American Forest Foundation
Who Speaks for the Trees?
Help young conservationists appreciate the important role that trees play in ecosystems around the world with this collection of six engaging activities. From a shared reading and class discussion of Dr. Seuss' The Lorax, to in an depth...
Curated OER
Layer Cake Archaeology
Excavating cake? Why not! Kids spoon into some layers and artifacts during this tasty hands-on activity. The cake, a simulated archaeological dig, is the object of observation and discussion.
Curated OER
Transparent Shoebox Dig
Take this simulated archaeological dig one layer at a time with your young pupils to encourage observation, critical thinking, and careful attention. Using a transparent box full of layers of sand and artifacts, pupils examine the...
Perkins School for the Blind
A Visit to the Doctor
Going to the doctor's office may be a source of stress and uncertainty for some children. Help your learners with special needs discover what to expect at and how to cope with their next trip to the doctor. They explore real medical...
California Academy of Science
Be Prepared for an Earthquake
Earthquakes can be frightening and dangerous, but being prepared can make a world of difference. Perform an earthquake simulation during which the class practices how to drop, cover, and hold on as you read a script describing what might...
Polar Trec
Swan Savvy
Just like so many other birds, swans migrate during the cold winter months. Your class can gain a better understanding of migration and bird life as they act out some of the activities common to the tundra swan. They make a nest, sit on...
ARKive
Nocturnal Animals
How do those nocturnal animals see in the dark? This perplexing question does have an answer. First, little ones use their sense of touch to determine the name of a mystery object, then they listen closely to identify various animals by...
GiggleUp Kids
Happy Little Farmer
Pre-readers and primaries can help farmer rabbit to plant some delicious fruits and vegetables. From soil preparation and pest control, all the way to the harvest, little ones participate in the entire process!
Q Continuum
Planets
Have you ever looked up at the night sky and wondered what constellation you were seeing or whether that bright object was a star or a planet? Are you searching for the best tilt-to-view constellation and planet app that money can't buy?...
Shodor Education Foundation
Sets and the Venn Diagram (Beginner)
Venn diagrams are helpful in understanding the idea of a set and using attributes to sort items. This basic plan is an introduction with an added bonus of an applet that can be used to demonstrate the activity. If a classroom of...
Curated OER
Hold On to Your Hats
Elementary schoolers study the symbolism and influences found in advertising. First, they learn about the history and cultural significance of the Summer Official's Hat that was a symbol of status in ancient China. Then, they access...
Curated OER
What Can I Do?
Students investigate conflict resolution strategies. In this character education lesson, students list things that make them feel sad and are introduced to the conflict resolution strategy "think and share." Students role-play various...
Curated OER
Conflict Resolution
Lessons on how to deal with bullying and conflict are very important for young learners. This one sets up role-playing situations which present conflicts that occur between kids. Several role-play situations are set up, and they should...
Curated OER
Pantomime
There's no doubt that dramatic play and creative movement are both essential for a healthy early childhood education. Here is a lesson that promotes both. Youngsters think of activities and emotions. The words are written on pieces of...
Curated OER
Lesson 2: Helping
Students role-play taking care of each other. In this cancer lesson, students examine how to help someone who is sick. Students discover that cancer is not contagious. Working in small groups, students role-play how to take care of each...
Curated OER
Rock Stories
Youngsters pretend they are rocks sitting on a hill. They listen to the provided guided imagery script to conceptualize the process of how rocks change over time. They draw a diagram of what happened to them as rocks during the story. An...
Curated OER
Good Manners
It's never to early to introduce childen to good manners. It's often assumed that they will just "learn" them on their own, but that's not true! In this simple instructional activity, pupils practice using good manners and conversation...
Curated OER
Act it Out: Dramatizing Asian American Stories
Read and act out folktales, fairy tales, or myths from various Asian American cultures with your class. Each group reads a story aloud and then works together to create a short play or skit about the story. Suggestions for stories are...
Curated OER
Alphabetize For A Reason
Students organize information by using the alphabet. Students organize materials alphabetically. Students alphabetize with the first, second and third letters of a set of words. Students discover applications for alphabetical order.
Curated OER
Teasing Is Tough
Teasing happens in school. It's a fact. So, teaching your children about the evils of teasing, and also how to cope with it when it happens to them, is a very important. Pupils talk about how it feels to be teased, and they work together...
Curated OER
Weddings Around the World
Weddings are a big deal for children. Most kids are very intrigued by them, and many have already been to one. The teacher reads the book, Weddings by Ann Morris to the class. Then, a discussion takes place regarding the basic traditions...
Curated OER
H2O to Go to Go
Youngsters engage in a relay race where they dip a sponge in water, run to a bucket, and squeeze out the sponge. They have five minutes to take turns transporting water to the goal. Whey the time is up, each team measures the total...
Curated OER
Healthy Habits
Through discussion and role-play, youngsters learn how to take care of their health. Stuffed toys become "patients" which are cared for by children and taught healthy habits. Having some medical props such as stethoscopes, tongue...
Curated OER
Spelling Relay
Looking for a way to review and practice spelling words that's fun and creative? Use this spelling relay activity for any grade level. Using three spelling lists, ranging in difficulty, teams of young spellers choose words from the lists...