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Ecosystem Energizers
Fourth graders see how the flow of energy through an ecosystem made up of producers, consumers, and decomposers carries out the processes of life and that some energy dissipates as heat and is not recycled.
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Amazing Aztecs
Students research information about the ancient Aztec culture. In this Aztec lesson, students conduct Internet research about Aztecs to find the answers to questions about their language, jewelry and tools, and the Aztec calendar. ...
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Hello, Young Blubbers!
Fifth graders explore walrus and their habitat. In this animal adaptation lesson students complete a hands on activity while in groups and use the Internet for research.
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Forest Ecology or Who Lives Here?
Students explore a hardwood forest. In this forest ecology lesson, students examine the diversity and animals and plants as they explore their habitats at Poricy Park Conservatory. Students determine how biodiversity and abiotic elements...
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Themes in Literature - Langston Hughes "Thank You Ma'm"
Eighth graders study Langston Hughes, "Thank You Ma'am" to discover the elements of plot, character motives and reactions. They express the effects of trust and kindness by writing a reflective personal narrative. They illustrate the...
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Johnny Appleseed Theme Unit: Day 1
Students participate in a variety of activities surrounding a thematic unit on apples and Johnny Appleseed.
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ReQuest and Motor Imaging with My Side of the Mountain
Fifth graders read "My Side of the Mountain." They create a pantomime using vocabulary words from the story. Students create three questions about the reading. They discuss the passage they read and act out words to help them better...
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Making Mittens with The Mitten Book
Students read and discuss the different animals in The Mitten book and then try to make mittens that are alike.
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"K" Letter Ideas
Students practice with the letter K and use the Internet to help them expand their usage of "K" words.
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If I Could Talk Like the Animals. . .
Students read and discuss a film review of the animated movie Antz and then write a monologue from the perspective of a non-human organism.
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Members Only
Students discuss the advantages and disadvantages of private communities and the lives led by their residents. They design ideal planned communities for people featured in other Class Matters articles.
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Creative and Cultural Dance
Students study dance as a way to communicate and represent oneself in the world. They perform and articulate movement skills from the "dancer's toolbox". They solve problems in dance using the "dancer's toolbox" composing, witnessing,...
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Much Ado About Nothing
In this Shakespeare worksheet, students decipher Much Ado About Nothing. Students read excerpts from the play and answer questions about specific quotes. They also translate lines into modern language.
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What Color Is Your Apple?
Third graders spend time identifying the characteristics they have and ones they would like to develop for their own personal growth. As a class, they brainstorm ways they can tell they are growing up or being mature. Individually, they...
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the Naturalist's Notebook
Third graders, after brainstorming what they already know about trees and what effect the seasons have on them, create a model of a hollow log. They participate in a young naturalist's notebook writing activity while walking outside...
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Look At Those Leaves!
Students observe, measure, and sort tree leaves. They examine leaves individually, in groups, and in relationship to the entire tree. Pupils take a walk outside for a "Leaf Walk." Students are each given a lunch size paper bag, so that...
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Seed Bugs; Stage 2
Students examine nature by participating in an environmental art activity. In this imaginary creature lesson, students discuss the importance of a habitat when pertaining to wild animals or bugs. Students utilize tree parts which they...
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Snug in the Snow
Students explore how snow helps animals survive in the wild. In this animal science lesson, students review key vocabulary words and discuss types of animal adaptations. Students construct shoebox to simulate the snowy environment where...
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A Giraffe Debate
Students study the life, adaptations, and habitats of giraffes. They investigate the issue of giraffe survival in the wild or in a wildlife sanctuary. They conduct a class debate and present position papers.
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Australia: Aboriginal Religion
Pupils compare and contrast Christianity and the religion of the Aborigines in Australia. In this Aboriginal religion instructional activity, students discuss the creation story of the Aborigines and discuss the "dreamtime." ...
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Mushroom
Students identify the different types of mushrooms. In this biology lesson, students explore different mushroom experiments they can do at home. They discuss ways to extend sliced mushrooms' shelf life.
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Travelers for Trade and Global Peace
Students explore the resources in other countries. In this communities activity, students examine characteristics of their community to those of other communities. Students examine Canada, El Salvador, and India and their natural resources.
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Plant Systems
Students examine plant systems. For this life science lesson, students explore leaf and root systems on paper in a terrarium that they design and construct.
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How Can We Keep Our Forests Intact and Have Our Chocolate Too?
Fourth graders explore various methods of growing and harvesting rainforest foods in order to sustain its biodiversity. They discuss the various uses for trees from several viewpoints. Students research chocolate demand and land use...