Curated OER
Shapes and Patterns in Art and Oceans
First graders draw, cut out, and design their own fish shapes by cutting out shapes and putting them together. In this shapes and patterns worksheet, 1st graders also construct a stamp and print patterns with stamps to repeat a...
Curated OER
Dancing Polygons and Non-Polygons with Patterns
Second graders study movements. In this dance lesson, 2nd graders draw patterns selecting one to represent through movement with their body.
Curated OER
Three Visions for African Americans
Students consider the plight of African Americans in post-Reconstruction America. In this African American history lesson, students discover the visions of African American leaders Booker T. Washington, W. E. B. Du Bois, and Marcus...
Curated OER
Animal Communication
Middle schoolers understand that all species have some capacity for communication. Students are exposed to the fact that all species have a capacity for communication. They are enlighten to the fact that communication abilities range...
Curated OER
What can I do?
Students identify feelings and explore positive ways to handle conflict. In this mental health lesson plan students discuss feelings and how to constructively handle them.
Improving Measurement and Geometry in Elementary Schools
The Sum of the Interior Angles of a Polygon
Junior geometers discover that polygons can be decomposed into triangles and that the number of triangles can be determined by a rule. Note that the Geometer’s Sketchpad® software is required to carry out all components of this...
Curated OER
Baseball Cards
Students read a short story on baseball cards and reflect on Honus Wagner's decision to withdraw his card. In this baseball cards lesson plan, students study how children used cards in the 1930's and express their understanding of Honus...
Curated OER
Social Studies: Maryland and Its Culture
Students discuss the history and culture of Baltimore, Maryland. they discover the importance of the city's port along with the state bird and song. Background sources include "The Prairie Dog That Met the President" and "Journey of...
Curated OER
Crawford Grill: Opening the Doors of Opportunity
Analyze the role the Crawford Grill played in the history of Jazz music. Budding historians research interviews and video clips to learn about the Crawford Grill in Pennsylvania and black music history. The lesson culminates when...
Curated OER
What's In a Name?
Young scholars explore onomastics. In this baseball history activity, students create their own team name and explain the name they chose. After choosing a team name young scholars support their choice with revelant reasons and be able...
Curated OER
Shoebox Dig
Students participate in a simulation in which they dig for artifacts in a shoebox filled with objects. In groups, they record the types of material and artifacts found in each layer. To end the instructional activity, they answer...
Curated OER
Insects
Third graders research an insect and creates a brochure on that selected insect. Each student develops a Venn Diagram comparing similarities and differences between moths and butterflies.
Curated OER
Disposable Diaper Comparison and Mystery Powder Identification
Students investigate which diaper is the most absorbent. In this chemistry lesson, students calculate how much water is absorbed by diapers. They identify an unknown powder based on physical and chemical properties.
Curated OER
Keeping Warm When it is Cold: How does a polar bear keep warm?
Students make a model of a polar bear and discuss why fur/skin color is important. They also perform a simple experiment using black and white socks to determine how color affects temperature.
Curated OER
The Hunter Using Children's Literature to Teach the Geography of Africa
Students are able to answer basic questions about the region and the use of natural resources, sketch a mental map of the story's setting, and find their way through the thematic maze/map.
Curated OER
A Polynomial Quilt
Tenth graders create polynomial quilts. In this polynomials lesson, 10th graders use concrete models, such as construction paper, to create various shapes described. Students use the FOIL method to multiply terms and to get a square...
Curated OER
Saving An Endangered Species
Second graders participate in a fundraiser for an endangered species. They evaluate websites for animal adoption/sponsorship, select an endangered species, and develop, advertise, and implement a fund-raising plan for their selected...
University of Minnesota
Beautiful Brain: Strangest Dream
Do words change or add meaning or interest to a work of art? The final lesson in a four-part series on the beautiful brain as a work of art focuses on art analysis. Scholars write a story about exploring art from the inside. Reflections...
University of Minnesota
Beautiful Brain: Do You See What I See?
Can art play tricks on your eyes, and can a still painting really appear to vibrate? The second lesson in a four-part series discusses the way our beautiful brains translate visual images. It highlights the style of optical art and...
University of Minnesota
Beautiful Brain: Step Inside the Brain
Before digital microscopes, scientists hired artists to draw the things visible in the microscope. Through training in neuroscience and art, Cajal revolutionized the way we view the beautiful brain. The third lesson in a series of four...
Curated OER
Mapping the West
Students determine how Americans' perception of the geographical features of the West changed following the Lewis and Clark expedition. They analyze historical maps of the West.
Curated OER
Cold Hard Facts? What Inquiring Minds Will Know -- Inquiry-Based Ice Investigations
Students are introduced to the concepts of perimter, diameter, circumference and measurements. In groups, they complete two worksheets in which they determine if the ice dimensions make a difference in the way it floats. They discuss...
Curated OER
Constructivist Theory
Students in a teacher education program are introduced to the constructivist theory. In grade level teams, they take their subject matter focus and create lesson plans related to the constructivist theory. They are graded with a rubric...
Curated OER
Introduction to Musical Theater
Students made oral presentations of a famous muscial theater performance. They research the musical, view selections, and listen to music.