Curated OER
Chromatography of Foods
Learners complete a counter top chemistry experiment on the chromatography of foods. The experiment is based upon the relative attraction of the components of the mixture for the mobile phase (water) and the stationery phase (paper).
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A Sculptor's Model
Students investigate visual arts by researching art on the Internet. In this expressionism lesson, students identify several famous artworks on-line based on self expression and discuss the techniques. Students examine steel sculptures...
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The Paper Dutch Kite
Students construct a Dutch Kite using simple materials. In this math lesson, students measure kite dimensions according to specified instructions. They also describe and define the different parts of a kite.
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Art Techniques
Third graders create a self portrait using correct proportions and details. After completing their portrait, they exchange their portrait with that of a classmate and offer constructive criticism of the portrait and suggestions for...
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Origami
Students, through active participation in Japanese origami, demonstrate their skills in this cultural art form and develop an appreciation for other cultures.
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Symmetrical Mummy Drawings/Mixed Media
Second graders explore Egyptian culture, including mummification, and hieroglyphic writings. They create their own mummy case using paper and a variety of materials. Students use symmetry to create their mummy.
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Pumpkins
Third graders create a pumpkin lantern. They work in groups to illustrate the growth of a pumpkin seed. Students are asked what they think of when they see the color orange. They choice one person from the group to get a piece of...
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People Take the Stand
Students learn how to be a philanthropist. For this community lesson, students define words associated with philanthropy. Students read Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes and discuss the problem and how it was solved. Students...
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Main Idea and Supporting Details
Pupils identify main idea and supporting details from a short reading selection using a two-column note taking process. For this literacy lesson, students work in groups of three to four, then compare their papers with the other groups'...
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Vocabulary Songs: Vocabulary Reinforcement Activity
Students compose songs using vocabulary words. In this vocabulary lesson, students are introduced to a new set of vocabulary words and their definitions. Students collaborate in groups of three or four to write new lyrics to the tune of...
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Japanese Fans
Fourth graders, understanding that fans are part of the cultural tradition of Japan, create fans that incorporate design techniques and ornamentation similar to that used in Japan. They also use the fan as an aid to expressive action.
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Let There Be Peace On Earth
Students discuss the concept of peace and brainstorm ways to show peace. They read "Sadako & the Thousand paper Cranes" and discuss the theme of the story. After watching a video of "A Thousand Paper Cranes peace Project 1977,"...
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Use A Chair To Teach Math
Pupils learn basic measuring techniques by measuring a chair. In this measuring lesson plan, students are asked to measure the various parts of a chair, and then record their measurements. Then they have to calculate different math...
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The Artist As Storyteller
Students practice the art of storytelling by examining scroll writing techniques of Asia and applying them to a monthly story of their own classroom. This activity is in two parts (Part II continues throughout the school year).
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Build an Electrophoresis Chamber
Students explore electrophoresis, a technique used to isolate DNA. They assemble a gel chamber for separating mixtures. Students observe separation influenced by electric charge. They define separation through gel electrophoresis.
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Earthquakes and Seismic Waves
Students investigate the Richter scale and seismology in a teacher-led lab in which they are introduced to the concept of seismic waves and epicenter location. They further investigate the inner workings of a seismograph and practice...
Curated OER
"For The Birds" [part II]
Students examine how Chinese and Japanese artists used different kinds of birds
as representations of ideas that were important in both cultures and create their own birds using the technique of origami.
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World Percussion Instruments
Fourth graders study percussion instruments from various world cultures. In this percussion instruments lesson, 4th graders listen to percussive sound sources, learn playing techniques, and create compositions for instruments they...
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Tube Construction
Students are encouraged to recycle. They are provided the opportunity to construct a paper sculpture in the round. Students apply recycled products to create their sculpture. They share their creations with the class.
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Weather Mobile
Students color the lightning part of the thunder cloud and then cut out the pattern. They then cut out the cloud pattern and put cotton onto it with glue. They then fold a piece of paper several times to create a snowflake to which they...
Perkins School for the Blind
Testing the Strength of a Column
Columns have been used throughout the world because they are good load-bearing structures. Learners with visual impairments conduct an experiment to work through the design process as well as to understand this engineering phenomenon....
Dick Blick Art Materials
Deconstructed Books
Scissors, glue, and an old book. Punches, crimpers, and rulers. Kids gather their tools and get set to create relief sculptures by deconstructing books.
Curated OER
Sculpture in Balance
Students discuss the difference betwen two-dimensional vs. three-dimensional art. In this art lesson, students discuss what symmetry or balance is in art and construct a symmetrical and an asymmetrical mobile.
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Project-Based Learning and the Arts
What's so great about Project-Based learning? Read to learn how projects can help kids apply higher-order thinking skills, conduct thoughtful investigations, and make cross curricular connections. This short article includes five...