Curated OER
His and Her-bariums
Students collect and identify plant species from campus, create a home herbarium, and compare with the plant species from school.
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Odd and even
Learners play a game requiring them to select groups of odd or even numbers of objects with the aim of reaching a total which is an odd number. They carry out a more formal investigation of patterns in additions of odd and even numbers.
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Stamp Act: Virtual Representation vs. Actual Representation
Eleventh graders research and discuss the different points of view of colonists in terms of taxation, as well as how these viewpoints helped lead to the revolution.
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Walking Magic
Students conduct experiment with water striders by placing the insect in two different solutions and discuss their observations. They discover that weight and surface area are important factors in their experiment.
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Magical Maps
Second graders discuss the importance of using maps and how they are used. After they listen to a folktale, they develop their own story line maps and write their own folktale to accompany a map. They also identify and locate the seven...
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Scarcity of Land Throughout the World and in Hawaii
Students discuss the importance of "land." They review the four types of land classification--urban, rural, agricultural and conservation--and participate in an activity involving an apple that demonstrates the use of land in Hawaii....
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Geography of China (Tibet)
Sixth graders study the geography of Tibet. They create maps of Tibet. Students predict population, land area, water area and coastline length of the United States and Tibet. Students compare and contrast the day-to-day lives of people...
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Why did the can crush?
Students watch a demonstration to ascertain why a soda can crushed. They make observations and hypothesize about why a soda can crushed and relate the difference in pressure to its affect on objects around us (soda can). Explanation is...
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Counting on Frank
Eighth graders read a book "Counting on Frank" with a partner. Using the text, they identify eight clues and use their mathematical reasoning in real-life situations. They participate in a game and turn in a notebook in which they write...
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Scientific Method Unit: Bacteria
Students discover how to apply the steps of the inquiry process through the study of bacteria. Working in groups of four, they cooperatively read an article about bacteria and complete a graphic organizer. Group members share with others...
Foreign Policy Research Institute
Debate: Islam & Democracy
World religion or social studies classes studying Islam may find this debate-based instructional activity useful for exploring Islam and its compatibility with democracy. The final assessment is a five-paragraph persuasive essay. Some...
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Imagine That! Analyzing Imagery
Poems by O. Henry, Marion Dane Bauer, Monty Roberts, and Langston Hughes provide the text for a study of symbolism, hyperbole, and imagery. Employing the “think-pair-share” strategy learners generate definitions of these terms and locate...
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Check it Out...Nonfiction Can Be Fun!
Organizing information gathered for a research topic can be a challenge. Read aloud notes you have collected on a topic and use suggestions offer by the class to categorize and sort this information. Partners then follow this pattern,...
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AIDS Child Activist Dies
Students read an article on AIDS child activist Nkosi Johnson, and examine the extraordinary difficulties faced by students who have AIDS. They write reflection papers on Nkosi Johnson and how his example can help people in their own lives.
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BEETLES: The Coming Out
Students design an experiment to test the variables involved in the hatching of the Bruchid beetle.
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Schoolyard Bird Project
Middle schoolers observe and count bird sightings around their schoolyard throughout the school year.
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Hurricanes
Pupils research the formation and life-span of hurricanes and, after analyzing statistics, try their hand at plotting and predicting the course a hurricane.
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Latitude
Students examine the theory of finding latitude and discuss the uses of an astrolabe, cross-staff and octant. They determine an Astronomical Table for their classroom.
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Compass Deviation
Learners identify and describe the difference between the magnetic north pole and true north. They consider why sailors could not steer a straight course to the New World from the Old.
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Alcohol and Pregnancy Don't Mix!
Seventh graders learn about John Kellerman, a youngster who was born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. They learn how alcohol and pregnancy doesn't mix.
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Draw the Line: Public Safety v. Amenability to Treatment A Juvenile Case
Students role play a case that involves a decision as to whether an action was a juvenile prank or an act of vandalism. They investigate the workings of determining certification of a juvenile to adult court.
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King Tutankhamun: Was It Murder?
Students complete a WebQuest in which they research ancient Egypt and King Tutankhamun. They determine the difference between historical fact and interpretation before using their research to develop an essay or PowerPoint.
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Let the Sunshine In
Ninth graders conduct an experiment which demonstrates the absorption and reflection of sunlight by measuring the heat flow through various window coverings. They predict the relative amount of the sun's heat. Students draw conclusions...
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Budgeting for the Future
Eighth graders determine the net amount of an income for a fictional job. They must determine their net worth minus standard deductions. Students must then determine their monthly budget including, groceries, credit, and rent.