Skills, talents, and personal qualities are the focus of the fourth session in a 23-instructional activity series of life skills exercises. Participants build a mind map of all the skills and talents in the class, and then groups...

Young scholars explore pollution of water sources. In this ecology lesson, students define and identify natural resources. Young scholars use map skills to locate local rivers and lakes used for recreation. Students brainstorm ways in...

Discover the connection of native peoples to their natural world, including cultural and agricultural practices, by studying the Zuni people of the American Southwest. This lesson includes examining a poster's photographs, reading...

Students examine ways in which humans have brought change to the natural environment. In this ecology and literacy lesson, students listen to the book Island Boy by Barbara Cooney. Students observe and define map-reading vocabulary as...

Students use a map to learn about where chocolate comes from. In this lesson on the cacao tree, students locate various regions where the cacao tree grows. They will discuss why the cacao tree grows more favorably in particular climates...

Are we there yet?  Young trip planners learn about their state and plan a trip. They will select sites to see in three cities in their state, and record associated costs in a spreadsheet. While this was originally designed as a...

What's the best way to study? Well, it depends. . . Session two of a 23-lesson life skills series focuses on a variety of study skills strategies and suggests when/why to choose one over another.

Students plan a family vacation to states that were among the original 13 colonies. The groups determine which state they visit, map their route, calculate the mileage, and determine how much money they spend on gasoline.

Students construct a small city on a table in the classroom. Each student is given a lot to develop. They give directions from one location to another, and write letters with correct addresses to their classmates.

Students research crops grown in the United States. In this agriculture lesson plan, students identify various crops cultivated across the United States as they create charts and maps that note the information.

Four lessons and an at-home connection examine 12 jobs. Beginning with an interactive map, scholars view and discuss each one within their small group. Groups focus on the products provided and on their scarcity. Finally, pupils look...

Students utilize six different types of study skills as they review material for a final exam. They are graded on the exam and on the study process for the exam.

First graders solve a mystery by following map clues. In this map clues lesson plan, 1st graders follow a computer program called Neighborhood Map Machine. In this program, it gives students directional and spatial clues in order to...

Collect clues and unwrap a mystery in an intriguing study about air pollution and urban forests. Teams share information to explore abiotic interactions and forest health. Scholars create a concept map using newly acquired knowledge and...

What would Ben do? Jumping off from the pseudonymous letters Ben Franklin fooled his older brother into publishing when he was still a teenager, young literary lovers dive into acting, writing, and addressing a local issue with wit and...

The world is full of possibilities for your ELLs. Help them explore their career options with a lesson that incorporates Internet research and expository writing. Not only will they learn more about their careers of choice, but both...

Scaling is a practical skill as well as a topic to be addressed throughout the Common Core math standards. You are given three different presentations and a detailed teacher's guide to use while teaching proportion, as well as practice...

Pupils consider the importance of site maps in archeology. They interpret site maps, draw site maps of their classroom and home and then participate in simulated Paleolithic archeological camp activity.

Students uses atlases, maps, and Web resources to determine the distance, driving time, and amount of money they need to make the trip (estimates should include hotel/motel stays, meals, and souvenirs).

Students prepare for a visit to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). In this instructional activity students create a concept map of money. They discuss the goals of the IMF. Students research countries currently changing into market...

Students investigate how the forest affects their daily lives by creating a concept map.  In this ecological lesson, students create a concept map linking the forest to the many things they use each day.  Students take a field...

Eighth graders examine prehistoric terrain. In this geography lesson, 8th graders discover necessary resources for settlers. Students work in small groups to create a trail crossing the state of Kansas.

Three lessons and one at-home connection explore 12 professions. In the first instructional activity, scholars examine an online map that displays all 12 careers alongside a video. Lesson two challenges class members to choose two of...

Students create a map using cookie dough. In this geography activity, students research the physical features of a country, draw a diagram and design and create a map out of cookie dough.