University of Kansas
Newspaper in the Classroom
Newspapers aren't only for reading—they're for learning skills, too! A journalism unit provides three lessons each for primary, intermediate, and secondary grades. Lessons include objectives, materials, vocabulary, and procedure, and...
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Exploring the Sky: Reading Maria's Comet
Discover the science behind astronomy. After reading the book Maria's Comet, which is about a young woman who breaks new ground by becoming a female astronomer, young learners practice reading comprehension with worksheet questions about...
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Land Use and Lawmaking in California
Learners investigate the laws of using land. In this California Government instructional activity, students examine the many uses of land in California and find an environmental issue they care about. Learners write a letter to a...
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Out of Old England in the 1630s-Flat Me Project
Students write letters to penpals. For this geography/literacy lesson, students become penpals with a classroom in England to learn about customs and society across the ocean. Flat Stanley by Will Holton is read aloud, and students...
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Holiday Flier in Publisher
Students use Publisher in this lesson to make a holiday flier. In this technology lesson, students create a holiday flier. Students choose fonts, use clipart, use grammar and spelling check, and save to their work to a flash drive or...
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Just "Kid"ding Around: The Truth About Goats
Students examine goats, and read a book based on their history. In this animal lesson, students discover the history of the goat, and complete several activities based on the students' knowledge of the animal.
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Indoor Environment: A Magazine Publication Project
Students demonstrate knowledge of Indoor Air Quality by creating a class magazine. A link to order a free Action Kit from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is provided so teachers can build background knowledge. Performance...
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Weathervanes in the Wind
Students investigate wind and weather by creating a weathervane. In this environment lesson, students identify the purpose of a weathervane and observe weathervanes in action on their campus. Students create a weathervane and decorate...
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Amazing Grazing: Keeping Our Ecosystem Running
Students discover the value of sustainability within our ecosystem. In this ecological lesson, students discuss the importance of a food cycle in our society, and how humans can improve the conservation of a healthy ecosystem. Eventually...
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Play Doh Map of Your State
Students create a state map using Playdoh. In this hands-on state geography lesson, students work in groups to form a three-dimensional map of their state using Playdoh made at home following a (given) recipe. Students use four colors...
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Fable of the Fainting Goat
Second graders explore animal life by reading children stories in class. In this goat fable lesson, 2nd graders read several books which describe the different myths and folklore about goats. Students identify the needs of living animals...
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My Little Seed House
Second graders explore plant life by participating in a germination activity. In this botany lesson plan, 2nd graders read several books about seed germination including Sunflower House and Tiny Seed. Students identify the necessary...
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Learning About Animal Shelters for Earth Day
Young scholars explore habitats. in this ecology and animal habitat lesson, students listen to the book A House is a House for Me by Mary Ann Hoberman. Young scholars discuss the basic needs of animals and go on a nature walk to observe...
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Caring for Our environment
Second graders study the environment by reading and discuss information on pollution in the texts. For this environment lesson students read Wicker School Takes Action, and City Green and discuss what we do with our trash. Students...
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It All Began With a Bean
Young scholars explore human anatomy by participating in hands-on activities. In this digestive system lesson, students read the book It All Began With a Bean and discuss the process of food digestion in our body. Young scholars utilize...
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The Battle to Save Bats
Students investigate the disease that is causing the global decline of bats. In this animal health lesson, students read an article which discusses white-nose syndrome, the number one killer of bats. Students discuss ways to keep bats...
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Aluminum Can Drive
Second graders complete a recycling project to clean-up their school. In this service project lesson, 2nd graders assess their campus for litter, set up a recycling project, clean up their campus, and recycle the trash. Students also...
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Outdoor Observation
Second graders explore Earth science by participating in a nature observation activity. In this four seasons lesson, 2nd graders identify the four seasons on Earth and the weather patterns they are known for. Students read several books...
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How a Seed Grows: And Who Grows It
Second graders explore botany by viewing video clips in class. In this seed growth activity, 2nd graders identify the types of seeds that grow specific plants and what the optimal conditions are for growing seeds. Students view a video...
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Crater Lakes and the Volcanoes of the Cascade Mountains
Learners study volcanoes. In this Earth science lesson plan, students read, discuss and take notes on the volcanoes of the Cascade Mountains. This lesson also includes an art project.
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How Does Your Garden Grow?
Students construct and maintain a school garden. In this gardening lesson, students plan the construction of the garden by writing letters to local businesses asking for supplies and materials; students build the garden using their math...
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Mission Accomplished
Second graders describe the impact of certain figures in United States history, including Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. They describe experiences of early American explorers and compose narratives from the perspectives of others.
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How Grandmother Spider Stole the Sun
Students explore U.S. history by reading a Native American tale in class. In this cultural storytelling lesson, students read the story How Grandmother Spider Stole the Sun and discuss the characters and themes of the Native American...
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Holiday Cards using Publisher
Students create a holiday card using technology. In this technology lesson, students use Publisher templates to create a holiday card. Students organize, design, and edit their card.