Chicago Botanic Garden
Historical Climate Cycles
Ice core samples give scientists access to climates of old—those from more than 800,000 years ago. Through an analysis of various temperature graphs from ice cores, tree rings, and weather stations, scholars compare historical climates...
National Wildlife Federation
It's All in the Name: Weather Versus Climate
What goes up when rain comes down? An umbrella! Activity eight in the series of 12 explores weather and climate. In pairs, participants analyze maps, watch a short video, create a weather forecast, and complete a reading to determine the...
NOAA
History's Thermometers
How is sea coral like a thermometer? Part three of a six-part series from NOAA describes how oceanographers can use coral growth to estimate water temperature over time. Life science pupils manipulate data to determine the age of corals...
Curated OER
The Japanese Empire: The Beginning
Ninth graders explore empires by researching Japan's history. In this Japanese research lesson, 9th graders discuss the history of Japan and the elements of World War II that caused Japan to become an enemy of the United States. Students...
Curated OER
Weapons of War
Learners discuss how American and Great Britian attacked Afghanistan after September 11. They analyze different types of aircraft, missiles, and munitiions used in the attacks in Afghanistan.
Curated OER
Animation
Students describe what ways did the motion picture industry influence American lifestyle in the 1920's? They evaluate the role of motion pictures in people's lives leading up to the Great Depression.
Curated OER
Pattern Matching
First graders examine how to determine the lines of symmetry in pictures, shapes, and patterns by completing the lessons in this unit. They make patterns that show a line of symmetry and describe it using their own language.
Curated OER
Egyptian Fractions
Sixth graders take a brief look at what is known about Egyptian Fractions. These are unit fractions - fractions whose numerator is one. We look at how fractions can be represented in terms of Egyptian Fractions. Finally we suggest a web...
Curated OER
What Made George Washington a Good Military Leader?
Students list qualities they believe made George Washington an effective military leader. They discuss some difficulties Washington faced as Commander-in-Chief and describe his response to the Newburgh Conspiracy.
Curated OER
I Heard It Through the Grapevine
Students write a first-person narrative from the perspective of a runaway slave, or a historical character of the period, and present their story orally.
Curated OER
The Age of Jackson
Students study the image of Andrew Jackson. In this presidential history lesson students investigate the political image that was groomed by Jackson as they examine advertisements. Students compose essays regarding the topic.
Curated OER
Maps Can Help Us
First graders explore the geography of Montana by analyzing geographic maps of the area. In this Native American reservation lesson, 1st graders discuss the similarities and differences between reservations in the state of Montana....
Curated OER
What Is a Primary-Source Document?
Students discover what a primary-source document is, what different types there were back in 1867, and what newer kinds there are today. They play a form of bingo using printed cards that reproduce documents related to Confederation.
Curated OER
Arkansas History Lesson Plan
Students discover the history of their state by working in a group. In this U.S. history lesson, students investigate the state of Arkansas by reading their textbook and participating in art activities. Students discover the geography...
Curated OER
Andrew Jackson and the Use of Martial Law and the Suspension of Habeas Corpus
Students explore the use of martial law at the Battle of New Orleans. In this Andrew Jackson lesson, students analyze primary documents pertaining to the move by Jackson to use martial law in the battle. Students then consider situations...
Michigan Sea Grant
Water Quantity
It may be tricky for a young mind to conceptualize that less than 1% of all water on earth is useable for humans to drink. Simulating the amount of fresh water available on earth by removing measured amounts of water from a five-gallon...
Curated OER
Ancient Cultures News Broadcast
How does geography influence daily life? Guided by an essential question, class groups select and then research an ancient culture, and develop a news broadcast about the geographical setting and its impact on the culture. Teams select...
Curated OER
The South Wins Gettysburg!
Young scholars explore American Civil War, hypothesize that the Union Army was defeated at Gettysburg by Lee's army, and write an essay describing how different North America would be today if the South had won the Civil War.
Curated OER
Constitutional Convention
Students develop a constitution for a hypothetical country called Permistan by reviewing the constitutions from the other countries they have already studied.
Curated OER
Learning About Mammals
Students study the mammal classification and forms of them living in the United States. In this mammal study lesson plan, students read through orders of mammals that exist in the United States. Students also study the taxonomy of an...
Curated OER
Four Fours Challenge
Second graders look at the number patterns created when tins are stacked in different arrangements. The aim of the unit is for students to keep track of the numbers involved by drawing up a table of values. They are then encouraged to...
Curated OER
A Case of Innovation
Students use strategies to comprehend technical writing. They write reports with great detail, supporting material, and clear vocabulary. They incorporate source materials into their speaking and writing and use voice, tone, and style.
Curated OER
Addendum to the Written Curriculum: Measuring Solids
Learners use standard rulers to measure the length of common classroom items - such as pencils, books, desk tops - in inches and centimeters, and measure weight in pounds. They also answer math questions, such as "How long is the front...
Curated OER
Genetics: Who are you?
Study, manipulate, and research genetic traits. Discuss how genetic traits are passed from one generation to another. Classmates explore how they look like their parents and debate whether or not they can do anything about it? They...