class work early or want more information than you have time to give, try curriculum compacting.
Play with purpose
Electronic whiteboards make the internet an active communication vehicle of engagement and learning.
Understanding and using fonts
Serifs, sans serifs, and when to use them.
Search tools you haven't tried
Ask.com, Vivisimo, and WiseNut offer options for finding, organizing, and displaying the websites you're looking for.
East from India: Cambodia and Southern Vietnam
Photographs and text tell the story of the Cham and Khmer cultures of southern Vietnam and Cambodia, including a look at Angkor Wat and other great temples and cities.
Contemporary life in Vietnam
Photographs and text describe contemporary life in Vietnam and the impact of economic and social reforms since the 1980s.
Not your mother's math teacher
North Carolina's 2001-2002 Teacher of the Year, Carmen Wilson, talks about real-world math and teachers' roles as professionals.
Tools of the trade for information seekers
A guide to understanding and using search engines, directories, and the invisible web.
It's an ad!
How do marketers target kids -- and how can we teach kids to know the difference between advertising and fact? These websites provide strategies to build critical thinking skills for media literate kids.
Greeting your Limited English Proficient (LEP) students in their own language
Even a simple "Hello" or "How are you today?" can help to integrate a student into a new environment. This article offers strategies and tools for teachers wishing to learn a few words of a new language.
Mentoring matters
How mentors can serve as role models, helpers, and colleagues.
