Young scholars classify trees. In this tree-mendous instructional activity, students categorize a variety of trees to assist them in playing a Jeopardy like game.  Young scholars identify new vocabulary terms and classify the uses...

Students write short stories. In this defining words lesson, students look up the meanings of responsible and irresponsible and write their own definitions for the two words. Students write two short stories about a responsible pet...

Learners practice reading instructional texts. In this public speaking lesson, students complete a worksheet the help them prepare to read an instructional text aloud.

In this poetry lesson plan, students listen to stories that contain alliteration. While listening to stories, student pairs make a list of words that they then use to construct "silly sentences" that contain alliteration. Each student...

Students explore life in New York and the creation of Central Park. After reading a picture book about Frederick Law Olmstead, they discuss the expectations and evolution of New York's Central Park. Next, students describe a park near...

A scavenger hunt where students find and study examples of leaf adaptations for different environments. This activity is designed to be used on a visit to botanical gardens or greenhouse but could be adapted and used with specimens in...

This lesson looks at the issue of slavery and the role it played in the American Revolution and the founding of the new Republic. Includes background information for the teacher. Students participate in performing a reader's theater...

This lesson supplements one on the "Settlement of the Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay Colonies of New England." It looks at religious dissent and intolerance among the Puritans in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Students look at Roger...

In this lesson, 5th graders look at what role the Stamp Act played in the lead-up to the American Revolution. Includes background information for the teacher. Students learn about taxes, study a timeline and maps, participate in a...

In this lesson, 5th graders look at causes and consequences of the American Revolution, at nations and individuals that impacted the outcome, at the roles women played, and at how the war affected families, economics, and the...

In this lesson plan, 5th graders learn about the people who founded the New England colonies and the role that religion played in shaping them. Includes background information for the teacher. Students explore primary resource readings...

In this lesson, 5th graders learn about westward expansion and the Lewis and Clark expedition. Includes background information for the teacher. Students explore primary and secondary resource readings on the Louisiana Purchase, President...

This instructional activity looks at the early career of Benjamin Franklin and he contributed to the spread of literacy in America, as well as his public service record at that time. Students will examine and analyze primary source...

In this lesson, 5th graders learn about the trial of Peter Zenger and how it laid the foundation for the freedom of the press. They will examine primary source documents and hold a mock trial, ending with a discussion of the First...

A lesson plan in which students explore plant communities and observe different types of soil and weather conditions in an attempt to determine cause and effect relationships. Includes discussion questions, extension activities and web...

A lesson plan in which students explore plant communities and observe and classify different types of vegetation. Includes discussion questions, extension activities and web links, a vocabulary glossary, and handouts.

A lesson plan in which young scholars explore plants from three different ecosystems and make inferences about plant structures and their environments. Includes discussion questions, a vocabulary glossary, and handouts.

A study of the stone lanterns that can be found in Japanese gardens. Students will learn about their history and symbolism, and create lanterns of their own out of clay. This is designed to be in conjunction with a visit to a Japanese...

Scholastic presents this discussion guide of "Library Card" by Jerry Spinelli. The guide includes discussion questions, extension activities, and more.

After studying various background materials, students read "Marco Paul's Travels on the Erie Canal" and participate in writing and discussion activities that will foster understanding of the Erie Canal and its impact on economic and...

Students will develop visual literacy skills by analyzing the images from John White Alexander's mural in the Thomas Jefferson building of the Library of Congress while learning about the history of the Library of Congress. Then,...

This project investigates and examines the impact transportation has had on peoples' lives. We chose to compare and contrast the turn of the centuries. This lesson introduces primary documents, specifically visuals. We intend for this...

Students will learn how to use presentation software to enhance learning. Student-created digital slideshow presentations can span the curriculum. Each student will prepare a presentation in one of the following curriculum areas:...

During the course of this lesson, the young scholars will research various forms of natural disasters that occur in the United States and what someone should do in the event of that disaster. The teacher and library media specialist will...