Facing History and Ourselves
Standing Up to Hatred on Cable Street
The final lessons in this section of the Standing Up for Democracy unit ask class members to consider ways they can help create a "more humane, fair, and compassionate environment" in their communities. For context, learners study how...
Space Awareness
The Fibre Optic Cable Class
Many people know that fiber optics are used in delivering the Internet, but are surprised to learn they are also used in astronomy. Scholars explore light, reflection, and fiber optics through hands-on activities. They discuss methods of...
Curated OER
A Way with Words or Say What?
Students explore the language of Shakespeare. In this literature lesson, students examine words invented by Shakespeare as they interpret their meanings in drawings. Students pantomime the meanings and then write a short story...
NASA
Heavy Lifting
Astronauts need a way to lift heavy objects. Pupils design and build a crane out of cardboard and determine ways to improve their cranes based upon the outcomes of testing.
Curated OER
Everyday Problems
Word problems are some of the most applicable ways for scholars to approach math, and this is no exception. Using their addition and subtraction skills in context, they solve five word problem scenarios involving time and money. There is...
Computer Science Unplugged
The Muddy City—Minimal Spanning Trees
What is the most efficient way to ensure everyone is connected? Individual pupils determine the least expensive route to pave roads in a fictional city. In doing so, they learn to find the minimal spanning tree for the situation. They...
Curated OER
Alicia Keys, Songs in A Minor
How do a person's musical preferences influence the way they compose music of their own? Learners analyze the sound and lyrics of Alicia Keys in relation to musicians that came before. Jazz, blues, and soul music from the past are shown...
Curated OER
SciPod Studies
Have fun preparing a science podcast. After reviewing vocabulary, learners record audio files to create science vocabulary podcasts for particular units of study. A clever way to incorporate technology.
American Museum of Natural History
Beyond Planet Earth
Scholars take a journey through space with 16 eye-catching images. Along the way, learners read captions starting with the moon, then move onto asteroids, Mars, and Jupiter.
Curated OER
Diamond Problems
Diamond problems are a great way to have students solve and complete 5 various types of problems that include measurement and using algebra tiles to solve expressions. First, they copy each diamond and solve it. Then, 8th graders compute...
Curated OER
Storytellers: Pearl Jam "Never Let Truth Get in the Way of a Good Story"
Students analyze the lyrics from a Pearl Jam song and examine the concept of truth in political advertising. They watch the video, "VH1 Storytellers: Pearl Jam," participate in a class discussion, conduct research, and prepare a report...
Curated OER
Which Way?
Middle schoolers explore distance-time plots. In this algebra lesson, they will investigate how different types of motion affect the distance-time plot.
Curated OER
Mooring Mobiles Lab
Oceanography experts use candy to construct a model of a bio-physical mooring that would test a variety of factors. Each piece of equipment to be included on the mooring is described within the write-up. As pupils gather the candies for...
Curated OER
Digital Photographers
Young photographers practice taking photos with a digital camera, and then upload them to a computer. The iPhoto program is used, and I'm sure your charges will love this lesson. There is a "100 Ways to Use Digital Cameras in the...
Curated OER
Hang in There
Young scholars view a video clip about bridges. They examine the cables that stablize the Golden Gate Bridge. They relate this concept to elevators.
Curated OER
Match Me!
Young learners explore motion graphs in this lesson. They investigate distance-time plots as they move in a specific way in front of the CBR in an attempt to make a motion plot that matches a given plot. Pupils explore the connections...
Curated OER
Constructions Triangles
Learners explore the difference between a construction and a drawing. They focus on various ways to construct different types of triangles. The activity is an application of Cabri Jr. and reinforces the difference between a constructions...
Curated OER
Storytellers: The Dixie Chicks
Students explore an important moment in the course of American History through critical listening. Students analyze the lyrics of one work by the Dixie Chicks. Students have a better understanding of the way music can mirror social...
Curated OER
Basic Troubleshooting Strategies
In this circuits worksheet, students are given 15 different scenarios to troubleshoot using the scientific method. Topics include electrical lights, "network" power cabling, gas pipelines and stereo systems.
Curated OER
The Energy of Light
Students discuss different ways engineers use light. In this engineering lesson, students are introduced to the properties of light and the way light is used. They view a demonstration of light waves using a slinky, and practice using...
Curated OER
The Golden Gate Bridge
In this comprehension activity, students read and respond to five multiple choice questions about the story. Then they explain in a short answer response why there were people who opposed to the building of the Golden Gate Bridge and why.
Curated OER
Two Ways About It
Students take an imaginary hike in two opposite directions along a lake. They view and interpret satellite images and discuss the pros and cons of hydroelectric dams.
Curated OER
The Border Goes to Hollywood
High schoolers view a movie or tv show, or listen to music to analyze the ways border life is depicted in arts and entertainment.
Curated OER
VH1 Goes Inside (Out) Trey and Dave Go to Africa
Students discuss the Western method of teaching and learning music and compare that to the aural transmission method used around the world. They practice singing two songs using aural transmission and watch a video showing musicians...