First, introduce rank badges, which were used during the Qing Dynasty. Then, the class will work together to uncover the meaning of the images they see. They'll examine and research the meaning behind the symbols found on Leopard Rank...

O. Henry's "The Gift of the Magi" is the classic example of irony in literature. Teach young writers about the ways irony can engage their readers with an activity in which they write scripts using dramatic irony, situational irony, and...

Students research and discuss the societal changes during the Civil War as it relates to various parts of southern society. In this southern society during the civil war lesson, students examine what life was like for slaves during the...

High schoolers explore the relationship between Marc Antony and Cleopatra.  In this World History instructional activity, students research Marc Antony, Julius Caesar and Cleopatra, then answer specific questions about how they are...

Students participate in a round-robin writing activity started from a single writing prompt. Different coins be worked into the story throughout the course of the activity.

Students investigate symbols and colors on the Osage blanket. In this visual arts lesson, students examine a blanket from the Osage culture and identify symbols on the blanket. Students create a class blanket, including symbols which are...

Eighth graders create a poem about homeless people using images they saw on websites. After reading the book "The Outsiders", 8th graders make connections of real life homeless people with characters in the book. Students search the web...

Students begin by completing a survey asking them to rank their concerns about commercially prepared foods. They develop a definition of relative risk, and complete the "Pro or Con" worksheet. Students work in groups to make a study of...

Fourth graders examine the role a teen from the Hudson Valley played in the American Revolution. They view the map of Sybil's ride and calculate the distance using the map's legend.

Everything you wanted to know about orienteering, and more! Take your class on an adventure with this creative activity. You will need to gather some supplies and materials and maps for your specific location, but the unit sounds like it...

Fifth graders define words. They create a dichotomous key. After carefully examining pill bugs, 5th graders record observations. They compare and contrast habitats of pillbugs.

Students create short video tutorials on various American Sign Language signs. This lesson is a six-day project that begins with internet research and ends with student self-evaluations of project results.

Learners investigate life on Southern plantation during the Civil War era. In this plantation lesson, students research the life of wealthy, white families on Southern plantations and the changes that occured as a result of the Civil...

Pupils compare and contrast how the theory of atomic structure has changed over time. They explore how different people have contributed to our knowledge of the atom and its structure. Students identify how matter is made of discrete...

Young scholars conduct an experiment using leaf packs.  For this leaf lesson students complete an activity in groups and complete a handout. 

Students evaluate the relationship between biodegradable waste and dissolved oxygen in water.  In this biodegradable wastes lesson students complete a lab activity in groups then analyze their results.

Eleventh graders explore the Cuban Missile Crisis. In this Cuban Missile Crisis lesson, 11th graders take notes from a PowerPoint presentation regarding the topic and then watch the film "Thirteen Days". Students participate in...

Learners explore the U.S. Constitution through music. In this Bill of Rights lesson, students discuss a hypothetical case regarding lyrics by Madonna and the historical Massachusetts Blue Laws. Learners use the Bill of Rights to support...

Students sort a bag of M&M candies according to color using a sorting mat. They count M&M candies. They compare the number to their prediction then students create tally charts.

Eighth graders investigate the Vietnam War. In this Vietnam War lesson plan, 8th graders research the escalation of the war during Lyndon Johnson's presidency. Students also explore the domestic programs that Johnson promoted. Students...

Explore the harsh climate of Antarctica and its wildlife. Participate in experiments to determine how humans survive in the continent's climate, and address the difficulties faced by scientists.

Students critique the Creation of the U.S. Constitution. They list some ideas proposed and debated during the Constitutional Convention. Discussion of the important issues requiring compromise are examined.

Which comes first? The Ghost of Christmas Past, Present, or Future? What clues can readers use to establish the chronology of A Christmas Carol? The tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, Marley, and Tiny Tim provides the text for an activity that...

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....