Cornell University
Extracting DNA
Uncover the basics of DNA structure through exploration activities. Collaborative groups build DNA models and recreate the process of replication. Then, using plant cells such as peas or strawberries, they extract a DNA sample.
Curated OER
Words In the News- Canada Elects New Government
Students participate in vocabulary building activities to read an online article about Canada. They complete worksheets and an online quiz. They work in groups to to develop policies for holding a class election.
Curated OER
3-D Topographic Maps
Students create a 3-D topographic map. In this map building lesson, students use cardboard to create a topographic map of the Catskills mountain region.
Curated OER
The Japanese Military Build-up
Students evaluate the state of Japan's military and their defense strategy under the current Shinzo Abe administration. They watch the film, 'The Raping of Nanking' and read "The Return of Japanese Militarism: Rising Sun" by Joshua...
Curated OER
Building an Ecosystem
Students research a variety of local and world ecosystems. Students will create a collage to represent the biotic and abiotic factors and interactions important to their given ecosystem.Students will understand that an ecosystem is...
Curated OER
Building Bridges for Young Learners--Culture
Students explore the concept of "culture." In this cross curriculum literacy and world history lesson, students listen to a letter written by a child from Namibia, then compare and contrast life in Africa with their own life. Students...
Scholastic
Perfect Postcards: Illinois
Connect the geography and history of Illinois using an art-centered activity on the railroads. The railroad connected once-distant places, particularly in the Midwest. Using research, class members create postcards of fictional...
Curated OER
Regions of the US: Gulf Stream, States and Their Capitals
Fifth graders identify one way of dividing the US into geographical regions and then consider alternate ways of doing the same. They locate each of the fifty states and their capitals on a map. They research the Gulf Stream region.
Curated OER
Building A Model of the East Pacific Rise
Young scholars describe the physical attributes of the East Pacific Rise. After locating the region on a map, students work in groups do define each layer of the structure in order to begin their build. Young scholars build their model...
Curated OER
House Keys: The Architectural Features of Victorian Homes and Buildings
Students analyze Victorian architectural patterns wit regard to materials, doorways, windows, towers, bays, roofs, and decoration. Students discern varying architectural traits by studying Victorian era pictures and drawings and using a...
Historical Thinking Matters
Scopes Trial: 5 Day Lesson
Did Scopes violate the Butler Act? Why did so many Americans follow the Scopes trial? See analytical reading in action with a fantastic five-day lesson plan in which class members consider the historical context that provoked public...
Curated OER
Population Pyramids
Students explain the significance of population trends on world regions. They define relevant population vocabulary and examine age-gender patterns at various scales.
Curated OER
Where Do I Fit In?: Mental Mapping Student Neighborhoods
Learners examine geography through the themes of place, human/environment interaction, and region. They create a mental map of their own neighborhood, analyze their role in the world, and design a neighborhood that reflects their needs.
Curated OER
Tide Types
Learners record hourly reading for water height for 24 hours and determine whether a location experiences diurnal, semi-diurnal or mixed tides. Links are present for the information. Students predict high and low tide, and answer a set...
Curated OER
Michigan's Two Regions
Third graders discuss and compare upper and lower Michigan. In groups they research a list of significant events from Michigan history and then compile the information into an illustrated classroom timeline.
Curated OER
Terrabagga Activity Using a Magnetometer
Clever! Earth science learners construct a model of a planet containing a magnetic core. The planet, Terrabagga, is made out of a paper grocery bag, magnets, a dead D battery, and rubber bands. Pictures of each step of the construction...
Curated OER
Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier National Park, Montana
Students explore the background behind the building of the access roads to the National Park in Montana. The arguments for the building of these roads in wilderness regions and the environmental issues involved are examined.
Curated OER
Presenting Your Community
Students research the history of a notable building and prepare a Power Point presentation to be used on the online scrapbook. They research the location of the building in the community, the architectural style and the date of...
Curated OER
Our Barrio: Our Community/Adams & Normandie
Third graders examine various structures and people, including the region of Adams and Normandie, in Los Angeles. They conduct Internet research, and identify and locate features in the Adams/Normandie region during the past 60/70 years.
Curated OER
Wattle and Daub Using Natural Resources to Survive
Seventh graders create list of materials that family of four would need to live and survive in the forest, identify four natural resources used by Cherokee Indians to build shelter, create poster that depicts Cherokee hamlet in summer or...
Curated OER
Biomimicry, Nature: Architecture of the Future
Students explore the relationship between nature and architecture. In this cross curriculum history, culture, and architecture lesson, students observe and discuss structures visible in nature. Students view websites in which Native...
Curated OER
Native American Homes
Fifth graders research and create a model of a Native American home. In pairs, they conduct research on a selected type of Native American home, then draw designs for their building construction. Students then construct their model...
Curated OER
Term Paths
Students follow several pathways using anatomical directions on a simulated "body" produced from a copy of a school building's fire evacuation plan.
Curated OER
Engineering: Which Roof Is Tops?
Students determine regional climates by examining photos of house roofs. They observe teacher-constructed examples of roofs and make predictions as to which style is best for snowy climates. After evaluating the examples, they record...