Pupils explore botany by examining diagrams. In this plant reproduction lesson, students define a list of plant vocabulary terms and identify plant anatomy from a diagram. Pupils complete several plant activity worksheets and study real...

Students engage in the writing process and differentiate between what is real versus fantasy. They identify the rhyming words and follow the steps of writing to complete the page for the class book. The prompt is checked looking for...

Fifth graders investigate the concepts related to the endangerment of different animal species. They conduct research using a variety of resources. The skills of prediction are used to show the possible outcome of the extinction of a...

Tenth graders participate in research and class discussion before attempting to write a traditional five paragraph essay. They use the examples of 16 other hero stories to consider. Students use examples and descriptive details to...

Fourth graders create a character map for each character in the novel, adding to each as he or she is revealed in "Their Eyes Were Watching God." They document how each character deals with attitudes and injustices.

First graders explore speaking and listening skills.

Students prepare a chart with four columns: things we know, things we think we know but need to check, things we wonder about, and new things we have learned. Each group is given a case study and they discuss the three cases of "honor...

Students participate in activities that apply Howard Gardner's theory of Multiple Intelligences in order to improve literacy skills. The instructional activity is ideal for diverse learners because of the application of the theory.

Third graders identify healthy foods in each group of the food pyramid. For this nutrition lesson, 3rd graders take notes on the food pyramid by visiting the website, www.mypyramid.gov. Students design a healthy menu for an imaginary...

First graders identify healthy foods. In this nutrition lesson, 1st graders create a Venn diagram to compare and contrast healthy foods. Students place foods in the proper circle.

Fifth graders study the Civil War. In this US history activity, 5th graders simulate what life was like during the Civil War by having two groups with one group given more materials than the other group. Students then draw a...

Students view a variety of sculptures analyzing how space and mass interact, and how sculptors make choices about mass and space to express meaning in their art. They make small three-dimensional sketches experimenting with mass and space.

Students compare and contrast five different religions and the views that their leaders have in regard to civic responsibility and philanthropy. They choose one of the five leaders and write a letter outlining their perception of that...

Students create spreadsheets and bar graphs based on results of survey of favorite holidays.

Seventh graders collaboratively research the life and times of Charles Dickens as it relates to a character from the story, and write and present a first-person character analysis.

Pupils explore the stock market. They choose a company and research the company's financial report. Students select 4-10 stocks and become an advocate for one stock. Using spreadsheet software, pupils compare stocks. They analyze the...

Seventh graders practice the skill of writing a personal narrative. They bring in an object that is related to themselves. Then students discuss the importance of the items and then write a personal narrative about the objects. As an...

Students view, examine and analyze the artwork of Howard Finster along with other various visionary artists. They create and design an original piece of artwork and personalize creative spaces in the spirit of Finster's Paradise Gardens.

Students explore Ultraviolet detecting beads and conduct several investigations with them.  In this investigative lesson students participate in an experiment to see the harmful effects of UV light and discuss their findings. 

Ninth graders analyze the relationships for pairs of words in analogical statements to infer word meanings. In this word meanings lesson, 9th graders complete an analogy pre-assessment, study a chart for using analogies to improve...

Young scholars participate in a nature walk to learn about their natural environments. In this nature study lesson, students brainstorm a list of things to look for on their nature walk. Young scholars go on the nature walk and locate...

Young scholars create historically accurate travel journals. In this Iowa history instructional activity, students research the German immigration experience as they write travel journals that feature a German family's move into an Iowa...

Students consider constitutional rights. For this Bill of Rights lesson, students complete an activity guide that requires students to examine Bill of Rights-related cases of 2010. Students respond to discussion questions pertaining to...

Students examine the many disasters in West Virginia. In this US history lesson, students write about and give an oral presentation of one of the disasters as if they were reporters.