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Introduction of Primary Sources
First graders create two personal artifacts to add to a primary source shoebox that represents information about themselves. The first draw a self-portrait then build an artifact from Play-Doh and pipe cleaners to represent something...
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Lessons from The Lorax
Students read and watch a video of The Lorax by Dr. Suess. As a class, they answer a set of questions about how the environment was affected by industries. They also brainstorm a list of possible solutions to help curb the pollution.
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Water Filtering
Students investigate how polluted water is filtered so people can use this recycled resource. They conduct an experiment in which they put "polluted" water through a filtering system. They investigate what happens at a water treatment...
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Community Explorations
Students identify the strengths and weakness in their community. They take a community walk and take pictures of people interacting with the environment and the "green spaces" in their community. They then write a persuasive essay...
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Building a Native American Home
First graders explore different types of Native American shelters. In this Native American homes lesson, 1st graders compare the shapes of shelters used by Native Americans. They build a home using the program "Community Construction...
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Getting Into Shapes: Identifying and Describing Two-Dimensional Shapes
Young scholars examine their classroom to find examples of various types of shapes. After identifying and describing the various shapes, they draw as many as they can on a piece of paper. They organize them into an image based on their...
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What can I do?
Young scholars identify feelings and explore positive ways to handle conflict. In this mental health lesson students discuss feelings and how to constructively handle them.
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Autobiography: Storytelling
Students investigate using computers to write an autobiography over an extended period of time. They use the Kidpix computer software to practice the writing process. As an extension to the lesson students can take digital pictures to be...
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Where Do Animals Come From?
Students use library search engines to research an animal and its origin. In this animal research instructional activity, students research their assigned animal using ProQuest. Students then find the country of origin of the animal...
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Hoosier Artists
Students examine the paintings of various Indiana artists. Using the internet, they relate the landscapes shown to the history of the state and how it affected Native Americans. Using the information they gathered, they write story...
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Budgeting - The Basics, Part 1
Students investigate personal budgets and discuss how to make monetary decisions. They work in small groups to make money decisions for their classrooms or a playground, and present their decisions to the whole class.
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Rubber Gardens
Students recycle discarded automobile tires and create gardening sites for limited space areas.
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As the World Spins
Students research forms of and uses for pottery. They examine the people who created the pottery and create a presentation to exhibit their findings.
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Introduction of Primary Sources
First graders examine a database to explain the use of primary source documents.
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Lessons From the Lorax
Young scholars read and discuss Dr. Seuss's The Lorax. They explore the changes the characters could have made to preserve the environment and relate the plot to real-world places and events.
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First Peoples Project
Students participate in this project to connect the indigenous groups of the world. They create a calendar with their artwork with the hope new ideas can be exchanged between groups.
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Introduction of Primary Sources
Students will use the internet to access information about artifacts to justify their use as primary sources of information. The activities can be done as a whole class or in groups. The differences between primary and secondary sources...
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Introduction of Primary Sources
First graders are introduced to photographs and newspaper articles to be used as primary sources. Using a projecter, they are shown photographs of a famous person to prove they were real and not make believe. In groups, they use...
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Introduction of Primary Sources: Introduction to TDC site (Lesson 3)
First graders are introduced to using a database as a primary source. Using the internet, they choose a site of artifacts and practice navigating through the site. They identify an artifact and draw them on a large piece of white...
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Class Celebration of Primary Sources (Lesson 6)
First graders participate in a celebration to end their examination on primary sources. In teams, they guide special guests around their classroom to show what they have done with primary sources. They share their peronal primary...
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Instructional Software Resources for Grades K-3
Students become familiar with teh selection, evaluation, and use of instructional software for 4-8 classroom. They download software demos from the web and discuss critiquing software. Students browse software evaluations on web sites.
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What Is Sustainability
Students investigate the concept of how people are dependent upon natural resources and how they can apply them to be maximized in usefulness. The students are encouraged to develop an appreciation for the environment. They conduct a...
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Colossal Structures and Sculptures
Students discuss the connection between culture and art and why people create art. Students discuss Mt. Rushmore, The Sphinx, the goddess Athena, Roman columns, The Great Wall of China, The Buddha, and use tools and techniques to create ...
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Mellowing With Age, A Closer Look
Students realize that aging is a "natural, continuous process" and develop sensitivity to the needs, desires, and capabilities of the elderly by interviewing elderly community members and photographing age related things.