Cornell University
Spectral Analysis with DVDs and CDs
Build a spectrometer to analyze properties of light. Scholars examine the spectrum from CDs and DVDs from two different light sources. Using the spectrum, they work to identify different elements.
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Sentence Basics
Target subject-verb agreement with a cleanly-designed presentation. The PowerPoint is made up of an introductory section on the parts of a sentence and five mini lessons that focus on particular situations. A decent presentation for...
Curated OER
"Impressionism Painting"
Help your class build visual literacy and artistic ability by having them create a unique impressionistic painting. They'll review impressionistic techniques, and then they'll set to work with paints and collage as they express...
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Community Explorations
Students identify the strengths and weakness in their community. They take a community walk and take pictures of people interacting with the environment and the "green spaces" in their community. They then write a persuasive essay...
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Energy: Power to the People
Students explore the concept of renewable energy. In this green design lesson, students research local energy issues facing their community and create policies to address the issues.
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BIOMIMICRY, Housing Naturally: Habitat as Model
Students explore natural animal habitats. In this lesson plan on biomimicry and habitation design, students will use classroom and field examples to examine animal habitats. Students will construct a model of a natural animal habitat....
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Red Light, Green Light
Students investigate the friction between tires and the road and how it affects the movement of cars while driving. They discuss and define friction, experiment with sandpaper and wax paper to determine which material provides the least...
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Black, Striped, White, & Plaid: Changing Patterns
Students create a new design for an everyday object using color and patterns after observing objects that surround them in the classroom; focusing on five examples that are either solid colored or patterned.
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Sea to Sky Adjectives Booklet
Adjectives build better sentences! First, second, third, and fourth graders design adjective booklets that feature words to describe everything between the sea and the sky.
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Global Water Crisis
Assign ecologists one of five countries that struggle with access to clean water. They research the water crisis in that country and then present information to classmates. A handout was designed for each country, and a worksheet on...
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Hoot: Anticipation Guide
Should companies be able to build wherever they want? Are animals worth protecting? Explore the literary themes from Carl Hiaasen's Hoot with an anticipation guide. Kids read ten statements and decide if they agree or disagree, then...
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Cornmeal with Powder Paint
Pre schoolers use art to build observational skills and eye-hand coordination. They squeeze art into a ribbon like shape on their paper, then sprinkle cornmeal and powder paint over it. They watch as water is sprayed on top of the...
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Center for Northwestern Art: Featured Objects
Each of the slides in this presentation provide learners with an image found at a northwestern art museum and a critical analysis of what can be seen in each piece. Learners can view this prior to a museum trip in order to build...
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Design a Wildlife Habitat-Habitat Detective
Students discuss ways people have changed landscapes and how this effects wildlife. They map the area around their school and keep a journal of wildlife they see. They predict how to preserve the wildlife they see for future generations.
DiscoverE
Squishy Circuits
Make electricity flow through Play-Doh. Individuals create animals or other creatures using Play-Doh. The engineering aspect? Eyes that light up and Play-Doh that conducts electricity.
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Biomimicry, Nature: Architecture of the Future
Students explore the relationship between nature and architecture. In this cross curriculum history, culture, and architecture lesson, students observe and discuss structures visible in nature. Students view websites in which Native...
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Leprechaun Traps Using Simple Machines
Are you looking for a fun way to incorporate St. Patrick's Day into your science curriculum? Try designing and building leprechaun traps!
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Blast from the Past
Students analyze historic artifacts to help gain an understanding of how the past has impacted their lives. They explain ways "design" can be both a noun and a verb. Students use internet resources to view and learn about artifacts that...
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Patterns
Fourth graders investigate patterns and sequences. In this patterns and sequences lesson, 4th graders use a hundreds chart to build recurring patterns. Students skip count by threes and fives on a hundreds chart by coloring multiples...
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Staghorn Coral
Students recognize that staghorn coral helps reef growth in the Caribbean. In this Coral Reef lesson, students design a habitat model using various art materials to explain how staghorn coral helps the reef grow. Students share their...
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What to Do with a $20 Bill Besides Spend It
Students explore the concept of anti-counterfeiting measure. In this economics lesson, students use science equipment to discover anti-counterfeiting designs. Students then explore other denominations of bills.
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Discovering Fall
Young scholars explore the American landscape during fall. After viewing paintings of fall, learners imagine themselves there and what it would be like. They then build an understanding of the painter's use of detail and color before...
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Create-A-Town Simulation
Students design and construct a model town. In this community instructional activity, students will collaboratively build a small town from construction paper and toys.
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The Parts of a Tree
Students create a tree model. In this parts of a tree lesson, students read A Tree is a Plant, then discuss what trees are used for. Students use various materials to build and label their own tree.