Introduce primary graders to the writing process. After reviewing the steps, they practice using the process by writing a book report. Before writing the draft, they complete a graphic organizer. The completed draft is reviewed by peers....

A set of explorations for the two scenes of Act 2 of Hamlet. The inquires cover the essentials of the plot. The answers could be found by reading a detailed summary or Cliffsnotes. It is useful for checking reading...

Middle schoolers begin the lesson by reading a novel about the diversity of geography in Africa. They are to create an oral report based on information they research. They also communicate with someone through email about the situation...

Young scholars read a passage from Geraldine Brooks's novel Year of Wonders. They generate questions to clarify the meaning of the text and make connections between the text and information learned in their history and science classes.

Fifth graders take part in a mini-lesson on characterization, discuss roles for Literary Circles and meet for the first true session of their Literary Circles.

Pupils examine data about the effects of speed in car accidents. They create their own media campaign about safety while driving. They share their ideas with the class.

Seventh graders give persuasive presentations based on the questions they have researched. They examine appropriate delivery techniques for effective persuasive presentations. (Note: This lesson should be taught, after students have...

Eighth graders write a multi paragraphed, expository composition that explanins how one would conduct themself before, during, and after a job interview. In order to be prepared for the interview, 8th graders complete a thesis, have an...

High schoolers examine the role of prophets/advocates in society and define qualities and characteristics of an effective prophet. They list qualities of prophets and discuss which characteristic is most important.

Students compare authors Rachel Carson and Mary Eliza Church Terrell. They read an introduction by Alice Walker and summarize the main points. They also identify the language she uses to persuade readers. They write their own activist...

Students investigate reasons why people sought freedom to worship in the United States and some of the difficulties and issues facing them in their immigration. As immigrants, they write letters to family members in the old country.

Eighth graders discover that literature can be a great way to gather information about the past. Using various types of text, they research its historical data and determine if it is correct. They write two papers to respond to the...

Students discover words through text, audio and images that begin with the letter B.  In this letter B lesson, students download an ebook and navigate through an interactive reading activity. 

Fifth graders are in Literary Circles according to the book they've chosen and choose roles.

Students read poem The Song of the Murdered Jewish People, listen to Requiem based on poem, work on reading poem as music plays, discuss reasons for composer's musical choices, and investigate possibilities of performing a reading for an...

Students examine writings of Mary Eliza Church Terrell. They role play themselves as an African American woman in the 19th century. They describe her actions and how they benefited minorities.

Pupils discover the names and history of cities in San Mateo county. Using the Internet, they research the history of their city and share their information with their classmates. They also write an essay in which they reference...

Students explore forces that hinder and help them achieve their goals. In this language arts lesson, students brainstorm ways in which they can address the forces that hinder and help. Students write in their journals. Students address...

In this magnetic circuits learning exercise, students answer 16 questions about magnetic flux, resistance, voltage, current, and reluctance.

Students research real-time and historic temperature data of U.S. and world locations, and analyze the data using mean, median, and mode averages. They graph the data and draw conclusions by analyzing the data. A spreadsheet is used to...

Students explore current events by sharing information about the Japanese nuclear plant. In this nuclear energy instructional activity, students discuss the pros and cons of nuclear energy plants and whether or not they can typically...

Students explore what tornados are, how they are created and measured, and what their effects are on communities. They keep a journal of their activities and explorations as part of an ongoing process of learning.

Fourth graders explore the trade relationships that existed in the late 1700's Colonial America. In this American history instructional activity, 4th graders examine English and Cherokee trade treaties by reviewing primary and...

Students perform a readers theater about Anne Hutchinson and her religious dissent. In this religious dissent lesson plan, students re-enact her trial through the reader's theater.