Center for Learning in Action
Density
Explore the concept of density within states of matter—gases, liquids, and solids—through a group experiment in which young scientists test objects' texture, color, weight, size, and ability to sink or float.
TPS Journal
Sourcing a Document: The First Thanksgiving
How reliable is a painting of the first Thanksgiving if it was created 300 years after the fact? Learners assess the validity of a primary source image to determine what it can actually reveal about this event.
Center for Learning in Action
Water – Changing States (Part 2)
Here is part two of a two-part lesson in which scholars investigate the changing states of water—liquid, solid, and gas—and how energy from heat changes its molecules. With grand conversation, two demonstrations, and one hands-on...
Curated OER
M&M Math
Students sort a bag of M&M candies according to color using a sorting mat. They count M&M candies. They compare the number to their prediction then students create tally charts.
Curated OER
Putting Your Best Foot Forward
Third graders measure their feet and their parents' feet, record data on computer-generated graphs, and calculate and record mean, median, and mode.
Curated OER
If You're Under Pressure, Blame It On The Air Force
Young scholars complete an experiment in which they demonstrate that air exerts a force. In groups, they create their own siphon and define air pressure. They estimate the time it might take to siphon various amounts of water. They...
Curated OER
Measuring to the Nearest Inch
Third graders use whole numbers and fractions to make connections between abstractions of the mathematical world and the real world. In this fractions and measurement lesson, 3rd graders identify, quantify groups , and measure distances....
Curated OER
Wetlands: Pave or Save?
Young scholars discuss the characteristics of wetlands and how to make them more productive. Using a map, they locate the major wetlands in the United States and color them using a key. They read an article and in groups answer...
Curated OER
Land Use Issues
Young scholars examine living and non-living things in their environment. They identify trees, plants, and grasses in their neighborhood and those that originate in Illinois in this unit of lessons.
Curated OER
How Much Will I Spend On Gas?
Students construct a linear graph. In this graphing lesson, students determine a monthly budget for gasoline. Students construct a t-chart and coordinate graph to display data. Resources are provided.
Curated OER
Probability With a Random Drawing
Students define probability, and predict, record, and discuss outcomes from a random drawing, then identify most likely and least likely outcomes. They conduct a random drawing, record the data on a data chart, analyze the data, and...
Curated OER
Too Many Tamales
Students investigate Mexican holiday celebrations and compare them to American Christmas holidays. They conduct a Mexican Christmas Scavenger Hunt. The lesson uses a streaming video in order to engage students in the main objectives.
Curated OER
That Was Then, This Is Now
Learners examine the price of food over time. They analyze charts, perform math operations and compare and contrast data about the price of food. They complete worksheets while interperting the charts.
Curated OER
Butterflies
Students will explore the life cycle of the Painted Lady butterfly by raising their own. They will incorporate math, science, and language arts as they graph, pattern, journal, observe, and artistically create.
Curated OER
Fly Away Into Reading
Students complete repeated readings of the same passage in order to increase their reading fluency and comprehension. They listen as the teacher reads both with and without fluency to hear the difference. Working in small groups, they...
Curated OER
All in the Circles
For this circles worksheet, students use 4 circle/pie chart graphs to answer a set of 6 questions. Answers are included on page 2.
Curated OER
Mathematical Magazines
Students classify and tabulate the type of advertisements found in a collection of magazines. Determination is made on what percent of the total number of ads each type represents. They present their results orally and in a graph.
Curated OER
The Dentist
Learners read a short story about visiting a dentist. Then they use toothbrushes in order to demonstrate the correct way to brush teeth. Students use the internet to investigate how some foods are healthier for teeth than others. Then...
Curated OER
Animal Research Project
Third graders prepare an oral report using Appleworks to present information on their animal. They write a short narrative comparing and contrasting their animal to another students and, after watching other presentations, discuss what...
Curated OER
Thanksgiving Web Quest
Young scholars review the reasons why Thanksgiving is celebrated in the United States. Using the internet, they research the history of the holiday and discover what the first Thanksgiving was like. They also examine a typical menu for...
Curated OER
Cool Times with Heat
Students work with thermometers to complete problems about temperature. They investigate cooling patterns, how location affects temperature, and what happens when water having different temperature is mixed. They measure temperature in...
Curated OER
Russian Dolls Investigation
Students measure a set of Russian dolls using the metric system. For this measurement lesson plan, students identify certain relationships between sets of measurements by measuring a set of Russian dolls and presenting their findings to...
Curated OER
A-Z List
Students practice using vocabulary terms about the Louisiana Purchase by creating a picture dictionary, an ABC book of terms, a word sort, or a game. Each project should include people, places and terms as they relate to the Louisiana...
Curated OER
Arthropod Data Collection
Students describe the life cycle of various bugs as well as their predators and feeding habits. The class participates in a discussion of the various methods scientists use to gather data including research and experiment. After...