High School Daily Lessons Resources Overview Our mission is to provide simple yet engaging daily lessons that will help young learners stay engaged within core disciplines—ELA, Social Studies and Science—as well as an extracurricular activity. Every week we will select a new theme per subject. Please note that resources, which may include Newsela articles, videos from various content providers, or external activities will be hyperlinked in the activities. Finally, here is a weekly checklist students can use to track their daily progress. Table of Contents: Week 1 Grades 9-12 ● ● ● ● ● Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 This Week’s Focus ● ● ● ELA and Social Studies: Power Science: The Molecule of Life Explore: Our National Parks! Day: 1 ELA [30 minutes] Social Studies [40 minutes] Personal Reflection: Part 1: What empowers you to be your best self -- mentally, academically, and socially? (i.e. a supportive friend, goals for the future.) Describe 5 things and explain how each empowers you. Read this text about self confidence to explore more ideas. Where does power come from? Investigate the origins of power by watching a Ted-Ed video called “How to Understand Power” (6:25). Next, read about the impact of the Enlightenment or the Social Contract Theory. As you watch and read, consider the following questions: What is the purpose of government? How do governments get their power? Part 2: Create an Empowering Playlist. List 3-5 songs that inspire and empower you in some way. For each song, analyze how specific lyrics (or musical elements) give you power. Come up with a creative title, then share it with a friend to empower them! Activity: Create an updated social contract. Outline the powers that the government should have and the responsibilities of government and people. Science [30 minutes] Watch the video Decoding Watson (2:07). As you watch, write down three ideas that connect to what you already know about DNA. Then, read the article DNA: An overview. After, record three things you would like to know more about DNA. Explore a National Park! Take a virtual tour of icebergs, glaciers, and more in Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska. Day: 2 ELA [45 minutes] Genre Study: Dystopian literature often deals with themes of power in realistic yet fictional settings. Read this explanation of dystopian literature that also theorizes why teens love reading this unique genre. Does it draw you in, too? Then write your own dystopian story incorporating all of the elements outlined in the text. Try starting with one of these: And then the walls came down… And then the line between right and wrong became blurred... And then I knew it was the beginning of the end… Social Studies [30-40 minutes] What are your rights? Learn about your rights by watching the following Ted-Ed video about the Bill of Rights (3:34). As you watch, jot down notes about the first 10 amendments. Consider the following questions: Why was the Bill of Rights added before the Constitution could be ratified? Why were these the first 10 amendments? Read through the Bill of Rights as an additional resource. Reflection: Think about the Bill of Rights and your own life. Choose 3-4 of the amendments and describe how they impact your life. What amendments do you think should be added? Science [30-40 minutes] Watch the video Central Dogma of Molecular Biology. As you watch, write out or draw the major steps that occur to turn the information in DNA into living things. Feel free to use this flowchart (or a similar format in your own notebook). It may also be helpful to pause and/or rewatch different sections of the video. Explore a National Park! Get up close and personal with an active volcano while virtually touring Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Day: 3 ELA [30-45 minutes] Quote analysis: Choose one of the quotes below to analyze. Put it in your own words. Then explain how it connects to two of the famous people discussed in this Text Set. Include specific details, like their actions, beliefs, values, and what they’ve said, to support your analysis. “The measure of a man is what he does with power.” ― Plato “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.” ― Abraham Lincoln “Power isn’t control at all — power is strength, and giving that strength to others.” ― Beth Revis Social Studies [40 minutes] People in Power: There are many important people who had or have significant power and influence. Select two of the following people to read about: Oprah, Greta Thunberg, Steve Jobs, Walt Disney, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Jay Z, Malala Yousafzai. As you read, consider the following questions: How did these people come to power? What did they do with their power? Journal Entry: Imagine you are a person with a great deal of power. How did you come to power? How would you use this power? In what ways would you like to influence your community, country, and the world? Science [30 minutes] Choose one of the following articles to read: ● Scientists can use your DNA to find your distant relatives ● Did an outbreak of salmonella contribute to the end of the Aztecs? Then, write a one paragraph response to the following question: How can DNA be used to help us understand our past? Be sure to include examples from the article you read. Explore a National Park! Venture deep underground with a virtual visit to New Mexico’s Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Day: 4 ELA [45 minutes] Social Studies [40 minutes] Poem Analysis: Read the poem “The Tyger” by William Blake, at least twice. Write a letter to the poet addressing the following: ● What specific images or lines are particularly vivid to you? Why do they stand out to you? ● What images or lines confuse you? What questions do you have for the poet? ● Which images or lines make you think about power? What do you think is the poem’s message about power? Imbalance of Power: Power is influenced by many different factors, including gender, socio-economic status, age, experience, etc. Many people often find themselves in situations where there is an imbalance of power. Choose from one of the following articles: the caste system in India, society and class divisions in ancient China, corporations, or bullying. As you read, consider the following questions: What circumstances led to an imbalance of power? How can an imbalance of power be overcome? Then write a poem of at least 10 lines about an object or animal that makes you think of power (literally or figuratively). Enhance your poem with vivid details, as Blake does in his poem. Take Action: What are modern-day examples of abuses of power? Write a script for a public service announcement (PSA). Explain the dangers of this abuse of power and ways to prevent it. Science [45 minutes] Read the article Issue Overview: Gene editing. Then, watch the video Gene Editing and CRISPR: How Far Should We Go?. Make a claim: Next, complete this worksheet as you answer the following question: Do the benefits of gene editing outweigh the risks? Explore a National Park! Take a virtual trip out West and experience the beauty and wonder of Utah’s Bryce Canyon National Park. Day: 5 ELA [30-45 Minutes] Character Analysis: What is your personal definition of the word powerful? Describe a literary character (from a text you’ve read) that fits your personal definition of this adjective. Include specific details about their personality or actions that reflect your definition of powerful. If a character doesn’t immediately come to mind, read “The Most Dangerous Game” and discuss to what extent the characters reflect your definition of powerful. Include specific details and quotes from the text to support your analysis. Social Studies [40 minutes] How do you enact change / exercise power? Throughout history, groups of people have come together to fight oppressive power structures. Choose one of the following: A video on the civil rights march from Selma to Montgomery, an article about women driving in Saudi Arabia, or a photo gallery about Vietnam War protests. As you analyze your chosen source, consider the following question: How do people exercise their power and enact change? Take Action: Identify a modern day issue that you are passionate about. Brainstorm actions that you could take to enact change. Discuss these steps with a friend or caregiver. Science [20-25 minutes] Explore a National Park! Read the article Dream Jobs: Pathologist. Then, write down 5 questions you would ask a pathologist if you were able to interview them. Check out coral reefs, shipwrecks, and more with a virtual visit to Florida’s Dry Tortugas National Park.
