CCSS Math Activities
Smarter Balanced Sample Items: 8th Grade Math – Claim 4
A math model is a good model. A slide show presents 10 sample items on modeling and data analysis. Items from Smarter Balanced illustrate different ways that Claim 4 may be assessed on the 8th grade math assessment. The presentation is...
Curated OER
History of the Earth
Students work together in groups to research the characteristics of the Mesozoic Era. Using various sources, they must include information about climate, landforms, plants and animals found during this time period. They create a...
Curated OER
The Laughing Leaf
Students demonstrate real-object writing. They discuss a leaf that has human attributes, and using a real leaf write a story about a leaf that tells them a joke, and create an illustration of themselves and their leaf.
Curated OER
We Really Dig Archeology and Palentology
Sixth graders examine the differences between archeology and paleontology. Using the internet, they explore the tools and techniques used in each field. They must use the correct tools to uncover and record the objects they find. They...
Curated OER
Cooking with the Sun!
Learners access prior knowledge of solar energy and understand that solar energy produces heat. In this solar cooker activity, students complete grade appropriate experiments using the heat of the sun. Learners complete a worksheet on...
Curated OER
Gone But Not Forgotten
Third graders examine animals and organisms that have become extinct and their similarities to living organisms. In this extinction instructional activity students divide into groups and research extinct animals.
Curated OER
Life Underground
First graders build a terrarium in order to observe animal and plant life dynamics. In this biology lesson, 1st graders compare how organisms survive in different environments. They write their observations and analysis in their journal.
Curated OER
Not Just For A Baby's Bottom
Eighth graders investigate the presence of talc in the geologic record. The different characteristics of talc is covered. The lesson includes background information for the teacher.
Curated OER
Earth Time Scale
Students research the past eras in history including the Precambrian, Paleozoic, Mesozoic and the Cenozoic. In this time scale lesson students take part in a lab that allows the students a better understanding of the timeline of...
Alabama Learning Exchange
Alex: Dinosaur Fossils
Students will enhance their understanding of fossils. Students explore fossils by creating their own fossil imprints using Play-Doh and Plaster of Paris.
American Geosciences Institute
American Geosciences Institute: What Can Fossil Footprints Tell Us?
In this investigation, students examine an image of multiple fossil footprint tracks. They try to construct an explanation for the events that created the pattern of tracks. Even though students come up with different explanations for...
American Museum of Natural History
American Museum of Natural History: Paleont O Logy: The Big Dig
This colorful and inviting resource houses tons of paleontology activities to explore. Play the Layers of Time puzzle game, create your own make-believe dig site by burying chicken bones in plaster of Paris, learn how to draw dinosaurs,...
Natural History Museum
Nhm: From Bodies to Bones and Back Again
Can dinosaurs be recreated like in the movie Jurassic Park? This resource describes the reality of re-creating a genetic blueprint of dinosaurs.
EL Education
El Education: Get a Clue
This nonfiction children's book was created by 1st grade students at the Genesee Valley Community Charter School in Rochester, New York, as part of a learning expedition on fossils and local geological history. The expedition consisted...
University of Kentucky
University of Kentucky: Earth Science Classroom Activities
A collection of links to activities and lessons that could be used for Earth science concepts including the foil record, creating a timeline of Earth's history, plate tectonics, dinosaurs, and the progression of life on Earth.