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Using Literature to Introduce the Five Themes of Geography
Students listen to a read aloud of "If You Grew Up With Abraham Lincoln". Using the text, they identify examples of the five themes of geography and write them down. Using a map, they plot the places mentioned in the book and sort facts...
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Planet Research and Brochure
Fourth graders design a brochure based on the planet that they researched. In this planets lesson plan, 4th graders include the data, important facts, and completed as a team.
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Christmas Trees and Traditions
In this Christmas worksheet, students research the internet to find facts about Christmas trees and traditions. Students complete 9 short answer questions.
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To Come to Illinois - Or Not?
Students analyze primary documents to determine whether the author is pro- or anti-emigration. They outline reasons for or against immigration to Illinois during the early 19th century.
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The Gettysburg Address
Students examine Lincoln's life. In this U.S. history instructional activity, students examine facts about Abraham Lincoln and then complete 6 extension activities that require them to complete research regarding the Civil War.
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Barack Obama Worksheet
In this President Barack Obama worksheet, students match 20 words pertaining to the life of our current President with the phrases and facts that go with them.
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President Barack Obama Word Jumble
In this word jumble worksheet, students unscramble the letters to make words associated with President Barack Obama. Students spell 20 words.
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Case Study: Constitutional Law
Posed here is an issue of land ownership and law from the year 1773. Learners can use what they know about the US Constitution, statehood, and Articles I, III, and IV to answer five questions regarding the scenario.
Agriculture in the Classroom
Pumpkins... Not Just For Halloween
Celebrate fall with four pumpkin themed hands-on activities! After learning about pumpkins, scholars complete two activity sheets that reinforce estimation and word problems. They then plant pumpkin seeds and bake a pie in a bag.
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Iowa: Reading Comprehension
In this Iowa reading comprehension activity, students read a 2-page selection regarding the state and then respond to 10 true or false questions.
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Hemingway Hangouts
Students use printed maps and websites to estimate driving distances and plan routes to Hemingway's home. They visit several locations online and record facts about each location.They calculate, distances, driving time, and other factors.
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Volcanoes:How Safe Are They?
Young scholars explore volcanoes, locate them on maps, record general information about volcanoes, and organize information on a fact sheet.
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School Bill of Rights
Students study the Bill of Rights. As a class, they create a "School Bill of Rights," with amendments. Students discuss the difference between rights and responsibilities and examine Supreme Court decisions dealing with the first ten...
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Cartoons for the Classroom: Tooning into the Candidates: Barack Obama
In this current events worksheet, students analyze a political cartoon about Barak Obama and respond to 3 talking point questions.
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Reservoir Activity
Students research the economic importance of the major reservoirs in Illinois. In groups, they manage a budget for one of the lakes to promote tourism in the area. They also work together to create advertisements.
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Amazing Bird Adaptions--Why Am I A Bird?
Fourth graders identify and classify birds found in Illinois. Using the internet, they discover how birds have adapted over time and how the adaptations have increased their life span. They compare and contrast the various adaptations...
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Hawks Migrate
Young scholars examine the types of hawks found in Illinois and compile a list of them. Using different species of hawks, they compare and contrast their characteristics. They work together to create their own hawk model for the...
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New Citizen Exam is Democracy 101
Students read a USA Today article about U.S. democracy and then complete questions about the topic. In this democracy lesson, students read the article 'New Citizen Exam is Democracy 101.' Students learn about the test for U.S....
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President Abraham Lincoln Word Jumble
In this Abraham Lincoln worksheet, students unscramble the letters to spell 20 words pertaining to Abraham Lincoln. There is a word box.
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Helping Each Other, Near and Far
First graders examine their knowledge of the world as a larger place than just their immediate environment. They examine how people in Africa are fighting malaria and other issues. During the instructional activity they listen to a...
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Public Policy Analysis
Students read an article about a pressing public policy issue. Using the text, they identify the themes, facts and ideas presented and develop an argument supporting or disagreeing with the position of the author. In groups, they...
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Let's Celebrate Our Land!
Students investigate Woody Guthrie's beliefs. In this citizenship lesson, students research and discuss the beliefs of Woody Guthrie and write down several facts that they learned.
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Section One: What is Biodiversity?
Four intriguing and scientific activities invite learners to explore the natural resources of their town. The activities cover concepts such as genetic traits, organizing species in a taxonomy, the differences between different species...
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Pottery-making Methods
Students become experimental archaeologists using three methods of pottery making before the invention of the pottery wheel.