National First Ladies' Library
Brrrr! Expeditions to the North and South Poles
Students examine the first successful explorations of the North and South Poles, through a study of the four men who accomplished them. They present the fruits of their research on posters, or with PowerPoint presentations.
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Flight Dreams: Birds Flew First
Learners observe how bird flight and machine flight are similar. In this aerodynamics lesson, students observe how birds fly and the shapes of their wings, and investigate how observing birds helped develop the concept of machine flight....
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If I Had Been at Ellis Island
Students examine what it was like to enter the U.S. as an immigrant. They conduct Internet research, develop a concept map, list the ways children occupied their time while at Ellis Island, and create a diorama.
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Pair the Plants: An Introduction to Scientific Names
Students examine why plants have both common and scientific names, then complete the activity by matching each common plant name with its scientific name. They finish by working in cooperative groups to create an ABC of Plants class book.
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Teaching Fundamental Movement
Students perform fundamental movement activities for flexibility and motor skills. In this movement lesson plan, students perform physical activity for all grade levels.
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Giving Human Rights a Human Face
Students produce a creative expression of an article of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. They may also create posters to serve as reminders for creating a human rights environment or community.
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Feature Column: Virtual Field Trips
Students discover ways to stay healthy by utilizing Internet education software. In this computer technology lesson, students investigate Internet programs that simulate a field trip by showing images and video. Students...
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Make a Rain Stick
Students create a rain stick to imitate the nature sounds in a rainforest habitat. In this rainforest habitat instructional activity, students create a rain stick to mimic the cultural tools used in the South American rainforest....
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Japan: Images of a People
Learners learn the geography of Japan and its location in reference to the United States.
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Plants and Animals: Partners in Pollination
Students identify the plant parts and bee structures that are involved in pollination. They simulate pollination in a group activity and process the information.
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Minerals, Crystals, and Gems
Students discover the relationships between minerals, crystals and gems. They bring in rocks that they find at home, in the schoolyard, etc. and examine them and attempt to identify them. They set up a classroom exhibit that includes all...
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Lift and Drag: Principles of Flight and the Soaring Imagination
Students construct models of early gas balloons and gliders. In this balloon and glider lesson, students create models of early gas balloons and gliders, discover how the forces of lift and drag effect aircraft in flight, and put on...
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Life Story of an Artifact
Students write about an artifact that they are studying. In this artifacts lesson plan, students analyze details of the artifact and answer short answer questions about it.
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Katsushika HOKUSAI
Students identify some famous people in the United States and why these people are famous. Students identify and discuss famous people in Japan. Students use internet websites in bibliography if computer is available to learn more about...
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Make a Model of a Wright Flyer
Students recreate a model of the 1903 Wright Flyer out of Styrofoam. Students practice following instructions, and discover information about the Wright brothers' engine-powered glider.
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Make Your Own Petroglyph!
Students create their own petroglyph. In this petroglyph lesson, students study and compare various petroglyphs. They create their own petroglyph to symbolize the seasons.
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Oceans and Weather
Students analyze the impact the ocean and its currents have on weather. In this oceans and weather instructional activity, students analyze data comparing inland and coastal weather, and analyze satellite data for evidence of El Nino.
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Mapping Community Values
Pupils discuss the origin of various maps focusing on the values behind them. Students also explore how human needs and geography influence community settlement patterns. Pupils extend learning by creating and mapping their own ideal...
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All About Me Museum
Students investigate the concept of self-esteem and image with the creation of a personal display of items of significance. They put together a project composed of pictures and writings to describe themselves and are assessed according...
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Partner Switcheroo Stunt Hunt
Students practice tumbling skills. In this physical education lesson, students use their flexibility skills in order to follow the provided procedures to play Switcheroo Stunt Hunt.
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China: How to Put Some "Tang" in Your Medieval Dynasties
Fourth graders label the countries that border China and the physical features of Asia. They discuss the physical features of Asia and label them on the other map.
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Michigan Web Page
Fourth graders locate and evaluate websites about the state of Michigan. In collaborative groups they create a web page that includes lessons and links appropriate for other fourth grade students to study information about the state of...
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Spice It Up!
Students analyze visual artifacts from Asian descent and follow the path of famous explorers on the Silk Road. In this Asian artifacts lesson plan, students use their senses to explore and grind spices using a mortar and pestle.