Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Creative Classroom Creatures

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students are introduced to the five kingdoms and discover why there is a need for a classification system. Using the internet, they examine how scientific names are created and practice putting animals into their correct classification....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Habitat Happenings

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students examine the characteristics of the Prairie Creek Habitat in Illinois. In groups, they travel between various stations writing haikus and reading brochures. They identify what occurs in each habitat and identify the animals...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Prairie Find Outdoors

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students take a field trip to a local prairie. Using identification books, they identify various forbs and grasses in the prairie. As a class, they discuss the importance of forbs and grasses to the ecosystem and review the various types...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Prairie Math

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students work together to build models of prairie plants. Using the model, they estimate the height and then measure them using metric and standard units. They write a fraction to represent their part of the whole set and compare and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Tree-mendous Project

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders use their observation and measurement skills to identify trees. Using a tree diagram, they label the parts and discuss the functions of the tree. They practice using a dichotomous key to identify trees as well.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Space Travel

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Students study the International Space Station and space exploration.  In this space travel instructional activity students describe the different types of engineers that contribute to space travel.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Digestion Simulation

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Learners study the human digestion system and the functions of the stomach and small intestines.  In this digestion lesson students view a demonstration on the process. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Seasons and Cloud Cover, Are They Related?

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students use NASA satellite data to see cloud cover over Africa.  For this seasons lesson students access data and import it into Excel. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Basic Visual Language

For Teachers K - 12th
Young scholars gain knowledge of the basics of visual communication. They are introduced to the three fundamental elements of visual language. Those are: camera angle, lighting, and compositions. Students video each other from different...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Beyond the Playing Field -Jackie Robinson, Civil Rights Advocate

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students examine and discuss documents pertaining to issues of the civil rights movement.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Political Cartoons Illustrating Progressivism and the Election of 1912

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students study a current political cartoon to introduce the ideas of symbolism, humor, exaggeration, and caricature in editorial cartoons. They study cartoons from the past to gain an understanding of the culture of 1912.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Tally of the 1824 Electoral College Vote

For Teachers 12th
Twelfth graders study the parts of the Constitution that address presidential election. They complete a variety of activities designed to spark debate about the flaws in the Electoral College system.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

FDR's First Inaugural Address

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students, in groups, describe a photo to the class. They determine which New Deal program is depicted in each of the images based on the research they conducted.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

DISCOUNT LENSES ( GELATIN WAVE GUIDES)

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students study attributes associated with concept of fiber optics is done using a labmade fiber optic from clear molded gelatin. A variety of shapes can be cut and pieced together to form a conduit to transmit the laser beam by internal...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Cave Activity: Mapping Fractures

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Learners tour a cave and observe fractures in the cave's ceiling. They record characteristics of the fracture. They locate three major passages in the cave and ten major fractures.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Why Would I Owe My Soul to the Company Store?

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders listen to "Sixteen Tons" by Tennessee Ernie Ford and discuss what it means to owe one's soul to a store. In this mathematics lesson, 6th graders determine what a miner's income was minus his expenses graphing findings in a...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Decision to Americanize the War in Vietnam

For Teachers 10th - 11th
Young scholars research the major events of the Vietnam War and construct a timeline. They do the same with the presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson or the 1960's. They act as an advisor to President Johnson to recommend a course of action...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

African-Americans in California's Heartland

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students read and view video about the pioneers moving west.  For this African American pioneer lesson, students become familiar with the problems faced by the pioneers and African-American pioneers. Students complete...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Many Faces of Paul Robeson

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students discuss and construct timelines based on the life of author/performer/Civil Right's activist, Paul Robeson. They view photographs of him at various times in his life and discuss the roles he may have been playing at those times.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

EARLY CIVILIZATIONS

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students compare and contrast the monuments of four ancient cultures and draw conclusions about the origins, construction, and purposes of these structures.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

STRAINING FOR SOUND

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders use a laser along with computer microphone probeware and the appropriate software, 6th graders determine the speed of rotating objects.An audio amplifier is connected to a solar cell to change the laser light signal into a...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Analysis of Atmospheric Conditions for a High Mountain Retreat

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students examine the relationship between altitude, atmospheric pressure, temperature and humidity at a particular location. They practice science and math in real world applications. They write reports detailing their scientific...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Health Outreach -- Creating Research -- Based on Pamphlets on STDs

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers view a video clip about people affected by STDs. They research causes, symptoms and cures of a sexually transmitted disease of their choice. They create a pamphlet to share information.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

"Jazz is About Collaboration": Jim Crow Laws And Segregation

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore development of jazz music in the 1930s by forming imaginary jazz bands which tour several cities in Depression-era America. Jazz band members create imaginary identities for themselves, develop publicity for their tour,...