Students, while in the computer lab, assess how to use Microsoft Excel as a "graphing calculator." They view visual representations of line graphs in a Cartesian plane while incorporating basic skills for using Excel productively.

Students use NASA satellite data to compare water vapor over the United States.  In this data analysis activity students use an Excel spreadsheet to map their data. 

Learners use their experience with leadership, as well as a thought-provoking quote and discussion with their classmates, to help them define the concept of leadership.

Students use data to find the best renewable energy potential.  In this solar energy lesson students import data into Excel and explain how solar energy is beneficial. 

What elements are needed to have a revolution? How do historical revolutions from across the globe and generations compare with one another? This is an excellent activity that incorporates group work, source analysis, and an engaging...

Students explore hurricanes.  In this weather data interpretation lesson, students draw conclusions about the impact of Hurricane Floyd as it related to weather conditions. Students read and interpret a tide data table, a barometric...

Ninth graders track the hit count on their favorite web sites.  In this Algebra I lesson plan, 9th graders record the number of hits on their favorite web site for twenty days.  Students explore the data to determine if the...

Here's a fabulous lesson plan on the life cycle of a butterfly. Youngsters are able to identify and understand the four stages of life. They construct models of a caterpillar and write a sequence story about the life of a butterfly. This...

Involve your readers in finding works of literary genius. Have each individual write down compelling sentences that they read or hear, whether in a newspaper, advertisement, book, movie, song, or any other place! Once each person has a...

Learners develop an understanding of autism by engaging in an inquiry-based discussion. Pupils are exposed to the vast array of defining characteristics of autism spectrum disorders. They create posters about the developmental...

Another fantastic activity on energy is presented by the American Coal Foundation. This one focuses on electricity; how it is produced, how it is delivered, and how it is used. Some excellent handouts are embedded in this fine plan which...

Here is one of the better lessons I've come across on how to teach fractions and decimals. This instructional activity does a great job of showing how these two mathematical representations of numbers are interrelated. Some excellent...

An excellent lesson plan on the classic book, Where the Red Fern Grows. Learners view the W. Wilson Rawls website and engage in a series of activities generated by the website. They write in their reflective journals, watch a video, and...

Students collect data and visually represent it. They conduct a survey of favorite movies. Using a spreadsheet, students organize the data and create bar and circle graphs. Students answer statistical questions regarding the data.

Fourth and fifth graders engage in this impressive lesson which focuses on the causes of hurricanes and tropical storms. The use of video clips and Internet sites helps facilitate discussion amongst pupils which should lead them to a...

Students use data to determine if the climate in Portland has changed over the years.  In this weather lesson plan students complete line graphs and study long wave radiation. 

Students investigate a hypothesis about birds in their backyard using identification and survey skills.

Students track and record how much time they spend on each activity. In this spreadsheet lesson, students apply different functions using Microsoft excel to format cells and calculate the sum of their total time spent each day. They...

Students monitor their fitness levels for six weeks of their P.E. course through the use of an Excel spreadsheet. They also research the obesity epidemic among youth in the U.S. today, presenting their findings to the class. This...

Fifth graders are given the questions, "What type of music would you suggest the manager place in front of the store?". Students collect data by talking with 20 adults and create a bar graph on the computer to present the data.

Second graders explore the meat group of the food pyramid. In this nutrition and diet lesson plan, 2nd graders study the benefits of eating foods in the meat group, collect data regarding their classmates' favorite foods, and create a...

More than 100 cities around the world have shifted from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. Scholars investigate a city wanting to make this switch, but needs help determining how to make the shift. Groups consider all options,...

Young scholars complete rolling stocks experiment, and collect and enter data on the computer. They enter data on graphing calculators, complete scatter plot by hand with line of best fit, and discuss different graphing methods.

Students compile information on volcanic activity at Mount St. Helens.  In this earth science lesson, students use the information they gathered on Mount St. Helens to answer questions and create charts in Excel.  Then students...