Examine and distinguish between words that have similar definitions but different connotations. Middle schoolers define connotation and denotation and participate in a "shades of meaning" contest in small groups. Groups use the...

Books can help teens understand complex global issues. A helpful educator's guide introduces readers to what it's like to be a refugee. Lesson components for the novel Shades of Gray include an anticipation guide and writing and...

Students research pop or contemporary artists like Jasper Johns, Andy Warhol, and Roy Lichtenstein and examine their simple style of drawing and painting. They create a contemporary art poster using shading gradient techniques and mixed...

Students read the text The Skin You Live In by Michael Tyler. In this literacy instructional activity, students discuss the characters in the text and the various shades of skin they observed on each page. Students read the beautiful...

Students examine their own strengths and weaknesses and try to determine if it is a result of nature, nuture or both. After reading an article, they discuss how gender may or may not account for differences in intelligence. They...

Fifth graders brainstorm the relationship between trees and humans to determine how humans benefit from trees and how they benefit from us. They discuss oxygen/carbon dioxide exchange, soil stablization, animal habitat, shade, medicine...

Clearly written as an assignment for a higher-level education class, this formal lesson plan contains some fun and well-researched strategies for teaching the novel Tuck Everlasting  by Natalie Babbitt. Among the best ideas...

Focusing on Doppo's "Unforgettable People" and late nineteenth century Japanese literature, this resource also leads to discussions of form being dictated by content. Explore the development of new literary styles first-hand by...

Historical fiction novels give readers a chance to step into someone else's shoes. An educator's guide from Penguin Common Core Lesson Plans provides resources to accompany three historical fiction novels written by Ruta Sepetys: Between...

Help your researchers as they begin to develop a topic for research with these worksheets. Included are two nicely designed graphic organizers that assist learners in narrowing and researching their topic, and an efficient...

Students discover the multicultural contributions to New Orleans gumbo through participation in cross curriculum activities. In this multicultural diversity and New Orleans history instructional activity, students shade regions of a map...

Students select an animal to research. After completing the research they illustrate and paint their animal in the style of a Japanese scroll. Their illustrations are scanned into the computer and imported to PowerPoint. Students...

Students observe a timeline and listen to reasons for the Battle of Trafalgar. They look at a list of nationalities in the British fleet and use a map and an atlas to locate the birthplace of the sailors in Nelson's fleet. They then...

Students examine patterns of volcanic distribution worldwide, use tables to plot and label location of each volcano on map, lightly shade areas where volcanoes are found, and complete open-ended worksheet based on their findings.

Students analyze how artists have applied color relationships (value, intensity, tints, and shades, cool and warm colors) to create descriptive and expressive effects in artworks. They judge an artwork based on whether its organization...

Students study environmental issues of excess garbage and learn about recycling. In this recycling activity, students discuss recycling and read a story about too much garbage. Students write a persuasive essay about the importance of...

Learners participate in hands-on activities using a hundreds chart and counting toes and fingers. They discover the patterns that are created when counting by ten. After a lecture/demo, students practice by using a worksheet embedded in...

Learners explore various kinds of bears and gather information about them.  In this research and habitats lesson, students chart their bear information on large posters with illustrations of their bears. Learners map the...

Second graders investigate how to help a city building remain cooler on the inside. They create a rooftop garden in order to shield the building and lower the internal temperature. The garden is meant to replace the black tar paper that...

Create an expert guide to local businesses in this lesson. Through research, young readers consider their local businesses and the services they provide, paying attention to any conflicting information they might find. Working in groups,...

What kind of treatment could a patient expect in an asylum during the 1800's? The abusive and neglectful conditions in 19th century asylums are the focus of a lesson that examines the work of reformers Nellie Bly, Dorothea Dix, and...

What is the most favorite color in the world? The series of lessons all about color and the color wheel, asks kids to research color, create an eye-spy activity, watch videos, and examine the color choices made by artists in their...

Eighth graders investigate art appreciation and Renaissance portraits through time. They create a portrait.

Students examine patterns of food producing areas, and identify foods that are grown locally, in the U.S., and around the world. They map and graph the major food crops of their local area, the U.S., and other countries, and discuss the...