How does one determine what influences animal behavior; Is it nature or nurture? After a short reading explaining different types of conditioning and other learned behaviors, scholars examine six scenarios to determine whether the...

Is it nature or nurture? In an easily adaptable kinesthetic activity to introduce genetics, learners group themselves based on a variety of categories. They will quickly find that some characteristics are easy to put in order, while...

Quality relationships don't just happen. They require nurturing, patience, thoughtful communication, and honesty. Help tweens develop these relationship skills with an activity that asks them to themselves and then outline a...

Learners examine family structures. In this family structure instructional activity, students discover things about their own families and those of their classmates. They make a chart as they discuss nature versus nurture, complete a...

Young scholars identify environmental problems and their causes. They explore some of the ways environmental problems are currently being addressed. In groups students explore causes, possible prevention methods, and laws and...

Eighth graders explore the Nature vs. Nurture controversy and discover how variations in species is due to the interaction of genetic material. Students engage in a twin study experiment in this unit.

Students watch animal videos to identify and compare the male/female roles of different species of animals. They draw conclusions and compare those roles to those of humans. They discuss how the human male/female roles have changed...

Students read and discuss twin studies to explore the debate of nature vs. nurture. They create a list of characteristics and then look for evidence of whether it is primarily a genetic or environmental characteristic. All of the...

Learners chronicle the main events in their lives so far. They draft, revise, and publish an anecdote. Students get to know their fellow classmates and they build a nurturing learning community. Learners take an interest inventory and...

Middle schoolers introduce themselves utilizing an alliterative descriptor. They begin building a nurturing learning community and follow multi-step directions for preparing applications and completing forms. Each student also...

Does Amir have an obligation to find Sohrab and take him to the orphanage? That is the question class members debate as part of their reading of Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner. 

"When you are thirsty, does your mother pour water on your head?" Of course not! Nor do you pour water on the top of plants when watering them. Instruction like this are included in an activity that shows little learners how to water...

Students study plant growth and aesthetics. In this plant growth lesson, students talk about what plants need to grow and identify the major plant parts. They plant and care for seed while recording growth measurement. They compare the...

Students reflect on a personally meaningful live performance and the circumstances necessary to create art. They study about the current leadership crisis facing the Met, Carnegie Hall, and the Public theater. In groups, students...

Students research writings on "the book of life." Students research the human genome project. Students discover the issues of nature versus nurture are still hashed over in the scientific community.

Students observe reproduction and behavior in several types of animals and nurture a sense of responsibility and cooperation. They then examine external features of several different types of animal groups.

Students define community, how we nurture it, and how it helps us in times of need. They reflect and think about the community on both a local and national level. Students see how diverse communities are, provide support, strength, and...

Students brainstorm and discuss the importance of having close relationships with caring adults. They assess different parenting styles, how adults impact those around them, adults as mentors and how close adult relationships nurture...

Students construct their own diorama based on the life of a dinosaur. In this dinosaur lesson, students create models of dinosaurs and dinosaurs' eggs to explore the life cycle of this extinct species.

Did you know that flooding is the most common natural disaster in the United States? Prepare your learners with the facts about floods and offer them the proper knowledge and tools for dealing with this type of emergency.

The lessons in this learning guide are designed to increase youngsters' awareness of the impacts of marine debris and to teach them about pollution prevention techniques. This fabulous, 30-page packet is chock full of important...

Think inside the box with KenKen® puzzles to provide some problem solving practice. These puzzles are similar to Sudoku, but require computation inside designated boxes. There are multiple puzzles with a range of difficulties to...

How does a society influence and shape individuals? Class members ponder this essential question as they read Lord of the Flies, as well as primary source materials about the historical background of the novel. As a...