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NEA: 2003 Lessons Archive
2003 Lessons Archive
- Fourth of July Lesson Ideas
The Fourth of July -- A Day to Learn More About!
Teaching Theme of the Week
from EducationWorld.comPolls reveal that Americans know surprisingly little about their country's history. You might wish to send your students home for the summer with some resources for home study around July 4th.
Let the Fireworks Begin!
First, get in the mood at Happy Birthday America (Independence Day on the Net). Here you'll find "The Story of America's Independence," the text of the Declaration of Independence, and even a recipe for "Mom's Apple Pie" set to patriotic music and surrounded by fireworks displays.
Then, ignite your students' interest with the following activities:
History -- make a timeline. Have students explore To Form a More Perfect Union to learn about the events leading up to the Declaration of Independence and the writing of the Constitution. Then ask them to create a timeline of the most important events.
Geography -- make a map. Invite students to go to ushistory.org and witness the founding of our nation via a virtual tour of Philadelphia.
Language -- create a class book. Provide each student with the name of one or more delegates to the Constitutional Convention and ask them to explore classroom, library, and online resources to find information about their assigned delegates. Then have students write brief biographies about the delegates and combine the biographies into a book. Repeat the above activity for the signers of the Declaration.
Reading for meaning -- write a constitution. Have students study the U.S. Constitution at The Constitution of the United States of America and discuss what they would include in a constitution of their own.
America's Documents
Declaring Independence
A timeline of events surrounding the Declaration of Independence. The site provides insight into the issues and agendas involved.Teaching with Documents
Resources from the National Archives and Records Administration's Digital Classroom.The United States Constitution and the Declaration of Independence
Displays scanned originals of freedom documents.THOMAS: Legislative Information on the Internet
A service of the U.S. Congress through its Library. It includes government information and access to Historical Documents; search all historical documents including early Congressional documents (including the Declaration of Independence), the Federalist Papers, and the Constitution (including the Bill of Rights and other amendments).Biographies
The Price They Paid
Explains in general terms what happened to the signers of the Declaration of Independence.Surfing the Net With Kids
Links to sites about Thomas Jefferson.Surfing the Net With Kids
Links to sites about Ben Franklin.Surfing the Net With Kids
Links to sites about George Washington.More Quizzes
The History Channel's Weekly Quiz.
Fourth of July Trivia Quiz
Presented by the Houston Chronicle.Test Your Red, White, and Blue IQ!
A quiz about early American history and 1830s celebrations from Old Sturbridge Village.Additional 4th of July Websites
The National Council on Fireworks Safety
Fireworks' facts and safety tips, including a reference page about state fireworks' laws.The White House for Kids
Information about the U.S. government for younger students.A Hypertext on American History
Complete historical information from the Revolution to Reconstruction.Colonial Currency
This site offers information on state and federal Colonial currency.The History Channel
A resource for U.S. and World History. The site includes the "This Day in History" page, at which students can look up historic events that occurred on any date.© Copyright EducationWorld.com 2003, used by permission
- Infectious Disease
Medicine & Health Care: Infectious Disease
Interdisciplinary Activity Ideas & Resources from PBS TeacherSource
from PBS TeacherSourceThis Month, PBS brings you curriculum resources related to "Medicine and Health Care." This week's resources focus upon the spread of infectious disease. Check back each week this month for a new medicine and health care topic.
Below you'll find:
- an activity idea and links to related, formal lesson plans from PBS
- web sites from PBS and other sources
- print resources
- on-air programming from PBS this month
Activity Idea
X Marks the Spot
Grade Level: 3-5
Subjects: Science, Math
During cold and flu season this activity is a way to demonstrate how quickly and easily germs can be spread.Begin with a discussion on what causes colds or flu. Discuss bacteria and viruses as microorganisms that can cause illness. Explain to students that colds and the flu are caused by viruses, and these viruses can be all around us: in the air we breathe, on the objects we touch. These viruses can be easily transferred as we share the air and touch many of the same objects: doorknobs, pencil sharpeners, light switches, faucets, etc. In fact, germs can even be transferred by people who do not seem to be sick themselves! Discuss sneezing and coughing as ways that germs can be expelled into the air, and the importance of covering one's mouth when coughing or sneezing.
Tell the students that this activity will demonstrate just how quickly and easily germs can be spread. Explain that each student will be given a small, folded piece of paper. All will be blank, except one, which will be marked with an "X." Whoever gets the "X" is carrying the virus. Under no condition should the "infected" person reveal themselves!
Once the papers have been distributed, instruct students to move around the room and to shake hands with 3 other students. (Remind students that when someone extends their hand it is a common courtesy to shake it). Have students stop, and then again, shake hands with 3 different students. Discuss shaking hands as a metaphor for any activity requiring close proximity or the sharing of an object. (e.g. talking, playing basketball).
Have students return to their seats and ask whoever had the "X" to please stand. Then, while that person remains standing, ask the 6 students who shook that student's hand to please stand. Now, ask everyone who shook one of these students' hands to please stand. There should be 16 students standing, all of whom now have "flu germs" on their hands. Should any neglect to wash their hands before putting something they touch into their mouths, they could expect to be experiencing flu symptoms shortly! Integrate math by asking students to draw the pattern and asking them to extend the pattern beyond the initial 16 students. What if each of them shook hands with 3 others? etc.
Online Resources
Stalking the Mysterious Microbe
American Microbiology Society's Web site for kids.Digital Learning Center for Microbial Ecology: Microbe Zoo
Explores importance of microbes in the environment, in food processing, etc.Epidemic! A Fred Friendly Seminar | PBS
See the essay on microbes and infectious diseases.NOVA: Bioterror--Making Vaccines | PBS
Try the interactive game explaining different types of vaccines.Print Resources
Common Colds (My Health)
by Alvin Silverstein, Virginia Silverstein, and Laura Silverstein NunnIt 'Snot Just Tissues : Factoids, Activities, and Sniff! : Brainteasers for the Sick Reader
by the editors of Planet Dexter and Jack KeelyPurple Death: The Mysterious Flu of 1918
by David Getz and Peter McCartyMore Related Lessons from PBS
Grades 3-5
