12th Grade Informational Text Activities

Explore the world of Colonial New England and the Pilgrims with this artifact scavenger hunt. Get students engaged with the historical aspect of Pilgrim artifacts, but also strengthen their inference skills as they connect artifacts with Pilgrim values.

Please see the preview images for the use of the digital and printable activities.

~This product contains: One digital artifact scavenger hunt with graphic organizer One printable artifact scavenger hunt Answer key (possible answers too!)

~How can I use this product? The Scarlet Letter novel study unit (or other Pilgrim/Colonial literature story, such as The Crucible) Studying the history of Colonial New England Fun Thanksgiving Activity Any subject about Pilgrims and Colonies

This product includes two speeches: Lincoln's A House Divided Speech and President Obama's 2nd Inaugural Address. It also includes close reading questions for each speech. Includes answer key.

Bring authentic Indigenous knowledge into your classroom with this thoughtful, respectful, and engaging literacy and cultural assignment on Anishinaabek Medicine Bags. Perfect for middle or high school classrooms, this activity introduces students to the cultural and spiritual significance of medicine bags in Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) tradition, while encouraging personal reflection and creative expression.

What’s Included:

• A clear and concise explanation of the origin and significance of medicine bags in Anishinaabe culture
• Examples of traditional medicines and their spiritual uses
• Guided reflection questions that promote critical thinking and personal connections
• A design component where students sketch and plan their own symbolic medicine bag
• Culturally appropriate prompts emphasizing respect and understanding
• Embedded video links for supplemental learning

Learning Goals:

• Build cultural awareness and sensitivity around Indigenous practices
• Foster self-reflection and identity-building
• Integrate literacy skills through reading comprehension, written responses, and personal expression
• Support Truth and Reconciliation education in a meaningful and respectful way

Ideal for:

• Grade 7–10 English, Social Studies, Indigenous Studies, or Character Education
• Teachers seeking a culturally responsive resource that honours Indigenous voices
• Classrooms working toward meeting FNMI (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) curriculum expectations or Calls to Action

This resource was created with cultural sensitivity and educational integrity in mind. It encourages students to approach Indigenous traditions with the respect they deserve and deepens their understanding of spiritual and natural connections in Anishinaabe life.

Looking for an engaging and informative reading comprehension activity on the topic of school systems in the USA and the UK? These reading passages are are designed to help students practice **skim reading, summarizing **and comparing.

They are perfect for EFL / ESL students at the B1/B2 level and can also be used for native English classes at 7rd to 9th grade level. With low prep, just print and use. It contains 2 reading passages about the school systems in the States and the United Kingdom.

Each reading passage comes with 4 multiple-choice reading comprehension questions. Summarization questions are on a separate sheet of paper. Students use Venn diagrams (included) to compare the 2 countries or to compare and contrast the system in the US or the UK with any other country.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

♥ 2 reading passages (each with 4 multiple-choice questions)

♥ 1 sheet with summaries (2 per page - students choose the best fitting summary)

♥ 2 Venn diagrams (USA vs UK and a universal one)

♥ directions

♥ teacher answer key

Options for use:

☻Independent Work

☻Pair Work

☻Sub plan

☻Stations

If you loved this product, please be sure to come back to my store and leave feedback. 

NEW IN 2020: Rigorous! Engaging! Thought-provoking! This 5-page EDITABLE document helps your students to analyze the hierarchy of social classes and then to decode the signs of social status in The Great Gatsby. This activity promises to elicit dynamic engagement from all students without compromising on intellectual rigor. The worksheets on socioeconomic differences will challenge your students to dig beneath the surface of the text and generate profound interpretive insights!

Here's what you'll find inside:

• Symbolic Settings Worksheet (or Quiz): The first worksheet challenges students to come up with adjectives to describe East Egg and West Egg based on how those symbolic settings are described in The Great Gatsby. This worksheet can be used either as a fun exercise or as a quiz. (1 pages)

• Decoding Socioeconomic Status Handout: Not only was Fitzgerald was a careful reader of sociologist Thorstein Veblen's Theory of the Leisure Class (1899), but he incorporated many of Veblen's insights into The Great Gatsby. For example, it was Veblen who coined the term "conspicuous consumption" to describe a type of consumer spending that was intended primarily to show off one's wealth — which is one reason why Gatsby's parties are so lavish! This handout features key quotations from Veblen and other sociologists that will help students arrive at a deeper understanding of the difference between "Old Money" and "New Money." (1 page).

• "Old Money" vs. "New Money" Worksheet (or Quiz): The second worksheet builds upon the handout above and enables teachers to assess whether students are able to decode status differences. The worksheet challenges students to determine whether 16 different adjectives — such as "refined," "ostentatious," "exuberant," and "aloof" — would most likely characterize "Old Money" or "New Money." Answer key included. (2 pages)

• Analyzing Evidence Worksheet: This short worksheet challenges students to connect Nick's assessment that Jordan is a "rotten driver" with Nick's last words to Gatsby, "They're a rotten crowd." Did Fitzgerald mean to suggest that the residents of East Egg and/or West Egg amount to a batch of rotten eggs? (1 page)

These worksheets will come to you in a 5-page EDITABLE Word document which you can customize to the needs of your students! The preview for this resource provides viewing access to the entire document. Click on the green “PREVIEW” button to see what you’ll get. . . .

Thank you for choosing “Rigorous Resources”!!

Happy teaching!

Adam Jernigan, Ph.D.

adamjernigan@gmail.com

Note: These handouts on social class are also included in my Gatsby MEGA-Bundle. The bundle contains everything you'll need to deliver amazing and comprehensive lessons on Fitzgerald's novel: over 40 slides and over 240 pages of content-rich handouts and activities. If you've already purchased the bundle, you don't need to purchase these handouts. Thanks!

Click to view the Gatsby MEGA-Bundle

Click to view my TeachShare store

Graphic Features of Text fits in perfectly with informational units. While teaching summarizing, author's purpose, and analyzation, teachers can present charts, and other elements of text structure to further increase student's learning.

What's Included:

• 27 slide lesson that covers the features of texts
• (2) Student Practice Activities with short informational texts attached to graphs for student practice during and after the lesson.
• Instructions for an engaging student project writing their own informational texts and making a chart to support their writing.
• Examples galore to help students understand graphic features of text, and how to complete the independent project.

All files come in Word, or Powerpoint with a PDF for easy printing. Questions presented focus on high level learning and challenging student thinking.

Sample Questions from Student Practice:

• What purpose does the graph serve to support the ideas presented in the text?
• What does the included graph help the reader understand about renewable energy?
• How might the time young people spend online relate to their mental health? Use the data in the charts or text evidence to support your answer.
• Choose one of the graphs for this question: how does the inclusion of this graph help to strengthen the author’s claim? Include the claim, graph title and text evidence in your response.

Looking for a fun and informative virtual tour of college? Look no further! This interactive tour is perfect for class or individual discussions, with open-ended questions to spark conversation and engagement. Join us as we explore all the ins and outs of college life and get a taste of what to expect. Perfect for students looking to learn more about their future educational journey.

☺ Earn TeachShare credits for future purchases by providing feedback for paid products. (Feedback on free products is also greatly appreciated!)

☺ Follow me to receive notifications when new products are posted. You will also receive occasional messages alerting you to sales, promotions, and other exciting news.

☺ Don’t quite see what you are looking for? Leave me a note in the “Ask a Question” tab. I would be happy to create a product to meet the needs of you and your students.

⭐Questions? Send me an email at

Inspiredbymlg@outlook.com

Have you ever wondered how fake news makes such big headlines? Circular reporting, or false confirmation, is the term used to show how information spreads and becomes truth. This active learning, critical thinking, visual lesson plan and presentation introduces students to how we believe, and how false news spreads, as well as introduces how to define research sources. Students learn about primary, secondary, and tertiary sources for research and writing. Contains upper level current events content; use with appropriate ages and grades. Activities and Lesson Plan Includes: Teacher Lesson Plans with Step-by-Step Discussion Guide Evaluating Valid Information (Dr. Jeremy Dean) Class Poll: Gullible or Skeptical? False Advertisement by April Uno about Phillip Morris (Marijuana) Descartes and Spinoza 17th Century Debate on How We Believe Daniel Gilbert's 1993 Robbery Study Define: Circular Reporting and False Confirmation How False Information is Circulated 1994 Microsoft Hoax Benghazi and False Reporting Examples of False Information Reported as Truth How to Avoid Circular Reporting Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Sources (with labeling activity) Re-evaluating Beliefs and Class Poll Discussion Questions on Citing Sources and Social Media Optional Activities: Classic Telephone Game, Class Debate and Jury Trial, Evaluating Websites Excellent for teaching fact-based information, citing sources, propaganda in the news, journalism reporting, beliefs/ethics/morals, AP courses, Dual Credit, Philosophy. Lots of engaging, critical thinking activities for debates and discussions. Meets CCSS ELA.

Are you looking for a student-led, interactive way to asses your students' understanding of Derf Backderf's Kent State memoir graphic novel?

This file contains two different packets of Socratic Seminar packets- packet A and packet B. Each packet contains three different discussion questions that require students to answer and provide two quotes from the text to back up their answers. Students are also required to come up with three additional questions they will ask if there’s time in their seminar. Finally, the packet has a page where each student will monitor a partner in the opposite circle. They will make a check each time their partner speaks, and paraphrase meaningful comments their partner makes. The file also contains a rubric for you to use while your students are discussing!

When you print out the file, you’ll see packet A on the top half of the sheet, packet B on the bottom half, and then the rubric as the last page of the file. Remove the rubric and print one out for each of your students. Copy the rest of the pages, cut them in half, and staple them. Each student will receive one half-sheet booklet; packet A or packet B.

Give your students adequate time to plan for their Seminar! I usually give them a full class period (40 minutes for me), but you could have them do it for homework, or over the course of a few days. The day of the Seminar, you’ll assign partners with opposite packets. Let A discuss for as long as they need (usually 30-ish minutes for me!), then flip-flop your circles and have B discuss afterwards.

My students LOVE Socratic Seminars! I have found the fishbowl discussion format works much better when you give each group three different questions so you don’t hear the same discussion two times, which is how this product is set up. I have used Socratic Seminars in small literature circle groups as well as with the whole class at once. Please ask if you have questions!

Engage Your Students in a Conversation with History: A Unique AI-Powered Interview with Winston Churchill

Bring history to life with this innovative resource! This simulated interview, powered by artificial intelligence, offers a unique and engaging way for your students to explore the life, legacy, and complexities of one of the 20th century's most iconic figures: Winston Churchill.

What's Included:

12 Poignant Interview Questions: Covering key events and themes from Churchill's life, including his early military experiences, political career, leadership during World War II, and views on the Cold War.

Project & Assignment Ideas: Historical analysis, research, creative & analytical Projects.

Churchill's Thoughtful Responses: Crafted using historical accuracy and cutting-edge AI technology to emulate Churchill's characteristic wit, eloquence, and strong opinions.

Benefits:

• Promotes active learning and historical inquiry
• Develops critical thinking and analytical skills
• Encourages perspective-taking and empathy
• Provides a springboard for research and further exploration
• Introduces students to the potential of AI in education
• Suitable for individual, small group, or whole-class activities

Perfect for history, social studies, government, and language arts classrooms

Go beyond textbooks and lectures! This resource offers a dynamic and interactive way to engage your students with history and delve deeper into the life and times of Winston Churchill. The use of AI adds a modern twist and sparks curiosity about the evolving role of technology in education.

Spark lively classroom discussions and ignite your students' curiosity about the past and the future!

Aligning with Learning Objectives:

While specific standards might vary depending on your state or country, here's how this resource aligns with common learning objectives found in frameworks like Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS):

Analyzing Text Structure and Author's Purpose: Students will analyze how the interview format structures information and how Churchill's responses reveal his perspectives and purpose in conveying his experiences. (e.g., CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.6, TEKS 8.6.B)

Evaluating Arguments and Evidence: Students will evaluate the historical accuracy of Churchill's statements and the evidence he provides to support his views. (e.g., CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.8, TEKS 8.16.A)

Integrating and Evaluating Multiple Sources: The interview can be used alongside other historical texts and materials to provide a more comprehensive understanding of Churchill and his era. (e.g., CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.9, TEKS 8.22.C)

Writing:

Writing Arguments: Students can use the interview as a springboard to write argumentative essays, taking a stance on Churchill's actions or the historical events discussed. (e.g., CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.9-12.1, TEKS 8.21.A)

Research and Inquiry: The interview can inspire students to conduct further research on Churchill, World War II, or other related topics. (e.g., CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.9-12.7, TEKS 8.19.B)

Speaking and Listening:

Comprehension and Collaboration: Students can engage in discussions about the interview, sharing their interpretations and perspectives while actively listening to their peers. (e.g., CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.1, TEKS 8.24.A)

Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas: Students can present their research findings or arguments based on the interview, using evidence to support their claims. (e.g., CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.4, TEKS 8.25.B)

Unveiling the Lost Colony: A Reading Comprehension Adventure

Unravel the captivating mystery of the Roanoke Colony with this engaging reading comprehension worksheet! This resource transports students back to 1587, where a group of English colonists vanished without a trace. Through a thrilling narrative, primary source analysis, and thought-provoking questions, students will:

• Explore the challenges faced by the Roanoke colonists on Roanoke Island.
• Analyze the theories behind their disappearance, including assimilation with the Croatan people, relocation, or even tragedy.
• Develop critical thinking skills by examining primary source evidence and forming their own conclusions.
• Gain a deeper understanding of the early colonial period in American history.

Learning Objectives:

• Students will be able to identify the challenges faced by the Roanoke colonists.
• Students will analyze different theories about the fate of the Lost Colony.
• Students will evaluate primary source evidence to support their understanding.
• Students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Common Core Standards Addressed:

• RI.5.1: Quote accurately from a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.
• RI.5.2: Determine the central ideas or author's purpose of a text and explain how it is supported by key details.
• RI.5.3: Explain the relationships or connections between ideas or events in a text.
• RI.5.7: Draw information from all features of a text (e.g., title, headings, illustrations, diagrams) when reading to learn or perform a history detective!

Content Discussion Points:

• What factors might have contributed to the colonists' struggle on Roanoke Island?
• How does the "CROATOAN" carving add to the mystery?
• How can studying the Lost Colony help us understand the challenges of early colonization?
• What are some reasons why the mystery of the Roanoke Colony continues to intrigue us today?

Ready to unlock your students' critical thinking potential? Explore my store for a treasure trove of reading comprehensions that tackle diverse themes and inspire insightful discussions. From the intricacies of the Civil War to the marvels of scientific discovery, there's something for every classroom!

Support a fellow educator and get rewarded! Purchase this resource, leave a review, and earn TeachShare credits you can use on any product on the platform. Your feedback helps others and benefits you too!

This Samuel Johnson "On Idleness" product [Suggested Uses, Posters, Discussion Questions, exams/quizzes, Assignments, and more] provides students a chance to experience what happens when we allow idleness to permeate our lives. This academic essay allows students to read and analyze this canonized work about being productive. 11th - 12th Graders will love this short work and product. Check it out!

SUMMARY:

Taken from a larger work, The Idler, Samuel Johnson's “On Idleness” informs readers

about how easy it is to have idleness and inactivity seep into our lives and take over. Johnson warns against the fake sense of productivity if we do not know the real look of Idleness.

This 11th - 12th grade canonized work allows students to understand the need for action and being productive in our daily lives.

You may also appreciate:

Plato's "The Allegory of the Cave" [TEXT]

Brent Staples's "Black Men and Public Spaces" Text

"Black Men & Public Spaces" [Lesson Activities, Assignments, and Handouts]

THOMAS PAINE'S "COMMON SENSE" [BUNDLE]

FIND ME ON THESE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS:

TheAngryTeacherBLOG

EMAIL LIST

INSTAGRAM

Youtube

Facebook

Pinterest

TIKTOK

Hey guys,

I'm Richard Williams, The Angry Teacher. I've been teaching for 18+ Years , and have amassed quite a bit of knowledge to share. Please consider joining the Angry Teacher family; we'll enjoy having you in the fam!

Please consider checking out the other short story materials and resources in my store.

Also, guys, remember that leaving REVIEWS is a way that TeachShare gives you credit on products! So let's do it!

Thanks for stopping by!

Allow students to take control of their learning by creating text-dependent questions based off of the levels of Bloom's Taxonomy! This activity requires students to develop and apply higher-order thinking skills by coming up with their own questions while also coming up with an answer key using the R.A.C.E writing strategy.

This Activity Pack Includes:

• Black & White Printable Version - Handouts and Activities
• Color Digital Version - Handouts and Activities
• Teacher Presentation

The Digital and Print Options Each Include:

• Handout explaining what Bloom's Taxonomy is
• Question starters/examples
• Assigned-level activity pages (R.A.C.E setup)
• Choose-your-level activity pages (one per page AND two per page options)

Teacher Presentation Reviews:

• Bloom's Taxonomy basic overview
• Each level explained

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Like this resource? Please leave a helpful review/rating and EARN SOME TeachShare CREDITS towards your next TPT purchase!

Checkout my store here - all teacher friends are welcome!

Other resources you may like:

RACE Writing Strategy | Citing Text Evidence | BUNDLE

Boho Rainbow Café Classroom Decor Theme Set | GROWING BUNDLE

DIGITAL Unit Guide Template | Scope & Sequence | EDITABLE
6th, 7th, AND 8th Grade ELA Common Core State Standards DIGITAL Checklist BUNDLE
Flipped Classroom Parent / Student BUNDLE
Starbooks Virtual Book Tasting with Verse Novels

Thank you for your interest in my product!

PROCEEDS FROM THIS PRODUCT WILL BE DONATED TO UNICEF UKRAINE!

Like many of you, the country of Ukraine and its people have been on my mind and heart daily. Saddened by what is taking place and feeling helpless I wished there was more I could do to help. Undoubtedly, you are also thinking about your students during time and looking for ways to address this current event with them in an age appropriate way.

This scavenger hunt is a fun way for students to learn fun and interesting facts about Ukraine while bringing attention to the country & culture. Students can work together to complete the scavenger hunt bringing unity to the classroom. Activity pages at the end give students the opportunity to reflect and even express their emotions.

This resource does not directly address the current climate or war in Ukraine. This resource was designed to teach about the beauty of Ukraine and its rich culture. I have found many students have been flooded with information and images of the war from different media source. This gives students insight to what Ukraine was like before the war.

Donation Details:

I have priced this resource at $5.00 and will donate 100% of the proceeds to UNICEF Ukraine. UNICEF is working in Ukraine to provide necessary resources, support and assistance to children and their families.

Follow along on Instagram where I will be posting the donations to see how much we can donate together!

This resource includes:

• 20 Ukraine scavenger hunt fact cards

Level 1 – Multiple Choice

- 2 answer sheets with 10 questions each

- 1 follow up worksheet with 10 questions

Level 2 – Write in the Answer

- 2 answer sheets with 10 questions each

- 1 follow up worksheet with 10 questions

• 3 different Ukraine flag activity pages
• 1 Ukraine map activity
• Total of 10 worksheets and 60 questions
• Teacher guide
• Teacher answer key

With this interactive scavenger hunt students will learn fun and interesting facts about Ukraine. For example: Did you know Ukraine used to be apart of another country? Or that Ukraine is about the same size as Texas? The scavenger hunt includes 20 fact cards and asks students to read the cards closely for information to fill in the answer

This scavenger hunt will still work broken into shorter segments for multiple lessons or a shorter activity.

This scavenger hunt also works well as a scoot game!

This comprehensive resource will have students critically examine the Vietnam War. The provided slide presentation is full of primary based sources, problem-posing discussion questions, POV simulations, & informative video clips that are designed to engage the students in the learning process. Three supplementary activities are included;

Materials:

• Slide Presentation (67 Slides) & Guided Notes Packet (Answer Key Included)
• Vietnamese Independence Debate Activity
• Scavenger Hunt POV Activity
• Secondary Source

Extension Activity #1: Vietnamese Independence Debate

• Each student will be assigned one of two POINTS OF VIEW (POV);
  1. French business leaders 2) Vietnamese communists.
• Central to the debate are the following questions; Why should the U.S. care what happens in Vietnam, along with what happens in France? Whether the U.S. should feel threatened by communism in Vietnam? What do they want President Truman to do about the Vietnamese Declaration of Independence— support it, ignore it, oppose it? Whether the U.S. government should support the French?

Extension Activity #2: Song Analysis

• Students will compare two defining songs of the Vietnam era; The Ballads of the Green Berets, & the War Song.

Extension Activity #3: What is a Whistleblower?

• Students will analyze four individuals; all of whom revealed information about activity within a private or public organization that was deemed illegal, immoral, illicit, unsafe or fraudulent.
• Students can delve further by referring to the Whistleblower Timeline,  and choosing a whistleblower to research (1700’s to contemporary times). Students will prepare a 3 to 5 minute class presentation. 

If you liked this lesson see other related ‘Cold War’ lessons here:

• Hot War Turns into the Cold War
• Cold War Unit Review & Assessment
• The Cuban Missile Crisis Declassified
• The Korean War: A Critical Reading Activity

Since the Pandemic, so much has gone digital, including testing--both campus and state testing. If your campus and/or state has made the switch to online testing, and you are looking for strategies to help your students adapt their annotating strategies, these graphic organizers can help!

This product includes graphic organizers for poetry (TPCASTT format) and text (can be used for fiction or informational) and is designed to be a gradual release model:

• Students use fully-structured graphic organizers to guide annotating during online testing
• Teachers can print graphic organizers as posters, and blank organizers w/ no text are included to help students transition from guided annotations
• Finally students will be able to transition from graphic organizers to being able to annotate freely using scratch or notebook paper

What You Get

• Poetry (TPCASTT) structured graphic organizer
• Text (Fiction or Informational) structured graphic organizer

-This can be customized to add personal teacher tips or specific classroom annotation symbols or Signposts

• Blank Poetry (TPCASTT) graphic organizer (no text)
• Blank Text (Fiction or Informational) graphic organizer (no text)

-Graphic Organizers can also be printed by the teacher in a poster size as a classroom anchor chart.

A worksheet with background information on the real life figure of Macbeth plus close reading questions. An excellent complement to Shakespeare's play.

Looking for an engaging and informative reading comprehension activity on the topic of political systems in the USA and the UK? These reading passages are are designed to help students practice **skim reading, summarizing **and comparing.

They are perfect for EFL / ESL students at the B1/B2 level and can also be used for native English classes at 7rd to 9th grade level. With low prep, just print and use. It contains 2 reading passages about the political systems in the States and the United Kingdom.

Each reading passage comes with 4 multiple-choice reading comprehension questions. Summarization questions are on a separate sheet of paper. Students use Venn diagrams (included) to compare the 2 countries or to compare and contrast the system in the US or the UK with any other country.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

♥ 2 reading passages (each with 4 multiple-choice questions)

♥ 1 sheet with summaries (2 per page - students choose the best fitting summary)

♥ 2 Venn diagrams (USA vs UK and a universal one)

♥ directions

♥ teacher answer key

Options for use:

☻Independent Work

☻Pair Work

☻Sub plan

☻Stations

If you loved this product, please be sure to come back to my store and leave feedback.

15 World War posters with ELA/SS/History writing activities or discussion starters for secondary students. Use as individual assignments or with small/whole group settings. Excellent graphics with 3 thought provoking prompts per each page.Includes: use: Propaganda (Definitions, Activity for defining, and application of) Critical thinking skills Analysis Explanation Illustrating Inferencing Designing Problem Solving Segregation and much more! Excellent for teaching fact-based, textual evidence with inferencing and critical thinking, as well as for standardized testing practice.

This Bundle includes Socratic Seminar booklets for a variety of Graphic Novels. I use them as a final assessment at the conclusion of our Literature Circles in my Graphic Novels Elective! Please check them out at their individual listings. Thank you!