Curated OER
Elements of a Mystery
Learners write mystery stories. In this writing lesson, students review the definition and components of a mystery. They look at a photo and write a mystery to explain the picture.
Curated OER
The Mysteries of Harris Burdick
Fourth graders read and discuss the book, The Mysteries of Harris Burdick. They create an original story that follows the Harris Burdick formula, and illustrate the story in the style of Chris VanAllsberg.
Science 4 Inquiry
The Classification of Living Things
It's a classification sensation! Demystify why we classify using an inquiry activity that helps your class sort things out. Groups begin by classifying a variety of shoes before they research organisms and design their own dichotomous...
Curated OER
Think of an Ending
Good endings are hard to find. And write. This, the final lesson in a six-part series devoted to study of the ingredients of a good story, focuses on crafting endings. Class members draft ideas about what should happen to each of their...
Curated OER
Harriet The Spy
Fourth graders investigate the style of diary writing as its own genre of literature. They read Harriet The Spy in order to have a text for this literature study. Students use the skill of prediction to preview the story, and then...
Curated OER
On the Surface of Things
Students create a Claris slide shows from pictures they have taken of items close-up in nature after studying the works of M.C. Escher and Georgia O'Keefe. Slide shows includes captions for clues to the identity of their nature picture.
Curated OER
Alaskan Eskimo Collection
Students analyze mystery photographs to determine key characteristics about the Alaskan environment and Eskimo culture. In this Eskimo lesson, students read an Eskimo folktale and write their own in response. Lastly students complete a...
Curated OER
Microscope Mania
Students examine parts of a microscope and how to use a microscope at five lab stations. They identify parts of a microscope by describing the differences between low power and high power. They visit Internet sites (included in the...
Monterey Bay Aquarium
What's in a Name?
Combine art and word analysis in a lesson about genus and species. Elementary children sleuth out the meaning of scientific names for a number of shark species using a prefix and suffix definition chart. They then draw an image of the...
Curated OER
Ask Your Mummy
Students explore the scribes, pharaohs, and pyramids of Ancient Egypt. They also locate ancient cities on a map and explain religious traditions.
Curated OER
Nevada Mines 1850-1880
Students explore the Nevada mining of 1850-1880. For this history lesson, students investigate the Comstock Lode and examine the mining tools that were used to search for silver and gold.
Curated OER
CSI: Native America
Students discuss the murders of Native Americans in Indiana. In groups, they research and make drawings of the scene as if they were part of a CSI team. They complete any needed experiments to help them solve the crime and create a...