Curated OER
Acid Rain
Students identify the causes and effects of acid rain. Using the internet, they research pollution sources in their local area and by collecting rain samples and testing the pH. In groups, they develop their own plan urging local...
Curated OER
Contaminated Water
Young scholars review and use the steps in the scientific method to complete the experiment. In groups, they research the importance of water to plants and animals in their local area. They examine how water can become contaminated and...
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Solar Cars
Students research the causes and effects of air pollution. Using the internet, they examine the specific effects of carbon dioxide on the environment and discover the benefits of using solar power. In groups, they build a model of a...
Curated OER
Got Biodiversity?
Students examine the concept of biodiversity. Using the internet, they complete small activities in which they work together. Using the information they collected, they create a class book, make murals and write in their journals.
Curated OER
The Hopes of Our Ancestors: The Impact of Immigration on America
Students research the immigration of America. In this American immigration lesson, students complete a unit of activities to learn about American immigration.
Curated OER
It's Fun to Learn!
Students use the macro mode of the OLYMPUS FE-140 CAMERAS as virtual microscopes to explore different habitats, observe plants, soil, and insects and other creatures. They download those images on electronic files and build web pages....
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Life on a Fiery Planet
Students study the effects on the evolution of human culture from volcanic events worldwide.
Curated OER
Fuel Cells
Middle schoolers examine how fuel cells and combustion engines work. Using the internet, they research the positives and negatives of the various energy sources. In groups, they complete an experiment with a working fuel cell model and...
Curated OER
What is the Problem of Boston Harbor?
Students recognize the affects of technology on the environment. They examine data to determine methods to improve waater quality. A research paper is written to desribe recommendations for improving water in the future.
Curated OER
Hawks Migrate
Students examine the types of hawks found in Illinois and compile a list of them. Using different species of hawks, they compare and contrast their characteristics. They work together to create their own hawk model for the classroom.
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Bats Migrate South
Learners examine the life of bats in Illinois. Using the internet, they research the history of the bat in Illinois and describe the way they find prey by using echolocation. They report their findings to the class and answer any...
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Reservoir Activity
Students research the economic importance of the major reservoirs in Illinois. In groups, they manage a budget for one of the lakes to promote tourism in the area. They also work together to create advertisements.
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Bird Banter
Learners listen to examples of common bird songs of birds found in Illinois. As a class, they discover the importance between the differences in songs and calls. They practice making their own bird calls and songs to end the lesson plan.
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Coaching, Conferencing, and Correcting
Learners, after revising their writing and identifying their strengths and weaknesses, edit their writing incorporating teacher feedback and examples from class exercises. In addition, they continue working on individual writing...
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What is American Culture
Learners create what they feel is American Culture using a video camera and capturing 5 frames. They are animating parts of a poem in small groups. They decide the set up, create movable figures, and have a music section. Each person...
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Everybody Fiesta: A Unit on Hispanic Celebrations
Students examine the various types of celebrations in the Hispanic culture. Using the internet, they research customs and traditions of the culture and identify important members of society who are hispanic. They are also introduced to...
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The Black Plague
Students participate in a simulation game to experience the societal effects of the Black Plague during the Medieval Period. Information garnered during the game is used to discuss the current state of communicable diseases in our
world...
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Rubber Gardens
Students recycle discarded automobile tires and create gardening sites for limited space areas.
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African Safari
Sixth graders gain an appreciation for the different cultures that inhabit the Earth by focusing on the people of Africa
CPALMS
Cpalms: Ela Informational Text 6 8 Element Cards
This 38-page resource will assist middle school English Language Arts teachers as they plan for an informational text unit.
Other
Duke: Center for Inquiry Based Learning
Duke University has established the Center for Inquiry-Based Learning. It serves to enhance math and science lessons. Click on Resources for good examples of Inquiry-based lesson plans.
Other
Literature Circles: Lesson Plans and More
What are the major roles in literature circles? Check out this site to learn more about the individual roles needed to form a literature circle. Includes links to various reading handouts and lessons.