Advancing Change through Public Awareness

As diseases become stronger in nature, currently available antibiotics are no longer strong enough to suppress and cure said diseases. Therefore, what factors contribute to diseases becoming resistant to drugs and what public policies should be developed around them?  In this problem-based learning module, students will work with partners or in groups to first assess the increasing problem of drug-resistant diseases and the toll they are taking on the American public. Additionally, students will work to investigate what hospitals and lawmakers are doing to address this problem. Once students understand and are familiar with the current state of affairs, they will then work to further understand and research exactly why this issue needs to be brought to the attention of the general public, in order to promote change to current hospital procedures and policies. Further, students will determine the current political climate and support (or lack thereof) for policy, and will analyze the interest in keeping, changing or removing said policies altogether. Once the group has a full understanding, students will then work to determine their position on the issues surrounding antibiotic resistant diseases and the policies associated with these diseases. As soon as the group reaches a consensus, students will work to research and determine a professional way in which to present their goals and objectives for curbing the issue of drug-resistant diseases.

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Author: Blended Learning Teacher Practice Network

Can YOU save the Roman Empire?

In this problem-based learning module, students will use their knowledge of the ancient Roman Empire and will work to analyze critical theories historians agree contributed to the fall of Rome. Students will then work to compare the problems faced by the Romans with problems citizens of the United States still largely face today. Through this investigation, students should recognize how modern technology, government agencies, laws and resources help to solve societal problems that could have once destroyed an empire. With this new understanding, students should work to present a solution to a major problem that plagued the Roman Empire during the years leading up to its collapse.

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Author: Blended Learning Teacher Practice Network

Digital Citizenship by J. Beck & T. Combs (41.WCS)

Students explore multiple forms of digital etiquette and citizenship. They research current events based around digital concerns and innovations. Eventually, they apply that knowledge to their own lives and use of technology to develop 5 top guidelines for digital device usage for their peers. Students share their presentations and projects in an exhibit-style venue. Using a survey, students vote for their top choices, eventually selecting one choice to implement.Standards:CCSS English Language Arts (Grade 8)Ohio Standards for Technology 

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Authors: Cathryn Chellis, Blended Learning Teacher Practice Network

Digital Footprint

Why is it important that students be careful what is posted for everyone to see? Students will investigate and discuss these questions during this module that directly relate to their daily life. Students will work cooperatively in groups to design an infomercial to be presented to elementary students and/or parents and community members. Key Learning Targets: I can use technology to produce and publish my work, and link to sources.I can include multimedia projects or visual displays when they will be helpful in clarifying and emphasizing information.I can actively participate and contribute to a discussion with my teacher and my peers. I can present my findings to a group or audience in a clear and concise way.I can create a storyboard to prepare a public service announcement. I can compare contrast trends of technology. I can write an explanatory paragraph to examine a topic (present and future digital footprint).

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Author: Jody Bauer

Media and Food Choice by B. Cullinan & K. Smith (46.WCS)

In this unit, students explore and discuss video clips, articles, advertisements, myths, and other relevant information about how media sources affect our food choices.In particular, students learn about the marketing of food to children and adolescents. The unit will culminate with students working in groups of 3 to create a media presentation that can serve as a decision-making guide to inform food choices/decisions.Standards:CCSS English Language Arts (Grades 7-8)Ohio Standards for Technology   

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Authors: Cathryn Chellis, Blended Learning Teacher Practice Network

Writing Activities

FreeReading is an open source instructional program that helps educators teach early literacy. Because it is open source, it represents the collective wisdom of a wide community of teachers and researchers. FreeReading contains Writing Activities, a page of activities to address important writing skills and strategies.

Material Type: Activity/Lab, Lesson Plan, Reading, Teaching/Learning Strategy

Author: Holt Laurence et al

7th Grade Historical Literacy Units

7th Grade Historical Literacy consists of two 43 minute class periods. Writing is one 43 minute block and reading is another. The teacher has picked themes based on social studies standards, and a read-aloud novel based on social studies serves as the mentor text for writing and reading skills. More social studies content is addressed in reading through teaching nonfiction reading skills and discussion. Standards reflect CCSS ELA, Reading, and Social Studies Standards.

Material Type: Unit of Study

Authors: Jennifer Mortensen, Jessica Leonard

8th Grade Historical Literacy Unit Plans

8th Grade Historical Literacy consists of two 43 minute class periods. Writing is one 43 minute block and reading is another. The teacher has picked themes based on social studies standards, and a read-aloud novel based on social studies serves as the mentor text for writing and reading skills. More social studies content is addressed in reading through teaching nonfiction reading skills and discussion. Standards reflect CCSS ELA, Reading, and Social Studies Standards.

Material Type: Full Course

Authors: Jennifer Mortensen, Chelsea Kienitz

Analyzing Images

Images can be a useful component in any subject.  This lesson will guide students through an analysis of an image.  Students will use critical thinksing skills to interpret an image. Students will then generate a hypothesis about the source and construct questions for further investigation. 

Material Type: Lesson, Lesson Plan, Primary Source

Authors: Lynn Ann Wiscount, Erin Halovanic, Vince Mariner

Are we consuming more calories than we are putting out? How is our calorie intake affecting obesity and how do you maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle?

In this problem-based learning module, students will be asked to brainstorm ideas and think innovatively both independently and collaboratively in addressing a real-world problem that is relevant to their daily lives and  health.  Are students aware of their calorie intake and how it affects their overall health? Students will investigate the calories consumed in a typical day and how much physical activity is needed to stay healthy and fit.  Students/teams will be encouraged to use the internet for research purposes in their design phase. Students will utilize various online platforms to design an infographic that can be shared with relevant individuals in the community and others in the school building

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Author: Blended Learning Teacher Practice Network

English Language Arts: Lewis & Clark: A Native American View

The Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1804–1806 was of great consequence for the developing United States, the future state of Oregon, and the Native American people who had been living in the American West for thousands of years. The passage of time, mythmaking, and selective interpretation have obscured or distorted both minor and major realities about the purposes of the expedition, the people involved, and its impact. As is said, every story has (at least) two sides, and until recently the Native American point of view has rarely been heard.  In this lesson, students will learn about primary and secondary sources, as well as point of viewand bias and the impact they can have on the intention behind the recording and retelling ofhistory.

Material Type: Lesson, Lesson Plan

Authors: Aujalee Moore, April Campbell

Getting to Know You

These activities will help you get the year off to a good start by engaging you and your students in getting to know each other, practicing listening skills, and discussing the values that will shape your classroom community. There are separate sets of activities for grades Pre-K to 2, grades 3 to 5, and grades 6 to 12. They are adapted from exercises in our Resolving Conflict Creatively Program and our 4Rs Program (Reading, Writing, Respect & Resolution).

Material Type: Activity/Lab, Lesson Plan, Teaching/Learning Strategy

Author: Tom Roderick

Every Student Belongs: Stereotypes and Scapegoating

Grade Level: Middle - High SchoolLength of Lesson: Two 90 minute block periods, Four 50-55 minute block periodsEssential QuestionsIn what ways do “single stories” impact our own identities, how we view others, and the choices we make?How do stereotypes influence how we view and treat others?How, when, and why do stereotyping and scapegoating escalate to discrimination, prejudice, and violence?What are different ways people can combat stereotypes and scapegoating?

Material Type: Homework/Assignment

Author: Amit

100 Word Memoir (OER Commons Version)

In this lesson, students will read and analyze a mentor text 100 Word Memoir. After studying the mentor text, students will create and evaluate their own 100 Word Memoir.

Material Type: Homework/Assignment

Author: Sarah Lyons

The 7 Wonders of the World!

This is an online module created for the 3rd Grade of the Junior High School. The topic of the lesson is the "7 Wonders of the World", and its main emphasis is placed on the Listening comprehension skills practice.The lesson is constructed on the basis of the ADDIE Model (Kurt,2017), and it is inspired by the UDL Principles approach (CAST,2011), and the Gagne's Nine Events of Instruction.During the lesson, various online platforms and webtools are used, something that makes learning procedure more interesting and accessible for all learners to attend and follow.

Material Type: Module

Author: Apostolia Blani

Verifying Social Media Posts

 Verifying social media posts is quickly becoming a necessary endeavor in everyday life, let alone in the world of education. Social media has moved beyond a digital world which connects with friends and family and has become a quick and easy way to access news, information, and human interest stories from around the world. As this state of media has become the "new normal," especially for our younger generations, we, educators, find ourselves charged with a new task of teaching our students how to interact with and safely consume digital information.The following three modules are designed to be used as stand-alone activities or combined as one unit, in which the lessons can be taught in any order. "Who Said What?!" is a module focusing on author verification. "A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words'' is a module devoted to image verification. "Getting the Facts Straight" is a module designed to dive into information verification. Lastly, there are assessment suggestions to be utilized after completing all three modules.

Material Type: Activity/Lab, Assessment, Diagram/Illustration, Homework/Assignment, Lesson, Lesson Plan, Module, Unit of Study

Authors: Sandra Stroup, Amanda Schneider, Megan Shinn

7th Grade - Objective vs. Subjective POV

This mini-lesson focuses on the skill of understanding what objective and subjective writing look like and their respective purposes. Students need to be able to understand and identify objective and subjective writing in order to comprehend an author's purpose and make informed decisions about what is being conveyed in the text.

Material Type: Module

Author: Katelyn Ragan

Action Is Character: Exploring Character Traits with Adjectives

Students must "become" a character in a novel in order to describe themselves and other characters using powerful adjectives.

Material Type: Activity/Lab, Lesson Plan

The Outsiders: Pre- Reading Activity

Before students begin reading The Outsiders, they will work in groups to research the setting and historical background of the novel.

Material Type: Reading

Author: Lindsay Nunan

The Outsiders Novel Unit

In this unit, students will read the novel, The Outsiders, while simultaneously working to analyze the text and time period of the novel.

Material Type: Activity/Lab, Assessment, Homework/Assignment, Lesson, Lesson Plan, Teaching/Learning Strategy, Unit of Study

Author: Lauren Rabourn