Curated OER
The Periodic Table of the Elements
Students research the elements used to create fireworks. In this periodic table lesson plan, students discuss common metals, their characteristics, and their places on the periodic table. They work in small groups to research the...
Curated OER
Land Use and Lawmaking in California
Learners investigate the laws of using land. In this California Government instructional activity, students examine the many uses of land in California and find an environmental issue they care about. Learners write a letter to a...
Curated OER
Twentieth Century Entertainment: When Work is Done
Students determine how Americans enjoy leisure time. In this 20th century America activity, students research primary sources to study how Americans gained leisure time during the century and what they did with it.
Curated OER
The Art of "Green" Flying
Students create an airship that doesn't use fossil fuel. In this flying lesson, students research different types of flying machines that only use wind power. They discuss invention designs by Alexander Graham Bell and Leonardo Da Vinci...
Curated OER
Primate Primer
Students examine the different branches of the primate family tree. They create fact cards about various species of non-human primates and then write fictional skits about interactions among the different primates.
Curated OER
All Rights Reserved?
Students explore, through discussion, research, dramatic skits, and writing, the debate over genetic ownership of biological products and evaluate the economic viewpoints of the countries and companies involved.
Curated OER
Exhibiting Hope
Students watch a video clip about the effect of Hurricane Katrina. They examine the challenges that New Orleans still faces a year after the hurricane. They work together in small groups to create a museum exhibit on a topic of interest...
Curated OER
Creating Stories Using Pictographs
Fourth graders research pictograph stories written by Native Americans. They investigate the history behind pictographs, and look through a reference book identifying the different pictures. The teacher then create their own individual...
Curated OER
Bugging Out
Students explore how insects behave in their natural habitats and build dioramas to create an Insect World in their classroom. They investigate various insects and the roles they play in the environment. They write creative short...
Curated OER
Safe Food Supplies
Students answer the question how are food supplies maintained safely for human consumption? They are able to answer the following questions: what personal and pulic decisions must be made regarding the safe handling of food?, What are...
Curated OER
Helping the Needy - What now?
Students become familiar with local organizations from the four sectors of the economy that help the needy. In this service project lesson, students interview people from organizations that help the needy. Students explore the needs of...
Curated OER
Marine Protected Areas
Learners role play different stakeholders perspective on the debate about Channel Islands. In this marine science lesson, students identify different types of Marine Protected Areas. They research about their stakeholder's point of view...
Curated OER
Healthy Hearts
Students focus on advanced technologies used to treat disease impacting the cardiopulmonary system; they then reflect on the experiences of having and overcoming illnesses.
Curated OER
Forever in Our Memories
Students consider reactions to various plans for building on the grounds of the World Trade Center. They explore ideas and opinions that went into creating other memorials of events in American history and propose ideas for improving...
Curated OER
Doctors as Detectives
Students consider the investigative and detective work that goes into disease control. They research specific diseases and simulate a doctor-patient diagnosis situation.
Curated OER
Digitized Doctoring
Young scholars explore new medical technologies to exhibit in an Amazing Medical Machines technology fair. They research different types of advanced medical technologies; then create posters to summarize findings and present at a mock...
Curated OER
Keeping A Watchful Eye
Young scholars explore the use of satellite surveillance systems to track criminals. They consider how the use of this technology in law enforcement might affect them and write opinions on whether or not such a system should be adopted...
Curated OER
Kabul's Troubles
Students investigate the many political changes that Afghanistan has endured over the past century in order to better assess the impact of the recent fleeing of the Taliban from the capital of Kabul.
Curated OER
Stanza Proud
Students examine different decades in American history, finding connections between the historical events and the poetry written during these time periods. They write their own poetry based on current world events.
Curated OER
Political Puzzles
Students investigate how different liberal democracies around the world organize their governments and decide major policies. They compare their findings to the American political system, using examples of current political issues.
Curated OER
Controlling Substances
Learners consider their own understanding of household safety, examine the latest remedy deemed poisonous by physicians, and research the hazards of household products. They create public service announcements regarding potential hazards.
Curated OER
Swift Response
Students examine how matters of national security affect the press' ability to practice free speech. They read and discuss an article regarding the Swift program, discuss opinions about patriotism and the press, and write a letter to the...
Curated OER
In Praise of Political Parties
Students research a political party and prepare a report about its history, philosophy, and the party's position regarding two major political issues. They complete a variety of additional creative activities regarding their party, as well.
Curated OER
Categorizing Celestial Objects
Students work together to develop a classification system for planets. They take a class vote and read an article about an astronomer's classification system. They write an essay on how scientists make decisions for the general public.