Curated OER
The Candy Color Caper
Learners explore the concept of probability. They calculate the probability of an event happening and graph their results. Students determine the probability of winning a sweepstakes. They construct a bar graph to represent all the...
Curated OER
How Many?
Middle schoolers explore and design ways to collect data through simulations and random samples. They perform two experiments to determine the answers to various probability problems, and present the data/graphs in the form of a...
Curated OER
Metrically Me!
Young scholars define the parts of a database, search strategies to locate information electronically, create/modify databases, etc. and enter data into a prepared spreadsheet to perform calculations.
Curated OER
12 Days of Christmas
Learners utilize different problem-solving strategies and creative writing when dealing with the words from the song, "12 Days of Christmas." They try to problem solve how may presents were given and then explain their sequence in the...
Curated OER
Investigating World Cultures
Middle schoolers, in groups, write research reports and create visuals about countries, put on a culture fair, and use PowerPoint to present their information.
Curated OER
Biggest Trees in the United States
Young scholars use the Internet (or printed sources) to locate information. They fill in missing information on a graphic organizer (chart) and use the data to answer questions. The research skills help students to develop higher order...
Teach Engineering
Fairly Fundamental Facts About Forces and Structures
Don't twist and turn looking for a resource. The first installment of a six-part series teaches young engineers about the five fundamental forces of compression, tension, shear, bending, and torsion. These forces help explain different...
Curated OER
"If you build it..."
Students utilize prior knowledge to erect and assemble a building from a drawing using spaghetti noodles and marshmallows. In this building lesson, students visualize a three dimensional structure from looking at a picture and converting...
Curated OER
Quel temps fait-il?
Hit all the basics with this lesson, focusing on weather, greetings, and dates! Start by singing a weather related song ("Quel temps fait-il by Barbara MacArthur is suggested), and then read a story about getting ready for school. The...
Curated OER
My Family and Our Nationality
After completing the activities included here, your beginning foreign language speakers will be able to name family members, identify a family's place of origin, and write short sentences about family members. They start by listening to...
Curated OER
Appalachia: Presidential Physical Fitness Test
Students participate in the Presidential Physical Fitness Test. For this personal fitness lesson, students warm up and complete the required push-ups, sit-ups, running, and stretching exercises.
Smithsonian Institution
Watching Crystals Grow
Amazing science can sometimes happen right before your eyes! The class gets cozy as they watch crystals grow. They use Epsom salts, rocks, and food coloring to create crystals. They'll observe the entire process, documenting every step...
Curated OER
Making a Map of the Classroom
Students create a map of the classroom using the computer programs AppleWorks and iChat in this math-based technology lesson. Lesson extension ideas include a scavenger hunt and maps of other school buildings.
Curated OER
Adding and Subtracting Integers
Sixth graders create electronic manipulatives to model addition and subtraction of integers. They are introduced to the software Inspiration and use techniques such as selecting and deselecting an object, resizing an object, moving an...
Curated OER
Determining the Uniqueness of a Circle
Students use this instructional activity to determine how circles are different from other shapes. In groups, they determine the accuracy of three theorems based on the uniqueness of circles. They use a software program to hypothesize...
Curated OER
2 x 2
Middle schoolers work together to grid a 2 x 2 meter unit using the formula for the Pythagorean Theorem. After creating the grid, they identify the location of artifacts and create a map of their location. They develop a graph and table...
Curated OER
Maximizing Lumber Cuts
Students examine how lumber companies use each tree to the fullest extent. They practice using a saw blade in which they cut a piece of wood in different configurations to see which cut can waste the least.
Curated OER
Learning About Graphics
Students practice using and filling in a spreadsheet. They also create graphs and charts that coorespond with the data. This is a unit comprised of four lesson plans.
Curated OER
Gridding a 2 x 2 Meter Unit
Students use the internet to examine what happens at an archeological dig site. In groups, they practice measuring a 2x2 meter square unit and gridding it out as an archeologist would do. They review the possible solutions at the end of...
Curated OER
Gridding a Site
Students make observations of effigy mounds and record them in a notebook. In groups, they must determine the scale of measurement and create their own grid to scale part of the Effigy Mounds National Monument. They also practice using...
Curated OER
Opening the Case
Students participate in a class survey and then design an experiment and use graphs and statistics to assist them in solving a problem. They organize the results of the survey in a stem-and-leaf plot and find the range, median, mean, and...
Curated OER
Mapping an Artifact
Students copy a present day artifact onto graph paper. In groups, they decide the scale of the drawing and create the picture using specific graphing points. They are also given photographs in which there are no graphing points and they...
Curated OER
Planning for and Surviving Earthquakes
Students work in small groups to explore the FEMA for Kids site. They take the role of FEMA officials. Student list three items they may need to survive an earthquake. They complete a worksheet and discuss their results with the rest of...
Curated OER
By Land, Sea or Air
Students learn navigational techniques change when people travel to different places. They understand differences between navigation on land, water, air and in space. They explain the concept of dead reckoning as it applies to...