Why did the Chinese develop paper money? They were the first society to use paper currency. Learners consider why paper money was more convenient than other mechanisms of trade using a helpful lesson plan, which includes a graphic...

Shed light on the concept of financial literacy with a series of four activities that examines needs vs. wants, gives scholars the opportunity to buy products using paper money, and set goals to save money.

What a great way to incorporate Judith Viorst's story, Alexander, Who Used to Be Rish Last Sunday, with a math lesson on money. Second graders listen to the story being read while the teacher stops to record each time Alexander spends...

Introduce young mathematicians to concepts of financial literacy with this open-ended word problem. With seven dollars to spend during field day and given a list of available items and their prices, children must determine how they want...

Create a scaled model of our solar system in your classroom! Scholars work collaboratively to build paper mache planets and hang them in their proper position to showcase each planet's location in the solar system.   

Challenge young mathematicians to buy classroom supplies by staying within the means of a $1,000 budget. The mathematical activity provides learners with the opportunity to decide what items from the supply list would benefit a class of...

Here's a new meaning to the expression throwing away money...a carpet of coins! An intriguing lesson requires calculations to determine the coin that would be the cheapest option, but it's a little tricky. The cost of the coin...

Build vocabulary and get in the Halloween sprit with a collection of festive activities! Here, scholars take part in a holiday celebration, unearth the unknown in mystery feel-boxes, and create monster masks out of paper plates. 

Students make their own wrapping paper. In this art lesson, students cut paper sacks stamping them with ink pads or decorating them with markers.

Combine math, creative writing, and leprechauns in a fun St. Patrick's Day activity! Using a bag of gold coins and marshmallows, kids write a math story about a leprechaun that includes a multi-step equation to solve.

Cost overruns are unacceptable—in the real world and in an engaging activity. Groups of pupils get together to build a bridge out of straws, paper cups, and tape. They keep track of costs ($1,000 for each material) and must stay within a...

Here is a real-world application for systems of equations. When is it better to pay an enrollment fee and lower daily rate, and when is it better to pay the regular price? The local swim center is having a special offer, reductions in...

Running low on money? Out of ideas for gifts? Feeling crafty? Whatever the reason may be, homemade gifts are perfect for the creative person or the person trying to save a dollar here and there. Packed with hands-on crafts for kids, the...

Keen observation skills are an essential trait for good artists. Discuss the elements of a portrait with your class using terminology such as, full-face, profile, quarter-length, full-length. After that, they can use the included...

A penny can be a much more valuable teaching tool that you might think. Whether you are teaching about chemical reactions, surface tension, the behavior of gases, or are just looking for engaging activities for early finishers,...

Put coins in a piggy bank. Thread a shoelace through straws. Take a nut off and place it back on a bolt. Help kids develop their fine motor skills with this series of activities.

For kids, taking a vacation is all fun and games, but after completing this pre-algebra project, they'll have a whole new appreciation for the planning that makes these trips possible. Given a budget of $5,000 to spend on purchasing the...

What financial situations and decisions await young learners after they graduate from high school? This project allows class members to glimpse into the types of responsibilities they will have as adults, from considering job...

Encourage respect, responsibility, and caring within your classroom with a collection of lessons that spark dialogue and self reflection. To address character traits, lessons touch on topics such as staying safe in the...

Build your class's knowledge with a vowel game. With a list of code words for each vowel, kids begin to construct fences with the words that share long vowel sounds.

What one person thinks is a pest may not be a pest to someone else. Here, scholars examine the characteristics of living things and pests through grand conversation and a variety of activities. Class members play a game of pest or not a...

Block play can teach children about gravity, physics, and spatial relationships. A hands-on lesson incorporates these concepts with an activity in which learners examine the relationship between levels in a pile. Scholars begin to...

Students explore adding and subtracting positive and negative numbers in the context of money. In this computation lesson, students use play money and IOU's to model various mathematical algorithms.

Double dip ice cream cones are a fourth grade favorite, and now they come in vocabulary and context flavor. Learners practice using double meaning words as they construct ice cream cones that contain two sentences showing how context can...