Curated OER
Michigan-Made Products
Students conduct research of three different products that are made in Michigan. They determine how the product is made, manufactured, gathered, or found. They work with a partner to produce a multimedia presentation using their combined...
Henry Ford Museum
Sustainability: Environmental Management and Responsible Manufacturing
When you think about environmental sustainability, the Ford Motor Company probably isn't the first company to come to mind. A four-lesson unit introduces learners to the idea of sustainability and environmental stewardship. It describes...
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High Rollaway Heroes
Young scholars work collaboratively with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to preserve a local historical and environmentally fragile site. They conduct a survey of the plant and animal life at the site, and create an...
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Recycling and Composting
Students set up composting sites that allow food scraps and paper to be recycled by nature. They are introduced to one aspect of recycling; composting. Students see how God recycles as the worms change garbage into something that brings...
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Cycles and Starting Mealworms
Here is a fascinating lesson about the life cycles of plants and animals, and other cycles found in nature. Learners explore the cycle of the moon, the tides, and other sequences of events in every day life. The big activity is the...
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Michigan Ecosystems: The Web They Weave
Young scholars examine the forest ecosystem and how all life in the forest depends upon itself. In this ecological lesson, students participate in a personal connections activity where someone pulls on a string and everyone feels it,...
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Ecotourism in National Parks and Wilderness
Middle schoolers research a wilderness or natural area and develop a plan for ecotourism.
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Virtual Field Trip
Are we there yet? Young trip planners learn about their state and plan a trip. They will select sites to see in three cities in their state, and record associated costs in a spreadsheet. While this was originally designed as a...
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Town Growth and Immigration
Fourth graders describe how Michigan has changed and stayed the same over time. They explain reasons why people settled/settle in Michigan, then explain the role of geography on the settlement of Michigan.
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Virtual Field Trip
This hands-on resource has future trip planners analyze graphs of mileage, gasoline costs, and travel time on different routes. While this was originally designed for a problem-solving exercise using a Michigan map, it could be used as a...
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Paper Flowers
Here is a great art project to use at the onset of spring. Little ones use paper towels, tempera paint, and glue to create free-form flowers. Tip: Use this idea to make the front of a Mother's Day card.
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Terrific Tessellations
Pupils explore tessellations that are found in nature and everyday objects. They observe the works of M.C. Escher. Students create their own tessellations using pencil and paper.
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Crazy Hair
Young scholars decorate small styrofoam cups with faces and plant grass seeds in the cups in this Science and Art lesson for the early-elementary classroom. Emphasis is placed upon the science of seed growth. The lesson includes...
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Why Should We Clean The Beach?
Students volunteer for the International Coastal Cleanup. They describe the purpose of the Lake Michigan Foundation and a history of the dunes. They reflect on their experiences with writing.
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Cultural Corner- "Mexico"
Students use print and electronic resources to gather information about Mexico. They present a mini-museum to share with students, parents, and other interested classes around the district. They present their information in a video...
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Shark Attack
Students study the white shark and the red triangle. In this critical thinking lesson students assess the validity of facts about sharks and create a public service announcement either promoting shark or human protection.
Education World
Black History Month Rap
Young scholars write a rap or hip-hop lyric about the life of a famous Black American. They explore famous Black Americans in history and explore how the rap form compares to other forms of poetic expression.
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Technology: Creating Introductions with Digital Cameras
Third graders discover how to use digital video cameras to record introductions of themselves for Powerpoint presentations. They decide what to say, which points to highlight, and how to interest viewers. Their Powerpoint presentations...
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Teaching With Primary Sources
Students examine primary sources. In this primary sources lesson, students evaluate 19th century advertisements. Students create and illustrate an advertisement.
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African Safari
Seventh graders examine different countries in Africa to research. They choose one to concentrate their research on using the five themes of geography. They design a multimedia presentation that will make up the African safari.
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The Deadly Frogs of Manu
Students investigate the poisonous frogs of Manu, Peru. They watch and discuss a video, conduct Internet research on poison frogs, accurately color downloaded template models of the frogs of Manu, and create a poster using the colored...
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Is Your Spot Hot?
Eighth graders explore global warming. In this Earth Science lesson plan, 8th graders will look for Harbingers and fingerprints for different areas. The students will identify an area at risk and they will then create a presentation to...
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Parks Design Project
Students explore two dimensional geometric figures. They explore the relationships and measurements of geometric figures. Students apply proportion and scaling. They design a city park for students and teenagers.
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Jim Frankoski Lesson Plan Ideas
Students read about Jim Frankoski and his art to examine various elements in environmental art. In this art analysis lesson, students analyze the location of photographs and how images create illusions that capture new viewpoints.