PBS
Looking for the Bottom
Secondary learners explore the economic indicators and the role they play in the US economy. Written for the 2008 economy, the lesson is adaptable to today's economic situation. Pupils discover economic indicators, analyze charts,...
Curated OER
Measuring Economic Success
Students are introduced to the Gross Domestic Product and what this number tells us about the economy of the United States. In groups, they discuss what constitutes a healthy society and if the GDP is an accurate representation. They...
Curated OER
Economics
Students review economic trends from the past 30 years. They compare and contrast GDP and GNP. They identify other social indicators of economic progress as well.
Curated OER
Reaganomics Debate
Young scholars examine the effectiveness of 'trickle down' economics. In this "Reaganomics" lesson plan, students use readings, analogies, discussion and debate to understand basic economic concepts. Young scholars will analyze the what...
Curated OER
Source Search: Agricultural Products
Farmers just farm, right? Find out how important agricultural products are to our modern society. Learners will explore the foods, textiles, and fuels made from industrial farm goods. They'll also explore the idea of choosing an...
Curated OER
Gross Domestic Product in the Real World
High schoolers gain knowledge of Gross Domestic Products and how they are used as an economic indicator. They bring articles that mention GDP and decide how it is used in articles. Students present orally their findings to the class.
Curated OER
Development Indicators
Students examine the difference between economic development and economic growth. They identify indicators of development in the United States and other countries. They discuss the differences in interpretations of the standard of living.
Redefining Progress
Have and Have-Not
Is there a correlation between a country's wealth and the extent of its ecological footprint? What exactly constitutes an ecological footprint, and how does one country stack up against the rest? This is a unique lesson to incorporate...
Curated OER
Barter Day
Fifth graders research bartering. In this bartering lesson, 5th graders investigate bartering as a way to trade for goods and services. Students experience bartering first hand while playing a game.
Curated OER
Center Stage—Focus on Poverty
Students explore the concept of philanthropy. In this service learning instructional activity, students examine stereotypes and discrimination based on socio-economic status. Students prepare to work with people of diverse backgrounds in...
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Establishing Borders: The Expansion of the United States 1846-48
Students investigate how the United States acquired land after the Revolutionary War ended. In this establishing borders instructional activity, students use maps to identify territories acquired by the US and the states that later...
Curated OER
Homemade Ice Cream
Learners investigate nutrition by creating ice cream in class. In this cooking lesson, students define the ingredients in ice cream and discuss how they form together to create a delicious treat. Learners utilize salt, ice, milk and...
Curated OER
Apple Science
Sixth graders explore agriculture by viewing a fruits and vegetables video clip. In this apple characteristics lesson, 6th graders discuss how fruits and vegetables deteriorate after being exposed to oxygen and identify methods to defend...
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Where is Agriculture?
Students study agriculture. In this agriculture lesson, students investigate how agriculture helps to meet a family's needs. Students identify things in their home that began as agriculture.
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Mining in a Nutshell
Your class will love this geology-inspired set of activities that demonstrate the processes through which we are able to use mineral resources. They describe the major steps that a company must follow from initial discovery of a mineral...
Smithsonian Institution
Cuban Missile Crisis
The United States—specifically John F. Kennedy—played a large role during the Cuban Missile Crisis. A history resource poses questions that encourage critical thinking as well as in-depth analysis of images from the time period.
Curated OER
Space Age Technology Comes to Earth
Both GPS and GIS are now used regularly in agricultural careers. Explore the new technologies that require higher education for those interested in agri-science careers. Upper graders examine how agriculturalists use new technologies by...
Ohio Department of Education
Multiplying and Dividing in Scientific Notation - Grade 8
Here is really nice set of resources on scientific notation. Eighth and ninth graders explore the concept of multiplying and dividing in scientific notation. In this multiplying and dividing numbers in scientific notation lesson,...
Brooklyn Museum
"Workt by Hand": Hidden Labor and Historical Quilts
Just like a painting or the symbols on a flag, quilts can express ideas that reflect a cultural context, space, and time. The class discusses the history of quilt making throughout US history and what different types of quilts mean. They...
Curated OER
Bison on the Plains
Fifth graders explore U.S. geography by reading assigned text about American Indians. In this migration lesson, 5th graders identify the differences between Native Americans and European settlers who traveled through middle America in...
Curated OER
The Consumer Price Index: A Measure of Inflation
Students examine inflation over the years and learn to calculate how it changes over time. In this money management lesson, students learn how price changes affect their purchasing power, how to come up with strategies for dealing with...
Curated OER
Virginia In the World: The Geography of Commerce
Middle schoolers examine how Virginia connects with the world through export trade. Using a map, they use symbols to depict the value of trade and the direction of the flow of goods. They complete a scavenger hunt using electronic...
Curated OER
UV Beads
Students recognize preventitive measures that can be taken to reduce the risks associated with exposure to solar radiation. They explain why solar radiation can be harmful. They utilize beads that turn color when exposed to UV rays. Good...
Curated OER
Ethical and Critical Thinking: Genetically Modified Food
Students read statements representing different points of view on Genetically Modified Food. They identify the "facts" and "opinions" in each statement, and then briefly summarize the issue of Genetically Modified Food in a short...