Having fresh, clean drinking water is a privilege many people take for granted. Help raise awareness about the scarcity of water and the importance of conservation by discussing different ways water is used in everyday life. Brainstorm...

First graders explore map skills. They discuss the map vocabulary and use directions to find a location on a map. Students discuss and use the components of a map to answer a variety of questions. They use the map and directions to find...

First graders explore the practices and products of the two cultures. They build log cabins and teepees or Hogans, make costumes, use vocabulary and Native American symbols to write stories, create art products such as pinch pots and...

Young scholars explore historical importance of fish as food source, examine works of Robert Harris, create their own fish, and compose accompanying poetry. Students then explore dramatic tradition of Chorus inspired by Greek theatre,...

First graders design a Powerpoint presentation to reflect information about their community.  In this community lesson plan, 1st graders create slides to explain the weather, geography and other information about the city.

Students create a Thanksgiving coupon book. In this holiday lesson, students review the history of Thanksgiving and create coupon books to give to someone who they are thankful for.

First graders discuss citizenship. In this being a good citizen lesson, 1st graders complete a worksheet identifying characteristics of a good citizen. Students draw a picture then use a flip camera to capture good classroom citizens.

First graders recognize the difference between needs and wants.  In this treaty lesson plan, 1st graders chart their needs and wants to be used in making a treaty.  Students negotiate what should be in the treaty based on the...

Students research the Westward Movement and struggles encountered by the pioneers as they moved from Nebraska, Westward along the Oregon Trail. In this Westward Expansion instructional activity, students read an Oregon Trail poem and...

Learners compare their community and region with other communities around the world. In small groups they complete a questionnaire about life in their community and correspond with e-pals, take digital pictures, conduct research on...

First graders create sections of classroom quilt that be tied together.

Students explore several significant figures and events of the Civil Rights Movement and sequence the key events to create a timeline. The lesson plan utilizes the story, "The Story of Ruby Bridges," the work of Robert Coles to introduce...

Students examine the role Martin Luther King Jr. played in America's history and what life was like in the 1960's. They watch and discuss an online video about the childhood of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the holiday enacted in his...

Students enter the classroom, half of them are given die-cut stars. They are told to keep the star for later. At the start of the day, the students with stars a piece of candy. Students brainstorm how it feels to get/not get a piece...

First graders engage in a holiday celebration of Thanksgiving. They read a play "Thanksgiving At Plymouth" to give the lesson context. The teacher could incorporate costumes and props for a holiday production. After the play they can...

First graders review the Pledge of Allegiance and symbols of America. Students discuss the sequence used to say the Pledge of Allegiance. They practice reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Students view symbols of things they know and...

Students create a PowerPoint presentation. In this community helpers instructional activity, students discuss community helpers and create a t-chart to list what each community helper does. Students watch a PowerPoint presentation,...

First graders make connections between the purposes of rules. In this governing lesson students listen to a story about rules being broken. Students identify rules that they have at school or home.

Students research what Native Americans looked like in order to dispel common stereotypes.  In this Native American history instructional activity, students begin by drawing their mental picture of an Indian, then they research...

Students explore the Pilgrims and the Mayflower Compact. They practice these concepts by examining the school rules.

Students compare and contrast family life in colonial America with life today. They describe what communities were like in colonial times and how they varied from life today. A spokesperson from each group will present a verbal report...

Students sharpen their problem solving skills. In this service learning lesson, students work collaboratively to solve a problem involving scarcity.

Students explore landmarks around the world. In this world geography and technology lesson, students view world landmarks using a webcam. Students take a virtual field trip during which they zoom in and manipulate three dimensional...

Students recognize and honor kind acts of Holocaust liberators and rescuers, and realize importance of kind acts towards others.