Curated OER
Mud Fossils
Students create their own fossils in an activity using plaster of paris and a variety of objects which can be fossils, e.g. chicken bones, twigs, shells, etc. After making their fossils, they allow them to dry and discuss time and its...
Curated OER
The Woods and Pond
Young scholars participate in hands-on activities to explore their natural surroundings. They recognize that ponds and woods are ecosystems and compare differences between the two. They identify trees by their bark and leaves.
Curated OER
Introduction To Pests
Students investigate common pests and match pests to their respective pictures. In a group discussion, students explore the basic needs of pests and share personal pest stories. They examine common self-protection measures. Using the...
Curated OER
Wetland Safari!
Pupils identify how humans, fish, plants, birds, insects and other wildlife benefit from wetland environments. They observe a wetland and its inhabitants, draw a migration map that represents how birds use wetlands in traveling long...
Curated OER
Earth
First graders define what a planet is and study the planet earth. They examine the effects of the sun on the earth and make a model.
Curated OER
Machines: Useful But Dangerous
First graders study, observe, and use a simple machine. They study necessary safety and review posted safety rules related to using a machine and identify strategies for reporting any accidents or injuries.
Curated OER
How a Caterpillar Becomes a Butterfly
Student role play and draw the various stages an insect goes through to become a butterfly. They discover the different stages of how a caterpillar becomes a butterfly. Students read The Very Hungry Caterpilla by Eric Carle.
Curated OER
H2O in Us
Students discover through this activity that all organisms are composed of water. They find that 70 percent of their bodies are made up of water that is in thier cells and blood, and not free-flowing throughout their body.
Curated OER
Florida Springs
Students discover the many uses of water and the sources of the water we see. They complete a worksheet about the water usage at school and at home.
Curated OER
How the Environment Effects our Feelings
First graders compare images and discuss their feelings created by an artist's work. They explore the correlation between experiencing feelings in art and literature and feelings caused by changes in weather.
Curated OER
Our Systematic Body
Students explore several parts of the body system in the eight lessons of this unit. Through several hands-on activities, the skeletal, muscular, digestive, circulatory and nervous systems are observed.
Curated OER
Water and Plants...How Dry I Am
First graders observe two similar plants as one gets water and the other does not. They make predictions and chart the growth of each. They draw pictures of the plants after one week.
Curated OER
Insects
Students work in groups to investigate the concept of insects. They participate in a variety of activities that include the gathering of samples and making observations like identifying different body parts. The lesson integrates...
Curated OER
Dino Fossils
Primary paleontologists discover the information they can gather from examining fossils. They place pictures in the correct sequence showing how an animal becomes a fossil. They discuss which sediments would preserve fossils better as well.
Curated OER
Surviving on the Siberian Tundra
Students describe ways Nenets have adapted to their environment after listening to a National Geographic article about them. They compare their own adaptions to their environment with those made by the Nenet culture.
Curated OER
Birds of A Feather
Young scholars observe and record the many types of birds they see in a month. They discover the many patterns birds follow and compare their results with other classrooms. They complete a field assessment as the final activity for this...
Curated OER
Plants
First graders explore the specific needs, characteristics, and uses of plants. They discuss the needs of plants as they grow. Students observe plants in various settings as they grow and note the changes they see.
Curated OER
Compost Tag
Students identify biodegradable items. In this environmental lesson, students participate in a game of tag. A student's name is called out along with a biodegradable item and the student is tossed a ball.
Curated OER
In The Dark
Students go on a "trust walk" during which one student is blindfolded and led around by his/her partner.
Curated OER
Michigan Quarter Reverse: A Coin Out of Water
Students examine the Michigan quarter reverse and differentiate between bodies of water. On copies of the quarter reverse, they color the land green and the water blue. After observing photos of water bodies, they complete a worksheet...
Curated OER
Watery World
Students brainstorm to develop resource/reference charts for later use. they are introduced to Microsoft Word and to an internet movie site. They use prepared chart headings, to respond to questions posed on each chart such as: Where do...
Curated OER
Outdoor Seed Sowing
First graders identify vegetables and flowers that can be grown from seed. In this seed sowing instructional activity, student learn the correct spacing and planting of various types of seeds. Students label plants.
Curated OER
Making Good Decisions
Learners discuss consequences and trade-offs to different scenarios. In this investigative lesson plan students learn about compromise and discuss possible options and consequences to certain situations.
Curated OER
Pond and Pond Organisms
Students explore pond ecosystems. In this pond organism activity, students will use pond water and a plastic bad in order to locate and identify freshwater organisms. The activity is designed for younger grades, but...