What better way to learn about ecosystems than by getting outside and observing them first hand? Accompanying a field trip to a local park or outdoor space, this series of collaborative activities engages children in...

An engaging experiment allows scholars to understand why the recommendation is to wash for 20 seconds with soap and water — while making them aware of their own habits! 

During a cholera outbreak, scientists presented two theories; one theory was based on miasma and the other on germs and contaminated water. The activity looks at the scientific process for finding the real culprit. 

Middle schoolers read about Alaska's physical systems and determine how Alaska's physical makeup has impacted its history. They create timelines of their particular physical system.

Students identify the Equator, North Pole, and South Pole on the globe. In this map skills lesson, students use a globe marker to locate specific locations on the globe. Students find where they live in relation to the Equator.

Sixth graders utilize their prior knowledge of the Woolly Mammoth to hypothesize what life was like for the Paleoindians. They write a story about a day in the life of a Paleoindian hunter.

Young scholars are introduced to map making and reading. Using maps, they identify the cardinal directions and discuss the importance of a legend. They analyze the human characteristics of the classroom and create overhead view maps of...

Pupils listen to a read-aloud discussing the landmarks of the United States. In pairs, they use the internet to research a landmark of their choice. They create a visual aid to be given with a presentation sharing the information they...

Fourth graders begin their examination of the Hawaiian Islands. Using their island bookmarks from a previous lesson, they work together to put the information into a book. They identify the physical and human characteristics of the...

Students use the program SKYPE to speak to a pal in a Latin American country and describe their life and compare and contrast it to the other's. In this SKYPE lesson plan, students create digital presentations about life in North...

Students use the Internet to discover information about the Koala. They examine their diet, behavior, and habitat.

Students discover how getting food from farm-to-fork involves several steps and many hands. In this interactive food chain lesson, students respond to a series of questions about food distribution then work collaboratively to create a...

Students use geographic information to make an outline map of Africa, then demonstrate their understanding of the physical landscape of Africa by using a variety of materials to create a physical map of Africa

Third graders discuss the differences between the clothing choices within the three regions in Africa and in Hawaii.

Students examine how goods and ideas moved along an ancient trade route between China and Europe. They make charts of items, ideas, etc. that were transported along the Silk Route.

Second graders identify major spices found in the world. They link spices with countries they are grown in and the uses for these valuable items.

Students investigate a variety of maps to explain what each one is used for.

Students brainstorm a list of the different types of maps they have seen or used. Using the activity sheet, they look through a social studies book to find all the maps and to determine what they are used for. Using a poster, they review...

Students discover the peace corps and the culture of Chad. In this cultural awareness lesson, students watch a slide show and examine various primary sources from peace corps volunteers in Africa. This lesson includes web-links,...

Students explore where agricultural commodities used in snack foods are grown. They choose a snack food and locate the top five states that produce the food that the snack is made from.

A fun (and delicious!) lesson teaches measurement to your third graders. They work in small groups to first predict, then to measure the weight, circumference, and number of seeds found in a watermelon. Everyone gets to eat watermelon...

Young writers use technology and other media to research information on a chosen topic. They explore countries where keypals and e-mail friends are located. Using their writing skills, they correspond with their e-mail friend and...

Students use satellite data to see how radiation budget relates to the ice that is present in the North.  In this energy lesson students correlate data to see a relationship. 

Written as an accompaniment to a field trip to the Out of Africa Wildlife Park in Arizona, this is an interdisciplinary, themed lesson on lions. Even if you cannot take your upper-elementary kids to this attraction, there are a few...