Present third grade writers with clear learning objectives using this Common Core checklist. By phrasing each standard as I can statements, this document serves as an excellent resource for helping children further develop their writing...

What's the opposite of multiplying binomials? Learners apply their previous knowledge of multiplying binomials using algebra tiles to factor trinomials. The lesson introduces factoring as a process that uses algebra tiles to...

Students read and discuss the different animals in The Mitten book and then try to make mittens that are alike.

Students study and compare the life span of farm animals with their own. They research a farm animal, complete a table and answer comparative questions. They work in jigsaw format groups.

Students are introduced to the book Seedfolks and the concept of community. In this Seedfolks literature study lesson, the first in a unit, the teacher reads the first half of the book and students answer comprehension questions and...

Students explore self analysis by investigating other cultures. In this personal characteristics lesson, students utilize the Internet to read about a child from Niger, and many other students around the globe. Students compare their own...

Second graders investigate how objects can be described, classified and compared by their composition. They recognize that the same material can exist in different states. Students verify that things can be done to materials to change...

Eighth graders explain what makes up matter.  In this atoms lesson students define an atom and what its components are and identify properties of elements. 

Second graders explore how seeds grow into plants. They discuss types of seeds and place seeds in wet paper towels to germinate. They draw a picture in their journal to record their observations for four days. They take pictures of their...

Second graders listen to poetry to find rhyme and rhythm. In this poetry lesson, 2nd graders listen to different types of poetry and find how they are alike. They look for rhyming words and create their own rhymes. 

Students recognize that people have many different types of skin color.

Students read the Who We Are Section on Calfee Designs Webpage and discuss carbon usage. They work in pairs to look up the minerals diamond and graphite then create a chart on the properties of each mineral then compare how they differ...

Middle schoolers split geode rocks to see that they are beautiful inside. In this geodes lesson plan, students split the geodes and talk about how they have beautiful insides just like people, even if the outsides aren't that pretty.

Students explore and analyze categorizing objects, material culture artifacts, from a variety of perspectives, to consider the story behind each one. They research skills by assessing how to look at artifacts as cultural outsiders would....

Students compare and contrast the characteristics of robots and cells. In this biology instructional activity, students examine the parts and function of cell organelles. They create a visual representation of their cell/robot analogy.

First graders experiment with different states of matter in order to observe the changes in matter. In this states of matter lesson plan, 1st graders see and explain how solids, liquids, and gases change.

Students examine mammals understanding what a mammal is and reviewing the eleven mammal groups. In this science lesson, students play a game known as Mystery Mammal Game. Yet, first students research about the mammal and then give...

Students identify a neighborhood on a Landscape Picture Map. For this geography lesson, students discuss the characteristics of their neighborhood and identify their neighborhood on a Landscape Picture Map. Students use post-it notes to...

Students use a map. In this neighborhood lesson plan, students describe a neighborhood, emphasizing the common characteristics between all neighborhoods. Students locate a neighborhood on a landscape picture map and discuss.

Students study the design of snowflakes.  In this snow instructional activity, students discover the different shapes of a snowflake, and their similarities.  Students study snowflakes outside, then create their own with...

Students describe the five elements of a story--setting, characters, problem, events, and resolution. They use the Clifford series of books, and a worksheet imbedded in this lesson to help them explain the five elements of a story.

Students use a Venn diagram to differentiate between traits of low self-esteem and high self-esteem. They use a continuum to decide where their self-esteem is on a daily basis noting changes.

Eighth graders investigate how to combine polynomials using different operations. The use of tiles is done in order to accommodate those who are kinesthetic learners. The sequencing of the lesson is easy to follow.

Students study what a body system is, how they function and how the systems work in unison.