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Lions, Dragons, and Nian: Animals of the Chinese New Year

Created September 28, 2010

In this lesson, the students study the differences between eastern and western dragons and discover why the eastern dragons are associated with the Chinese New Year. They learn about the dragon dancers and lion dancers in the New Years parade and discover that firecrackers are set off to drive off evil spirits, particularly one called Nian.

What Was Columbus Thinking?

Created September 27, 2010

Students read excerpts from Columbus's letters and journals, as well as recent considerations of his achievements in order to reflect on the motivations behind Columbus's explorations.

Scripting the Past: Exploring Women's History Through Film

Created September 27, 2010

Students employ the screenwriter's craft to gain a fresh perspective on notable women in American history.

Regulating Freedom of Speech

Created September 27, 2010

With the Internet, students can observe firsthand how today's Court exercises this responsibility at a time when technology has extended the freedom to speak in ways our nation's founders could not have imagined.

Cave Art: Discovering Prehistoric Humans through Pictures

Created September 24, 2010

By studying paintings from the Cave of Lascaux and other caves in France, students will discover that pictures can be a way of communicating beliefs and ideas and can give us clues today about what life was like long ago.