High schoolers spend time researching online education facilities. After interviewing teachers, they develop a survey on how productive online education sites are to its students. They write a story for the school newspaper about this...

Learners discuss the need for some school districts in their area to hire security guards. Using the internet, they identify the severity of the problem in the other districts and discuss what else could be done to make schools safer....

Students write a news feature or editorial discussing the debate of whether gambling should be legalized in Cleveland. Students research and debate about the issue. Students interview community members to hear views.

Young scholars interview the district treasurer or other financial officer to see if their school district is planning a levy and conduct other interviews to gather opinions from the community. Students then write an analysis about the...

Students use the internet and linked sites to explore current voting methods in their community. They research suggestions that have been made for changes and interview people who made these suggestions (when possible). Students suggest...

Learners write an essay discussing the balance between safety and restrictions when it comes to the placement of metal detectors in schools. They research the safety situation in their district, including discussions about safety issues...

Non-violent conflict resolution is the focus of this lesson, which addresses the protests against President Bush in the UK (2003). Students list the strengths and limitations of non-violent conflict resolution, and chart the cycles of...

Students review their information on genetics. Using PowerPoint, they present their findings to the class on the principles of genetic diseases and disorders. They discuss bioethics and identify the positives and negatives of genetic...

Students identify and describe the aquatic exotic species found in Illinois. Using the internet, they research the species origins and discover their effects on native species in the area. They discuss how appropriate it is to introduce...

Eighth graders studied an environmental region in Illinois. The wetlands, swamps, woodlands and prairies were chosen. They research this region and create a picture that looks as if they are looking out the window. They had to have at...

Students examine the event of the Great Flood of 1993. Using the internet, they research the economic, social and ecological changes that impacted the area. They conduct a town meeting in which they debate the positives and negatives of...

Students engage in lesson concerned with the concept of the ozone layer. They write a reflective journal using prior knowledge. Students read sources of information about the existence of a hole in the ozone layer. Finally they create...

After reviewing weather expressions with your Spanish scholars, have them do some research: what is the weather like in different parts of the world? They can choose up to four different cities to compare with the local weather of their...

Now that your young Spanish speakers know the Spanish words for common animals, discuss what each animal eats and their personalities. It's great that the class starts by looking at an animal, identifying a characteristic or trait it...

Read Animals Called Fish with your young Spanish language learners and talk about the different parts of a fish. After teaching terms like huesos, columna vertebral, aletas, escamas, etc, Learners...

Use pictures of families to help young Spanish learners acquire family related vocabulary. Bring in pictures of your family and encourage kids to bring in pictures of theirs. Then after introducing the target vocabulary, draw a diagram...

Students investigate the aspect of colonizing the moon by comparing techniques that are used on Earth. The colonization takes place with the planning of a hypothetical model. The model is used as a point of discussion and target...

Students investigate the concept of a model and how it is used to represent something that is real. They recognize how the model can be applied to other types of concepts like the solar system. Students create a scale drawing of a house...

Students choose a fish from anywhere within the Ocean Center. They observe it for a given time, recording its behavior. Students comprehend the concept that living things have individual characteristics that enable them to live in their...

A 12-page midterm exam sample can be given to young scientists in preparation for an exam. This particular installment is geared toward a class that delves into both ecology and chemistry concepts. There is no way to separate the 50...

After identifying the parts of a persuasive piece of writing, young writers explore different prewriting activities for the persuasive essay. They have the option to write a news article, personal narrative, or persuasive essay to...

Students discover Buy Nothing Day. In this consumer awareness lesson, students discuss their spending habits and consider the effects of mass consumerism. Students discuss alternative activities to shopping on Buy Nothing Day.

After reading the book A Bargain for Frances, young economists discuss how money is exchanged for goods or services. They demonstrate effective financial decision-making by listing ways to save money for a product they would like to buy.

Students view a movie about ethical journalism and Stephen Glass' rise at The New Republic. In this news ethics lesson, students view "Shattered Glass" and explore Glass' descent into an ethical black hole. Students complete...