ALEX Lesson Plan Resources

ALEX Lesson Plans  
Subject: Literacy Standards (6-12) (6 - 8), or Social Studies (6)
Title: Remembering James Reese Europe: Leader in Battle and Music
Description: James Reese Europe was an "accomplished orchestra conductor, bandleader, and composer of popular songs, marches and dance music during the early twentieth century...Europe was an effective champion of African-American musical performers and composers and helped to gain acceptance for them in the United States and abroad." Born in Mobile, Alabama, Europe accomplished much in his brief lifetime and deserves a place in every study of World War I. Students will annotate a biography of James Reese Europe and analyze two photographs of the orchestra Reese led across France. Students will view a documentary film of Europe and his "Hellfighter" orchestra as they fought, performed, and received medals for their efforts during the war. As a culminating activity on the second day, students will write a eulogy for Europe detailing his role as a leader in Jazz and as an African American officer.   This lesson was created in partnership with the Alabama Department of Archives and History.

Subject: Literacy Standards (6-12) (6 - 8), or Science (7)
Title: Supernatural Seeds: What Are the Positive and Negative Impacts of Genetically Modified Organisms?
Description: Students will begin the lesson by viewing a video clip that will explain the difference between classical and transgenic breeding of plants. Next, students will work in groups to identify common foods that contain genetically-modified organisms (GMOs). Students will further explore this concept by gathering and synthesizing information regarding the impact of genetically modified organisms on the appearance of desired traits in organisms. Lastly, students will engage in the "RAFT" writing strategy, by taking on the role of a farmer persuading their employees to consider the positive or negative impacts of genetically-modified food crops. This lesson results from a collaboration between the Alabama State Department of Education and ASTA.

Subject: Literacy Standards (6-12) (6 - 8), or Science (9 - 12)
Title: Science Rocks!
Description: After researching the formation of each type of rock, students use the evidence from knowledge of the rock cycle to write a story about a pet rock. The story will include the rock changing from magma to each type of rock including igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Students will present their pet rock story to the class. This lesson results from a collaboration between the Alabama State Department of Education and ASTA.