Hibernation isn't just about staying fed, it's about staying warm. Young environmentalists explore the importance of staying warm in the wilderness with a short lesson about surviving in the wild. Using gelatin to represent warm-blooded...

Immediately capture the attention of your class with the smell of freshly popped popcorn in the sixth lesson plan of this series on the needs of living things. Young scientists first use their senses to make and record observations of...

Scholars identify the difference between healthy touches and private touches. A discussion leads pupils to recognize several trusting adults. Peers role-play scenarios in which they use three rules to remain safe.

Students analyze Jack London's use of anthropomorphism to identify the importance of adaptability in life. In this literature lesson, students use the novel The Call of the Wild to identify key elements in survival. Students...

Students identify what and how to complete an Archaeological excavation is conducted. They identify the transition from one layer to the next more easily if the colors of the layers are different. When creating a dig, the teacher...

Middle schoolers find out about the social changes that caused the collapse of important ancient civilizations in Central America, Mesopotamia, the southwestern United States, and western Africa.

Art and architecture are great ways to help define historical periods and cultural norms. Take a critical look at the art of the Byzantine period as seen under Justinian rule. Iconography, vocabulary, religious, and political concepts...

Students explore physical education by researching biology. In this survival techniques lesson, students discuss the methods turtles use to survive dangerous encounters and conduct a sea turtle role play exercise. Students identify the...

Do you know why we celebrate the International Day of the World's Indigenous People? Did you even know we celebrate this day? After reading a short passage about this international celebration, scholars answer true or false questions,...

Fourth graders identify where foods came from and sequence a food chain.  In this food chain instructional activity, 4th graders define vocabulary related to food chains and order a food chain. Students follow the energy of a food...

Why did so many go along with Nazi policies during World War II? An investigatory unit includes four handouts, reading analyses, classroom discussion topics, and intriguing philosophical questions, helping learners understand the...

Students are introduced to raptors and their role in the environment. They identify three characteristics of raptors and list several types of raptors found in nature. They discuss their positive and negative experiences with raptors and...

Students identify the various adaptations of reptiles and amphibians. After distinguishing between reptiles and amphibians, students discuss the ways in which their adaptations aid in their survival. They participate in a hands on...

Young scholars examine factors leading to the demise of ancient civilizations. They list causes that led to the downfall of these societies. Students conduct Internet research and participate in online archaeological investigations.

Students continue to explore the factors that contribute to the collapse of a society; they also explore how archaeological evidence is gathered and interpreted. Students explore about the social changes that caused the collapse of...

Students practice balancing different interests involved in social problems.  In this informative lesson students are given social problems and come up with realistic solutions based on the advantages and disadvantages of each. 

Middle schoolers simulate online the formation of Ape Cave, in order to better explain its construction. They observe, illustrate and discuss geological features of this lava tube.

Students experience an archaeological dig exploring off the shore of Black Hawk Island and Wisconsin River. They study in the same place where the infamous Dell House once stood. Dell House and its historical significance is reviewed...

Fifth graders characterize insects and classify insects according to the Linnaean system. They use hand lenses or microscopes to examine insect body parts.

Students examine various types of household materials for their usefulness as filters. They work together in teams to design a filtration system that produces the cleanest water in the shortest time.

Students use their imagination. They discuss the 4 C's of teamwork: Concentration, Communications, Coomperation, and Consideration. Students discuss the safety guidelines of the project. They complete a rope maze. The group walks...

Third graders observe insects in a number of habitats. They recognize which insect characteristics are adaptations to their habitats.

Students complete an activity that allows them to better understand that birds traits are closely related to what they eat, where they live, etc.  For this bird trait lesson students complete an activity, create a data board and...

Students collect, observe, sort, and measure leaves. In this leaf lesson plan, students take a walk to collect leaves. They bring the leaves back into the classroom to observe, sort, and measure them. They visit a website to learn more...