Cornell University
Beam Focusing Using Lenses
Explore optics using an inquiry-based experimental approach! Young scholars use a set of materials to design and build a unit capable of focusing a beam of light. They experiment with different lenses to determine the best approach to...
University of Oklahoma
Improving My Communication Skills
The two lessons in the fifth unit in this series are designed to help students with disabilities improve their communication skills. The first lesson has class members practice strategies and skills for appropriate communication. They...
Scholastic
Pilgrim and Wampanoag Daily Life
A instructional activity looks at the Pilgrims and Wampanoag tribe during the first Thanksgiving. Scholars compare and contrast information presented by an online activity then discuss their findings. Learners examine the two group's...
Scholastic
Voyage on the Mayflower for Grades 3-5
Following an online activity, scholars complete a Grafitti Wall in which small groups write words and phrases on chart paper pertaining to Pilgrims, the Mayflower, and Thanksgiving. Pupils perform a close reading then answer a series of...
Curated OER
The Water Cycle and Clementine
Third graders sing a piggyback song to explore the parts of the water cycle and then illustrate and label the water cycle in their science journals.
Curated OER
Writing to a Specific Topic
After a class discussion where learners make predictions about what will happen in a book based on its cover illustration, pupils are asked to compose a written response about an aspect of the story and include some of their own...
Curated OER
Life Science: Plant Life Cycles
Practice defining words that have to do with plant life cycles. The list included here is mainly for structural units, but could be used to review their relevance and the process of the life cycle.
Curated OER
Air Pollution
Students seek solutions to environmental problems. They discover how to conserve and protect natural resources. They examine the role of acid rain on plants and discover how to filter pollutants.
Curated OER
Say It in French
Eleventh and twelfth graders research and create language-immersion Web-based presentations. They choose a particular theme (family, travel, etc.) to create a webpage on the Internet. They are given a rubric to check their grammar and...
Curated OER
Iceberg Ahead: How Does Temperature Affect the Density of Water?
Demonstrate how ice floats on water and get the class thinking about why icebergs are so deceiving. Investigators then experiment with mixing water of the same temperature and water of different temperatures. Make sure to explain the...
Curated OER
Worksheet 6: Reading: Recipe for Beignets
Travel to New Orleans for their warm, sweet beignets, or bring a piece of New Orleans to your classroom by baking the delicious treats with your third and fourth graders! If baking them isn't possible, at least review the recipe for a...
Curated OER
Medieval Art
Sixth graders study Gothic architecture on the Internet and create a mug with a gargoyle figure on it.
Curated OER
What Does It Do? Parts of the Computer
This is a nice introduction for first graders to parts of the computer. It includes several resource links to PowerPoints to show the class. There is one activity for the class to do. This is a basic introduction, and could definitely be...
Curated OER
Shizuko’s Daughter: Graphic Organizer
Help young readers align character relationships in an activity for Kyoko Mori's Shizuko's Daughter. After kids discuss the characters and how they relate to each other, they use index cards and a graphic organizer to outline the...
Curated OER
Investigation - Operations
Sixth graders will practice dealing with whole numbers using the order of operations and performing calculations using the four basic operations. The lesson also includes practical investigation into the use of rational numbers.
Curated OER
Investigation - Dividing a Candy Bar
Fourth graders explore dividing equally. They divide three-digit divisors by one and two digit divisors. Students work real life division problems. They examine possible solutions to each problem.
Curated OER
Investigation - Snack TIme
Students explore solving addition and subtraction problems. They solve real life problems. Students participate in a simulation activity to find the missing addend. They demonstrate adding and subtracting whole numbers.
Curated OER
Computation with Fractions
Upper graders are introduced to the topic of fractions and percentages. In groups, they discuss real world situations in which fractions are present, and they complete a worksheet solving problems with common and uncommon denominators....
Curated OER
Symmetrical Design: Pennsylvania Barn Signs
Second graders explain and apply the visual arts elements and the design principle of symmetry and apply media, techniques, and processes. In addition, they describe how different materials, techniques, and processes cause different...
Curated OER
Totem Mask
Sixth graders study totems of the Northwest Native Americans and design their own.
Curated OER
The Pumpkin Patch - A Venture in Agritourism
After reading an article about how agritourism is helping boost the financial stability of local farms, middle schoolers answer comprehension questions. This is a case-study of Canadian pumpkin producers. It could be useful as a...
Curated OER
Choosing a Foreign Language Career
"Why do we have to learn a foreign language?" Have you ever heard that question before? Give your novices this project, and have them research different jobs that require the use of a foreign language. They create a PowerPoint...
Curated OER
Absolute Value and Basic Operations With Real Numbers
Middle schoolers investigate the mathematical concept of absolute value by counting the number of steps taken in two directions. Using the number line the teacher can note how they can forward and backward without changing the absolute...