This Lesson Library houses special projects, sponsored programs and news resources that have been developed over the past few years by USA TODAY Education. All lessons are in PDF format and can be accessed by using the Search Resources tool at the bottom of the navigation bar on the left side of this page, by using the resource locator tool or by browsing the featured programs and projects below. All resources contain multiple learning applications, have been written by experienced educators and are most appropriate for middle and high school, but can be adapted for different grade levels.

Reading/Literacy – USA TODAY’s Reading/Literacy Resources. USA TODAY is clear and concise, combining words and graphics that engage students in the world of reading. FREE online educational resources using USA TODAY content.

Visions of Exploration- Visions of Exploration provides educators with Science, Technology, Engineering and Math curriculum resources designed to enhance students’ reading, writing and comprehension skills. This program prepares students for the world beyond the classroom and inspires them to become explorers.

High Schools That Work- (HSTW) is an effort-based school improvement initiative founded on the conviction that most students can master rigorous academic and career/technical studies if school leaders and teachers create an environment that motivates students to make the effort to succeed.

Case Studies Archive – Each case study is a compilation of USA TODAY articles on a specific topic and includes discussion questions, activities and a graphic organizer.

Choice is Power – These lessons on financial literacy help students learn what making wise financial decisions can gain them in the short-term and the long run.

College Search - Find and apply for scholarships, search for colleges, and explore careers all in one location. Everything is free for you to use!

1st Amendment - The First Amendment protects freedom of speech, press, religion, assembly and petition. However, interpretations of the amendment often vary. These resources help students think critically about how the First Amendment affects their lives.

Connections! A Global Education Initiative (AT&T Foundation) – This project-based learning activity promotes student understanding of world cultures.

Cyber Security - This important topic changes every day, from the impact of cyber bullying to the need to learn to product your identity and data.

Don’t Say What? Lessons on Hearing Impairment (Starkey Foundation) – From iPods to concerts, young people today are risking long-term auditory wellness.  Students learn of the risks and the solutions.

Drug Prevention – Designed for high school classes, This program uses USA TODAY articles, Snapshots® and activities provide students with the opportunity to learn about the real dangers of drugs while recommending tools and tips to make healthy decisions.

Entrepreneurship - Through USA TODAY articles, students understand the importance of entrepreneurship, identify potential opportunities and develop the skills needed to start a successful business.

Fed TODAY – A unique and inventive way of learning about the Federal Reserve. This project-based learning activity has students develop a newspaper page that includes graphs, charts, interviews and articles. 

Global Impact - Students learn about the social and economic impact of international issues, trends and events on America, including economic growth, living standards, health care and environmental issues.

Global Warming - USA TODAY articles, Snapshots®, Infographs and interactives help students explore how  factors attributed to global warming impact environmental changes and catastrophes, economics, health and public policy.

I^2 Inspiring Innovation – These lessons with a science, technology, engineering and math focus, explore all aspects of engineering in everyday life – from aerospace to biochemical.

Mars Mania – These science, technology, social studies and history-focuces resources are designed to help students examine results of recent Mars explorations and their impact on society. Best suited for grades 6-12 but can be adapted for lower grades.

Math Lessons – Resources to assist students in mathematic studies in real-world context while interpreting graphs and charts and analyzing data.

Math TODAY Lessons – These lessons, written by experienced math educators and based on USA TODAY articles,  Snapshots® and Infographs focus on pre-algebra, algebra, calculus and statistics.

Project Based Learning- These projects provide an in-depth exploration of news stories and issues, helping students hone their creative and critical thinking skills. Week One consists of research and preparation. The following three weeks will focus on the high-level skills associated with the last three stages of Bloom’s Taxonomy: analysis; synthesis; evaluation.

Science of Weather - These activities help students develop an understanding of how weather impacts our lives and the challenges and benefits generated by scientific progress.

Science TODAY (Texas Instruments) - These lessons focus on biology, chemistry, physics and physical science and are designed to enhance middle and high-school level science curriculum and correlate to National Science Standards.

Soul of a Champion – This series examines what separates elite competitors from their peers who have the same physical skills.  USA TODAY looks at the intangibles that separate these champions from the pack.

Stat Rat - These math activities assist educators in using USA TODAY as a "real world" text that helps students put numbers to work in their daily lives. These activities are designed to enhance middle and high school level math curriculum and correlate with the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Curriculum and Evaluation Standards For School Mathematics.

Hope for Education Technology Project – Students explore technology trends, the impact of technology on college life and on society and personal interaction with technology.

Virtual Press Pass – Meet the professionals who work at USA TODAY. Learn what it takes to be an editor, a reporter or a media specialist.  Find out what these individuals love about their profession.