Curated OER
Social Studies
Students, when researching a space topic in connection to Indiana, find six events related to the topic with a 100% accuracy. They place the six events in chronological order, create a time line, and then make a layered book out of them...
Curated OER
Emotion or Reason?
Students use persuasive devices to construct oral or written arguments. In this arguments instructional activity, students discuss the types of persuasive devices used in arguments and form groups to select a topic to research. Students...
Curated OER
Impromptu Speech
Students present a speech. In this public speaking lesson, students learn what an impromptu speech is and the important facets of the introduction and conclusion. Students present an impromptu speech.
Curated OER
Off We Go
First graders identify different types of transportation, and explain why each is important. They pretend they are going on a trip. They choose their mode of transportation, and use play money to buy their tickets.
Curated OER
Show! Don't Tell!
Young scholars write a descriptive paragraph. In this writing lesson, students define elaboration and discuss the characteristics of an elaborate paragraph. Young scholars write a paragraph that contains vivid adjectives, strong verbs...
Curated OER
Hank Williams: Still Singing After All These Years
Students research the life and music of Hank Williams. They take a quiz on country music, watch a video about Hank Williams, research Williams' song lyrics, create a poster and write a bio poem about his life and work.
Curated OER
Guideline For Book Reports
High schoolers are introduced to the guidelines regarding their upcoming book report. As a class, they brainstorm opening statements to grab the reader's attention and what type of information to present. They must include an evaluation...
Curated OER
Separating Soup Mix
Students use screens of three sizes to separate a mixture of five solid materials. They plan and conduct simple investigations using appropriate tools, measures, and safety rules and record and report observations, explanations, and...
Curated OER
Could You Elaborate on That?
Fourth graders engage in a lesson which teaches the parts of an expository essay and how to organize and write an expository piece from a given topic. After a lecture/demo, 4th graders utilize a worksheet imbedded in this plan which...
Curated OER
Henry Luce: Turn Me Luce
High schoolers research the life of Henry Luce, Time Magazine's founder, and examine the impact his magazine has had on the way American's see the world. They create a photo-essay, magazine or video to present their research.
Curated OER
Introduce Solids
Students identify and interpret a variety of solid materials - cloth, wood, metal, plastic, paper, and rubber. After a period of free exploration, they then describe the properties of the objects and develop vocabulary in order to...
Curated OER
Student Created Course Descriptions
Sixth graders create a powerpooint presentation for next year's incoming class outlining the curriculum. Working in groups, 6th graders are assigned a portion of the curriculum to cover in their presentation. Multimedia slides are...
Curated OER
Marian Anderson: From Page to Stage
High schoolers become immersed in a compelling anecdote of the civil rights movement through the experience of constructing dramatic scripts. An added goal is to equip students, through this "hands-on" experience, to critique dramatic...
Curated OER
Amazing Apes
Students explore the world of apes. For this reading skills lesson, students complete a jigsaw reading activity (the reading material is not included) regarding orangutans.
Curated OER
Emlyndo Word Search Puzzle
For this literacy worksheet, middle schoolers look for the words in the puzzle that are related to the theme of the word search. The vocabulary and spelling are emphasized.
Curated OER
Biome Web Quest
Third graders create paper mache globes, paint them and label the oceans and the continents. In groups, they research a biome, write about it and create an artistic visual representation of the biome and present it to the class.
Curated OER
Erie Canal: Journey Back in Time
Fourth graders read the novel, The Eric Canal, identifying the characters and setting. They respond to daily reading by writing in journals and complete a short answer test upon completion of the novel.
Curated OER
Houses or Walaloos
Investigate the legal history and application of the Fifth Amendment. Write an essay in favor of a person keeping land that has been in his/her family for decades.
Curated OER
December Celebrations
Learners explore the various ways people in our country and other countries conduct celebrations during the month of December. They research the celebration they've chosen and will present this to the class.
Curated OER
We Need Cash
Students describe charitable, religious, and civic services in their community, and argue for the value of these services. They write a one-page explanation as to why this service is important to the community and why it deserves $5,000.
Curated OER
The Final Word
Although this activity is based on “Final Word,” Craig Wilson’s USA Today column, the strategies could be adapted to any local columnist. After reading three articles independently, groups share observations about content and style used...
Curated OER
Determining Ideas and Adding Details
A handy TFDC (topic/fact/detail/conclusion) graphic organizer (included) allows young writers to outline and record their main ideas and supporting details in the prewriting phase. They then continue to add details to the topic sentences...
Curated OER
Biography: Telling Someone's Life Story
There are many different ways to help your students get excited about writing biographies.
Curated OER
Can You Figure Language?
Eighth graders study similes and metaphors and how to explain and create them. After a lecture/demo, 8th graders access websites and worksheets imbedded in this plan to create their own writing.