Space Awareness
Britannia Rule the Waves
Could you determine longitude based on measuring time? Early explorers used a longitude clock to do just that. Scholars learn about early exploration and the importance of the invention of the clock. Then pupils build their own longitude...
Curated OER
Pitching Patriotism
Students analyze the use of color, images and type used in print advertising, then "pitch" a company. They, in groups, brainstorm products and services of companies that may be affected by the war in Iraq.
Curated OER
The Earth's Landscape#156
Students define a word from the natural disaster list, find a location in the world where this type of disaster has occurred and discuss what they have identified. They design a crossword puzzle of natural disaster words or check a...
Curated OER
What is a Haiku? How Do You Write a Haiku?
Haiku poetry is explored in this language arts lesson. Yong readers identify the characteristics of haiku and read several examples. Students make connections between their study of Japan and the poetic form of haiku, and they write...
Curated OER
How Many Days To America?
Fourth graders determine how many different types of immigrant groups came to America. They discuss how immigrants feel when moving to a new place. They read the story, "How Many Days to America" by Eve Bunting and discuss how some...
Curated OER
The Relationship of the Five Values to the Human Personality
Students are introduced to the five senses and how they are sorted throughout the brain. After reading about each type of mind, they discuss ways in which they can focus on each one on a daily basis. As a class, they discover ways in...
Curated OER
Pirate Etiquette
Students conduct research into the lives of pirates and create a personal skit based upon the research as inspiration. The use of imagination is a key component to the type of writing to be done during the class.
Curated OER
Koi Pond
Students engage in a creative project of making a paper koi pond meant to illustrate the type of life that can be found in the pond ecosystem. They build cultural appreciation for the Japanese by researching the use of the koi ponds.
Curated OER
Social Studies: Exploring Japan
Fourth graders examine the culture and environment of Japan, beginning with a KWL chart. They use clay and cups of water to construct representations of the Japanese Islands. After designing flags representing farming and food, 4th...
Washington State University
Defining Bullying
How can you recognize bullying? How is verbal bullying different from physical or social bullying, and when has a joke gone too far? Learners use their own experiences and ideas to inform the discussion.
Curated OER
Landforms of Illinois
Fifth and sixth graders are introduced to the primary landforms of Illinois and discover how they were created. Landform cards are made for each pupil. They use the twenty-questions format until they have identified each one. Then,...
Friends of Fort McHenry
Cannons During the War of 1812
During the Battle of Baltimore in the War of 1812, only 25% of the bombs and rockets fired at Fort McHenry actually reached their target. Using an interactive online simulation, combine your historical study with physics and discover why...
Middle Tennessee State University
Lesson Plan: Immigration: A Case Study on Multiple Perspectives and Diverse Formats
As part of a case study of U.S. immigration during the first part of the 20th century, class members examine a variety of primary sources that present multiple perspectives of the responses of those in favor of immigration and those...
Curated OER
Inuit Sculpture
Kids in grade four through eight research Inuit artists and art styles. After a critical look at Inuit sculpture, they use those forms for inspiration as they create one of their own. They practice using the subtractive method of...
Curated OER
The Vikings
In this Vikings worksheet, students read about the Vikings and the Viking Age and then answer the 15 questions in the packet. The answers are on the last page.
Curated OER
Teen Immigrants: Five American Stories
Students watch the PBS program "In the Mix" about teen immigrants. They discover the number of immigrants in America and their problems moving to this country. They answer questions as the film plays.
Curated OER
Coming to America: U.S. Immigration
Students study immigration in the late 19th and early 20th century. In this immigration lesson plan, students participate in activities including creating maps, responding to non fiction text, memorizing and analyzing poetry, and...
Curated OER
The Red Scare in the 1950's
Students can learn about the Red Scare, McCarthyism, and other related topics with lesson plans that focus on the 1950's and communism.
Curated OER
Weather Watch
Middle schoolers research severe weather conditions that occur in their region of the country and develop guidelines to deal with natural disaster-related emergencies.
Curated OER
Arkansas' Reaction to Draft Resistance During World War II
Young scholars identify consequences to the resistance of the draft in Arkansas during World War II. They role-play scripts of local board members who were Southern businessmen, farmers; and conscientious objectors, their friends,...
Curated OER
Landforms of Illinois
Students discover the primary landforms of Illinois. They examine how those landforms were formed as well. In groups, they research one of the landforms from their vocabulary list. They create their landform in a shoebox and present it...
Curated OER
Trade Creates Opportunities
Students examine how trade can create economic opportunities and can be a impetus for social change. They research the "Asian Tigers" and design a class presentation.
Curated OER
Radio Show
Students work in groups to write a radio drama based on an event or period in history. They write commericals that are appropriate for the radio age and create sound effects. The radio shows are recorded using an iPod and a voice...
Curated OER
Polite, Neutral Or Rude Language 4
In this language arts activity, 5th graders learn the difference between polite, neutral and rude responses to oral requests. Students read 3 situations and 3 possible responses. Students compare them and decide which is the most...