With the support of the Educating for American Democracy (EAD) participants and in collaboration with Los Angeles Unified School District, the Digital Inquiry Group has developed 10 new Reading Like a Historian lessons for K-5 classrooms aligned to the themes and design principles of the EAD Roadmap.
Reading Like a Historian Curriculum
The Reading Like a Historian curriculum engages students in historical inquiry. Each lesson revolves around a central historical question and features a set of primary documents designed for groups of students with a range of reading skills.
Green Design Challenge: Eco-Friendly Decorations
You might not think colorful party balloons are deadly, but each year thousands of marine and land animals are maimed or killed by balloon waste. Read about the dangers of balloons. Then, use the worksheet to design new decorations that won’t harm animals or the environment.
Green Design Challenge: Earth Friendly Packaging
Almost everything we buy comes in a package. Whether the packaging is made of cardboard, glass, plastic, or something else, the waste often crowds landfills, causing pollution. Some waste is burned, which pollutes the air. Read about some different kinds of packaging and use the worksheet to design earth-friendly packaging.
Create an Earth Day Action Poster
Earth Day 1970 was a huge success. It led to new laws to protect our air, water, soil, and animals. Today, people all over the world take part in Earth Day activities each April 22nd. Read about some issues that impact our planet. Then use the worksheet to create an Earth Day poster.
Green Design Challenge: Make a Green Home Pledge
Your home is a great place to begin “going green.” Read about some simple ways you can save water, use less energy, and reduce waste where you live. Then, use the worksheet to make a green plan for you and your family.
Green Design Challenge: Earth Friendly Eating
You can help keep our farms and earth healthy by making smart food choices. Read about some ways you can help. Then, use the worksheet to create an earth-friendly meal.
Maggie’s Civics Corner
Animals are a wonderful way to teach rights and responsibilities in a safe and welcoming way. In these lessons, The Rendell Center’s dog, Maggie, offers her insight on what it means to be a citizen of the United States. These lessons present a fun way to introduce civics concepts to K-3 students, and to help them consider ways to help others and show they care.
Read Aloud Lessons
Reading aloud helps students learn how to use language and retain key points of the story, while improving their information processing skills, vocabulary, and comprehension. The Rendell Center’s Read Aloud lesson plans, designed for elementary school teachers, offer titles incorporate into their curriculum, provide insights into the book selected to enhance the read aloud session, and deliver activities for presenting civics learning in a fun, memorable way.
Hispanic and Latino Heritage and History in the United States
Since 1988, the U.S. Government has set aside the period from September 15 to October 15 as National Hispanic Heritage Month to honor the many contributions Hispanic Americans have made and continue to make to the United States of America. Our Teacher’s Guide brings together resources created during NEH Summer Seminars and Institutes, lesson plans for K-12 classrooms, and think pieces on events and experiences across Hispanic history and heritage.