Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Simple Machines

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students explain how simple machines work and design their own machine. They use the Internet for research.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Simple Machines

For Teachers 8th - 10th
Students design objects in the Museum of Modern Art's collection of simple machines. In this simple machines activity, students explore the machine age in the MoMA's design collection. Students identify simple machines and the elements...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Where Does Food Come From?

For Teachers Pre-K
Distinguish between food and non-food items. Recognize that food is obtained from both plant and animal sources. Identify sources for some common animal foods then construct a simple food path from the farm to the consumer.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Technology Benchmark

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students examine examples of writing samples from NCS Mentor and discuss with students what makes each writing piece earn points. They grade a writing sample on the program and discuss various simple machines and their components.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Simply Unique

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Learners identify, compare and contrast simple machines and their functions. They work together in groups to complete experiments using the simple machines. They write in their journals to reflect on the lesson.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Row, Tow, Pull Your Boat

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders use previous knowledge and research to analyze and solve a scenario relating to the use of simple machines and the Lewis and Clark Expedition. They present their findings to the class in oral presentations.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Agriculture in Motion

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders research machines used in agriculture. In this agriculture lesson plan, 6th graders complete a variety of activities that involve farming and crops. Some examples include: answering questions, creating a storyboard, poetry,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Skateboard Renegade

For Teachers 4th - 7th
Students read the novel, "Skateboard Renegade." Reading pairs read the novel with an eye out for characteristics of responsibility. They add to a responsibility chart as they find examples. They also read to identify vocabulary, cause...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Moving Along With Simple Machines: Introduction

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Students observe examples of gravity, friction, and force on the playground. They then experiment and participate in a variety of activities in centers back in the classroom.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Science: Invent a Gadget

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders invent gadgets using simple machine principles. Once they have assembled graphic organizers containing information about their invention, they draw diagrams and explain how their gadget works. Lastly, 3rd graders write...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Flight Dreams: Birds Flew First

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Learners observe how bird flight and machine flight are similar. In this aerodynamics lesson, students observe how birds fly and the shapes of their wings, and investigate how observing birds helped develop the concept of machine flight....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Help, I can't reach it!

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students learn the major organ systems in the human body and research simple machines on the Internet; They design an informational brochure about a medical profession and present that career topic to the class.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Alexander Calder: Master of Balance

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Learners build simple mobiles. In this equilibrium lesson, students investigate the functions of three types of levers as they analyze artwork by Alexander Calder. Learners then create their own simplified mobiles.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Forms of Energy

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Pupils, working in expert groups, study a form of energy. They plan a slide show presentation using pictures, clip art, and student taken digital pictures that show the energy type they have become experts in. They use a planning sheet...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Polished Poetry: Strange Zoo

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders use an online word list editor and software to create opening lines for a poem. They select and edit these into a complete, polished poem about an animal. They investigate parts of speech and alliteration.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Time Travel, Black Holes, and Relativity

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Learners read the novel, The Time Machine, and compare H.G. Well's perceptions of the future with those presented in The Third Wave, by Alvin Toffler. They research current scientific and mathematical theories that relate to space and time.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Publishing an Alphabet Book

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Young scholars research, write and publish an A,B,C book based on research of their own.