How can 5th graders show understanding that 30 x 225 is half of 60 x 225 without completing the computation? They can use an area model and draw it out. An array, or an open array, is an area model that allows for young learners to...

Students determine differences in concentrations. They have to state the problem they feel exists, consider possible solutions, and develop a plan to come up with for containers whose labels have fallen off. Students base this off the...

Students examine paragraph structure, the writing process, and then design a model for the process. In this writing skills lesson, students explore paragraphs using the SmartBoard. Students create a class T-chart about paragraph...

Students listen to the story "Clean Air, Dirty Air" by Lynne Patchett and discover the main types of pollution and how these affect their bodies. In this pollution lesson, students work in small groups to create a machine to prevent...

Ninth graders design a safe passage through a 2-D obstacle. In this geometric math instructional activity, 9th graders engage in a hands on activity to better understand the concept of geometric and algebraic perpendicularity. Students...

Through two investigations, life science learners determine whether or not yeast is alive. They perform tests for metabolism by providing sugar and observing if gas is produced as a byproduct. They incubate some of the sample for at...

High schoolers explore problems and design solutions in relation to water issues. For this interdisciplinary lesson plan, students play an interactive game in order to explore global water issues to create solutions for the water...

Students study the problems in their school and work on solutions for those problems. In this writing process lesson plan, students analyze a problem and work as a team to find a solution.  Students present written and oral work to...

Eighth graders complete an Interdisciplinary Unit on the Muckrakers and the Progressive Movement. Students describe life in America and how Progressive Reformers changed it. identify specific problems and propose solutions. Students...

Students explore cattle drives. In this United States history and letter writing instructional activity, students write a letter to their family predicting possible problems that were encountered by participants in cattle drives....

High schoolers design and contrast a boat made out of aluminum foil. They test the boats to see which boat floats the best using three different solutions and steel ball weights. Students work on their own to construct a boat of their...

Students investigate the 'Design for the Other 90%' exhibition about low-cost solutions to give the "other 90% of the world's population" access to services and amenities many of us take for granted. In this technology design...

Students build their own tower using concepts from previous lessons. They are given a set of materials to use and general guidelines. They share what they have created with their classmates.

Young scholars review the human respiratory system and the effects on the human body.  In this design instructional activity students brainstorm and create a prototype then present it to the class.     

Young scholars create an imaginary bird. In this anatomy lesson, students analyze how artists represent birds historically, then determine the anatomical aspects that suit a bird to its habitat. Using this information, young scholars...

Students are introduced to the realm and power of inventions, and help them to better recognize their impact on people and society.

Explore linear and square dimensions by comparing areas of similar figures. A creative set of five activities designed for elementary through high school classes asks young scholars to compare areas of specific polygons. The first two...

Whether or not you are new to using graphic organizers with informational or expository text, the materials in this guide will prove useful. 

Teach statistics by analyzing raisins. A thorough activity provides lesson resources for five levels to include all grades. Younger pupils work on counting and estimation, mid-level learners build on their understanding of the measures...

Learners first complete an assessment task where they assess statements on probability. They then sort cards containing probability statements as being either true or false.

Score some problems all related to soccer balls. The first few problems focus on pattern blocks to see relationships between figures. More advanced problems focus on actual soccer balls, the patterns on the balls, and their volumes and...

Explore the meaning of scale and proportion with a set of five activities that examines the topic from elementary through high school. The first lessons explore ratio by examining pictures of different sizes. The next three activities...

Ninth graders, in groups, research a Canadian astronaut, developing a profile of their astronaut for presentation in a learning center. They visit the other groups' centers to explore more astronauts.

Students explore the notion that simple devices can help us move objects when an understanding of forces is applied. They apply the design process, make predictions, draw sketches, make a model and evaluate their solution.