Lesson Plan
National Endowment for the Humanities

Lesson 3: On the Road with Marco Polo: From Hormuz to Kashgar

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Young explorers examine the route that Marco Polo and his father traveled to reach China. They examine online maps of the Silk Road and harsh terrain of Afghanistan to determine challenges that may have been encountered during travel.
Lesson Plan
Workforce Solutions

Workforce Solutions 2-3 Lessons

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd Standards
Four lessons and an at-home connection examine 12 jobs. Beginning with an interactive map, scholars view and discuss each one within their small group. Groups focus on the products provided and on their scarcity. Finally, pupils look...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Writing Fiction: Using Older Characters

For Teachers 6th - 10th
Out with the old and in with the new? Not so in this lesson plan, which explores the idea of writing older characters in fiction. Students learn the value of varying their characters, exploring different perspectives, and avoiding...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

African Americans in Science

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students examine the life of renowned African American scientists. In this science literacy lesson plan, students explore a website containing profiles and achievements of past and present African American scientists. They prepare a...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

When I Was Your Age...

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students discuss generational differences in life experiences, consider their future life paths based on their past and present, and write essays from perspectives of themselves 50 years from now.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Empowering Young People to Repair the World

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students analyze the role of study vs. good deeds in contributing to improving the world. They discuss how study and action are important and consider their obligation to make the world a better place. After discussing the concept of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Pioneer Farm Cooking

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Students explore pioneer farm life and the types of cooking and ingredients available. They recreate a pioneer version of a sno-cone and discuss why crushed ice was used more often than snow in this recipe.
Worksheet
Curated OER

Discuss Ethical Issues 1

For Students 12th - Higher Ed
In this language arts worksheet, students practice oral discussion skills by talking with a partner or in a group about 15 ethical issues. Some of the issues such as abortion, euthanasia, sex, and the death penalty are better suited for...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Older, Wiser, and Making a Difference

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Learners reflect on an adult who plays a significant role in their lives. They conduct peer interviews and write newspaper articles about these important individuals.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Butterfly Adventure

For Teachers 2nd - 5th
Students in second grade are paired with fifth grade computer research buddies. They observe the characteristics of caterpillars, and identify the four stages of the caterpillar to butterfly life cycle. They graph the number of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Tarantula Shoes

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners read a book about Ryan O'Keefe, a young man who wants a pair of basketball shoes promoted by a basketball star. They explore about spending, saving, opportunity cost, and trade-offs as they study Ryan's decisions throughout the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Eyes in the Sky

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students examine the use of satellites. In this research lesson, students discuss the history of satellites and how we use the information today. They will conduct interviews with older adults who have lived in the changing times from...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Physiological and Psychological Development of the Adolescent

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students examine the life of a teenager from their own perspective and an adult's. In groups, they focus on the biological changes and how they are different in a girl and a boy. Individually, they write a paper about these changes and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Caterpillars To Butterflies

For Teachers K
Students observe the life cycle of a butterfly. They read butterfly/caterpillar themed books. They sequence the lifecycle from eggs on a leaf to an adult butterfly. They release their butterflies into a natural habitat after singing and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

WHO WE ARE

For Teachers K - 12th
Students work with Elders or a knowledgeable adult/expert to learn details of their culture which may include the language, dance, songs, art, and stories and create a play or poem which reflects aspects of their culture.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Tadpole Diary

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders examine the life cycle by observing tadpoles. After reading the book, Tadpole Diary, they draw the stages of tadpole development and write sentences about what they think is happening.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Religion, Culture, and Diversity

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Learners study world religions. In this diversity lesson, students interview their grandparents and other older adults about their religious beliefs and traditions. Learners research world religions and discuss the diversity of cultural...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Euthanasia and the T4 Program

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine the euthanasia campaign used to rid the world of mentally and physically disabled Germans. Using the internet, they gather information either supporting or disagreeing with the idea of taking a life by euthanasia. They...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

environment: Fresh and Saltwater Habitats

For Teachers 1st - 4th
Students compare and contrast fresh and salt water coastal environments. After describing how sea animals adapt to their habitats, they design a variety of sea creatures and explain how the adaptations aid in the animals' survival. ...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Mural Gift

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Students listen as the teacher tells about the life of Keith Haring. Using drawing paper and pencils, they sketch figures and shapes in the style of K. Haring. They discuss the mural with students, and they vote on colors to use....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Making of the Mahatma: Gandhi's Childhood

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Students investigate the childhood of one of the greatest philosophers of our time, Gandhi.  In this biography lesson, students analyze the upbringing and events that finally shaped Mahatma Gandhi's life.  Students locate...
Worksheet
Biology Junction

Cnidarians

For Students 9th - 12th
For this cnidarian worksheet, learners study the biology of the different species of cnidarians and complete a series of questions.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

I Can Grow and Change

For Teachers K
Students explore activities done at various stages of life.  In this personal growth lesson, students are read All By Myself by Mercer Mayer and participate in a discussion about how they are growing daily, discuss what activities...
Lesson Plan
National First Ladies' Library

Finding Treasure Island; An Exciting Escape

For Teachers 1st - 5th
Students read Treasure Island. They have a choice of a number of activities associated with the novel, including writing a review of the book. Students also participate in a National Geographic High Seas Adventure, going on an Internet...