About the store
Welcome to Teen Tech University! I've worked in public education for 27 years. My experience includes teaching High School English, working as a Middle and High School Media Specialist, and conducting professional development training as an Instructional Technology Specialist.
I'm passionate about creating resources for secondary students while keeping them invested and engaged! I also love utilizing ed tech to enhance student learning!
Check out my high-interest reading activities, compelling literature units, fun technology projects, and resources with a research-focus!
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Unsolved Mysteries Research Project Middle School ELA | Teaching Research Skills
The Unsolved Mysteries Research Project is an inquiry-based, research-skills focused project for middle school ELA and high school English students. Teaching research skills has never been easier using the Big6 Model with a step-by-step approach! How often do we, as teachers, assign research projects with an assumption that our students know how to conduct research? Unfortunately, many don't, and they copy and paste text from the first site they access. Students thrive when the research proces
6th - 9th
English Language Arts, For All Subjects
CCSS
W.6.1b
, W.6.7
, W.6.8
+6
Media Literacy: Credible Sources, Research Graphic Organizer Template
Teach media literacy with confidence! This includes finding credible sources, research graphic organizers, research templates, and strengthening media literacy through application research activities. This comprehensive bundle will help students master research skills and confidently evaluate credible sources (identifying if sources are reliable or unreliable). This done-for-you resource teaches students how to evaluate websites, identify reliable sources, and detect bias, media misinformation,
7th - 12th
English Language Arts, Informational Text, Library Skills
CCSS
W.7.7
, W.7.8
, W.8.8
+2
Dystopian Literature Unit - Dystopian Short Story Activities Dystopia VS Utopia
Enhance your dystopian short story unit, help students differentiate between dystopian vs. utopian, and supplement their reading of dystopian literature with this compelling resource! Your students will learn to analyze elements of dystopian settings, societies, and motifs with confidence! Introduction to the Elements of Dystopian LiteratureThe high-interest Introduction to Dystopian Literature Slides presentation includes 40 slides outlining the dystopian literary genre, providing rich represe
8th - 11th
English Language Arts, Reading, Reading Strategies
CCSS
RL.8.1
, RL.9-10.1
, RL.9-10.2
+1
Text Structure and Text Features Lessons - Nonfiction Reading Comprehension
Teaching text structure and text features lessons doesn’t have to be boring! Sharpen your students' nonfiction reading comprehension skills with this text structure and text features lessons bundle! Students learn nonfiction reading comprehension strategies through using text features, identifying informational text structure, and analyzing the author’s purpose. The materials in this resource include high-interest activities and presentation materials on the five structure types: cause and ef
6th - 9th
Close Reading, Informational Text, Reading Strategies
CCSS
RI.7.5
, RI.7.10
, RI.8.5
+3
Social Media's Impact on Teens Research Project - Digital Media Literacy Skills
This research project highlights social media's impact on teens (including the harmful effects of social media and potential benefits). Along with researching social media's impact, students strengthen their digital media literacy skills with the high-interest application activities! Social media research topics include social media and anxiety, how social media facilitates the need to present one’s “false self,” cyberbullying and human trafficking, how social media impacts self-esteem, dangero
7th - 12th
Character Education, English Language Arts, For All Subjects
Holidays Around the World Christmas Research Project, Create World Holiday Books
The Christmas Holidays Around the World Research Project will keep your students engaged before winter break! Students research the world holiday traditions of different countries. Using their research notes, students create a Christmas Holidays Around the World book using Google Slides. Over 56 world holiday websites have been bookmarked for this project! The linked resources provide factual information on Christmas holiday celebrations and customs. Students can also view videos and sites feat
6th - 9th
English Language Arts, For All Subjects, Reading
CCSS
CCRA.W.6
, CCRA.W.7
, CCRA.W.9
Soft Skills for Career Readiness Exploration Success: Workplace Communication
Soft skills include workplace communication and life skills that are crucial to achieving career success. This career exploration and readiness mini-unit provides a comprehensive overview of both hard and soft skills while implementing several application activities that students may need for reinforcement. Examples of soft skills that are addressed within this teaching resource include the following: ★ Effective Communication Skills (Verbal, Written, and Nonverbal) ★ Critical Thinking Skills a
8th - 12th
Business, English Language Arts, For All Subjects
CCSS
W.9-10.7
, W.9-10.9
True Crime Lesson Research Project - Criminal Justice for Juveniles Serving Time
This true crime research project examines criminal justice laws and prison reform for teenagers serving time. This true crime lesson plan is perfect for implementing high-interest research activities with students! They'll examine criminal justice laws and the juvenile justice system while researching cases of real teens serving time in adult prisons. Most substantially, students will understand the impact incarceration has on a young person's life. Notetaking Forms, Research Questions, and Re
8th - 12th
Criminal Justice - Law, English Language Arts, Psychology
CCSS
CCRA.W.7
, CCRA.W.8
, CCRA.W.9
End of the Year Activities High School Middle ELA My Year in Review Memories
This end of the year in review activity will provide a high-interest, engaging mini-project for your secondary students! Students will use the free Adobe Express website to create unique "My Year in Review" pages. This resource includes modern, relevant topics for them to select for their pages. The topics are designed to promote a positive growth mindset and to keep students actively engaged until the last week of the school year! An editable attractive Google Slides presentation outlines all
7th - 12th
English Language Arts, For All Subjects, Writing
CCSS
CCRA.W.6
, CCRA.W.10
Finding Credible Sources and Research Skills | Reliable or Unreliable Sources
Teach students research skills, such as finding credible sources while conducting research and identifying whether the source is reliable or unreliable! Evaluating sources, websites, and media are essential media literacy skills. Now, more than ever, students need to know how to evaluate and analyze information for accuracy, credibility, and bias. This digital resource benefits students by teaching them to independently navigate online research effectively and efficiently! Your purchase will i
7th - 10th
English Language Arts, For All Subjects, Library Skills
CCSS
W.8.8
, CCRA.W.8
Also included in: Media Literacy: Credible Sources, Research Graphic Organizer Template
Connotation Denotation Activities | Author's Tone and Word Choice Activities
Unleash the power of words with these dynamic connotation and denotation activities! The Connotation Hyperdoc provides an engaging interactive way to present connotation, denotation, word choice, loaded words, neutral words, tone, and mood! There’s no better way to implement 21st century learning! The accessibility and modern design of the hyperdoc instantly engages students while allowing teachers to implement differentiation between tasks. The structured directions for each word choice activit
7th - 10th
Close Reading, English Language Arts, Informational Text
CCSS
CCRA.R.4
, CCRA.R.10
Holocaust Research Project Teen Resistance - Holocaust Literature Activities
Use the Teen Holocaust Resistance Project with any Holocaust story in order to provide historical context! This unique resource focuses on teen and young adult Holocaust resisters who took courageous stands! Use with Night by Elie Wiesel, the Diary of Anne Frank, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, or Book Thief! Implement as a standalone Holocaust research project. Your students will be fascinated by acts of resistance facilitated by their peers. Designed for secondary students, these activities a
8th - 11th
English Language Arts, Literature, World History
CCSS
W.8.9
, W.9-10.6
, W.9-10.9
+1
Introduction to Dystopian Literature Elements Slides Dystopia vs. Utopia Setting
The Introduction to Dystopian Literature provides the critical lens students need to analyze elements of dystopia! The riveting materials and thought-provoking activities support the analysis of any dystopian short story or novel. The 40 engaging and informative slides, along with application activities, will prepare your students to confidently analyze dystopian settings and motifs. This resource benefits students by facilitating higher levels of learning beyond a basic introduction to the dys
7th - 10th
Close Reading, English Language Arts, Short Stories
CCSS
CCRA.R.1
, CCRA.R.4
, CCRA.R.7
+1
Gothic Literature Introduction - Horror Genre - Elements of Gothic Short Stories
The Gothic Literary Elements, Motifs, and Activities resource provides students with a frame of reference and the background knowledge they'll need when reading any Gothic novel or Gothic short story. The materials provide your students with an engaging introduction to Gothic literary elements and can also be utilized as a modern, unique supplement to your existing Gothic literature resources! This resources pairs well with Gothic literature from the Victorian Era, texts and poetry from the Da
8th - 12th
English Language Arts, Literature, Short Stories
CCSS
CCRA.R.1
, CCRA.R.2
, CCRA.R.10
Dystopia: Dystopian Short Stories Unit, Dystopia vs. Utopia, Dystopian Society
Create a Dystopian Short Stories Unit or explore dystopia vs. utopia and dystopian society with this creative resource! Use the activities to enhance any Dystopian literature! The following materials are included in this Dystopian Stories Bundle: Cultural Clashes! Utopia vs. Dystopia (Research & Informational Writing)Welcome to Dystopia: A Nightmare Disguised as Paradise (Short Story Unit) The resources in this bundle are designed for 7th-12th grade students. Please see the following descrip
7th - 12th
English Language Arts, Literature, Short Stories
CCSS
RL.8.1
, RL.8.10
, RL.9-10.1
+8
Website Evaluation, Research Skills, Credible Sources, Media Bias, Fake News
Teach website evaluation, effective research skills, and how to find credible sources! Evaluating source credibility and identifying media bias are essential media and information literacy skills! These engaging website evaluation activities include a research skills slide presentation that provides a checklist for identifying credible sources. Students then evaluate websites to identify reliable sources and determine whether the websites include fake news or media bias. This resource includes
6th - 10th
English Language Arts, For All Subjects, Other (ELA)
CCSS
CCRA.W.8
Media Literacy Unit Bundle: Fake News Bias and Propaganda Analysis (Grades 7-10)
This comprehensive Media Literacy Unit will empower students to become savvy consumers of online information! Designed for grades 7-10, these media literacy activities equip students with the essential skills they'll need to critically analyze news articles, evaluate the credibility of sources, identify bias and propaganda, differentiate between facts vs. opinions, and navigate the digital world with confidence. What's Included?This bundle features a variety of engaging, ready-to-use resources:
7th - 10th
English Language Arts, For All Subjects, Informational Text, Library Skills
CCSS, TEKS, VA SOL
RI.7.1
, RI.7.4
, RI.7.8
+24
Primary Sources: Primary Source Analysis, Primary Source vs. Secondary Source
Identify primary sources, engage in primary source analysis, and differentiate between a primary source vs. secondary source! This primary sources mini-unit include a primary sources slide presentation, primary vs. secondary sources task cards, and a primary source document analysis activity. Your students will benefit by improving their ability to select credible sources during research! Use these materials to introduce primary sources or to implement primary source analysis activities! The Pri
5th - 9th
English Language Arts, Library Skills, Other (Social Studies)
CCSS
CCRA.R.6
, CCRA.R.10
Spooky Short Stories for a Mystery and Suspense Short Stories Unit, Horror Genre
Use this mystery and suspense story unit with these spooky short stories! Students will identify how authors create suspenseful settings and mood! Copies of the spooky short stories for analysis are included! Prepare students to read and analyze any horror, mystery, or suspenseful story. Looking, specifically, for scary short stories? These suspenseful stories and activities will fright and delight your students! Use these materials any time of the year when you're ready to amp up student
6th - 10th
English Language Arts, Literature, Short Stories
CCSS
RL.9-10.1
, RL.9-10.2
, RL.9-10.5
+4
All About Me Book Project Middle High School, Back to School Getting to Know You
Use the All About Me Book Book Project with middle or high school students! This all about me project is the perfect back to school getting to know you activity! Build relationships with your middle school and high school students! The All About Me Book project includes 23 editable templates with high-interest writing prompts created in Google Slides! The slides also include interactive drag-and-drop templates! Students can upload their own photos or search online and insert representative ima
6th - 12th
Classroom Community, English Language Arts, For All Subjects
CCSS
W.7.6
, W.7.10
, W.8.6
+3
Showing 1-20 of 239 results
About the store
Experience
Welcome to Teen Tech University! I've worked in public education for 27 years. My experience includes teaching High School English, working as a Middle and High School Media Specialist, and conducting professional development training as an Instructional Technology Specialist.
I'm passionate about creating resources for secondary students while keeping them invested and engaged! I also love utilizing ed tech to enhance student learning!
Check out my high-interest reading activities, compelling literature units, fun technology projects, and resources with a research-focus!
Teaching style
21st Century Learners: Put students in the driver's seat by teaching with technology!
Awards & shining teacher moments
2002 - National Board Certified Teacher in Young Adult and Adolescent Literature
2012 - National Board Certification Renewal
My own education history
1995 - Erskine College, Valedictorian, Summa Cum Laude
BA English, minor secondary education
2004- MA+30 in Library and Information Science from University of South Carolina
Teaching Certification - Secondary English
Teaching Certification - Library Media Specialist
National Board Certification
Additional biographical information
Reading, research, and educational technology are my passions! I love facilitating technology projects with students! I currently conduct workshops and professional development training for teachers on utilizing technology to motivate and reinforce student learning.
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