Have your class learn about buoyancy using this simple lesson. First, they bring in condiment packets and see what happens when they place it in a glass of water. Then, they use one of the packets to illustrate the concept of a Cartesian...

Considering using The Josefina Story Quilt in your classroom? Check out this sample teaching guide for a list of pre-reading activities.

Upper elementary and middle schoolers use their observation skills to group different kinds of candy by similar characteristics. They debate whether or not we should classify objects. Finally, they learn that biologists have developed a...

There is no doubt that learners remember what they have learned when they have a visual representation. Using an egg carton and candy bars, they explore the concept of fractional amounts. By having students cut the egg carton into parts...

Very specific diameters are given for blowing up three different balloons to represent, in scale, the moon, Earth, and Mars. In groups of three, amateur astronomers explore scale measurements and distance in space.

Here is a classic activity used to introduce your class to the concept of probability and data collection. They will roll one die 30 times, then record and discuss the results. Great introduction, but too shallow to be considered a...

Students practice graphing activities. In this graphing lesson, students discuss ways to collect data and complete survey activities. Students visit a table and graphs website and then a create a graph website to practice graphing.

Middle and high schoolers examine the impact of irony in poetry and prose. In this figurative language lesson plan, they read instructor-selected literature and identify uses of irony. Then they discuss how irony enhances literature.

Assist your pupils in making healthy food choices with this instructional activity. First, have them bring in different kinds of food labels, and put a list of key words on the board (list is not included, but can be nutrition or...

While the focus of this lesson is on writing about tornadoes, any topic could be substituted. The lesson provides a well-thought out overview of the writing process. Learners come up with a thesis statement, supporting  details, and...

Are your young writers having difficulty distinguishing between expository and persuasive writing? Discuss the difference between the two, and how some prompts can be responded to in either fashion. Included here is a simple lesson plan...

Young scholars open up the script to generate the sketch. They examine the viewing of the animation of a triangle. Students incorporate writing skills across the curriculum within this lesson.

Advanced ESL students can engage in this lesson designed to practice compiling lists, adding costs, and describing why they chose a particular item. They will choose items from a magazine that they'd like in their dream kitchen. Next,...

Students analyze the similarities in different species. This lesson is part of a multi-segmented unit on the diversity of life. In this segment, students classify shoes to mimic the scientific categories of the classification system.

Fourth graders explore the reasons the European Union began and identify the lessons they can apply to group work in the classroom. In this European Union lesson, 4th graders read the booklet from the website and complete several steps...

Third graders develop a list of ways humans destroy soil. In this soil conservation lesson, 3rd graders listen to a book on soil conservation and design posters about how to conserve soil. Students share their work orally with classmates...

Students discover patterns and write conjectures relating to perimeters and polygons. Working in cooperative learning groups, they use manipulatives and graphic organizers to solve problems then answer a series of questions in which they...

Students formulate interview questions based on the information they learn from the video Power Lines. They conduct an interview with a relative, friend, or community member over 60 years old.

Students investigate folk and fairy tales. In this reading comprehension lesson plan, students review the concept of author's purpose after listening to "The Empty Pot" by Demi. Students also explore descriptive words and dominant...

Sixth graders are introduced to the technique of Arashi Shibori and its history. In groups, they discover how to perform this process and examine how to do hachimaki. To end the activity, they make their own hachimaki to wear and share...

Students identify and research key event in the history of Illinois during the 1800's and create a dramatic skit or oral report based on the event.

Students examine the occupations of a variety of community helpers such as doctors, policemen, firemen, nurses, and others by listening to a read aloud. They find pictures in magazines to glue to a classroom mural of occupations.

Young scholars reflect on how many board games they've played have African Americans, their culture or history incorporated within. They identify four street games and three card games that appeal to African Americans. They play the...

Students, in groups, explore the Great Chicago Fire. They decide which moment from the fire is significant and create a story corner.