Third graders explore how rice farming came to Texas. In this rice farming lesson, 3rd graders discover the history of how farmers began to grow rice in the United States. Students color code maps and create a timeline for rice farming...

Students read about the history of farming with the use of scarecrows and then sort clothing, build scarecrows, write descriptions, and more. In this scarecrows lesson plan, students also play a game called Garden Tag.

Students explore biology by creating an insect trapping device. In this fly observation lesson, students identify fly anatomy and discuss their own history with fly situations. Students create fly traps from milk cartons and explore...

Students discuss various aspects of the importance of fish.  In this fishing lesson plan, students understand why fish keep us healthier.  Students sort sea animals by their characteristics, play "who am I?", discuss various...

Students investigate the uses of herbs by Native Americans, create their own herb pouch, and collect local wild herb specimens. They study local herbs, their history, and uses. Students use construnction paper to make a replica of a...

Can you move like a photon? Young scholars use a maze to reproduce the straight line motion of a photon. The second in a six-part series of lessons on the sun has learners measure angle of incidence and refraction to determine the path...

It's getting hot in here! The first in a series of six lessons has learners model nuclear fusion with a simple lab investigation. Groups collect data and analyze results, comparing their models to the actual process along the way.

Students read ancient Greek texts to explore evidence for healing wounds and compare ancient healing practices to those of modern times.

Eighth graders research how science and technology have evolved by studying inventions. For this invention lesson, 8th graders discuss inventions and work in teams to create an innovation to present at the Invention Convention. Students...

Students explore how present biotechnology has evolved. They create a timeline is included referencing major scientists and major events in history which have led to our current understanding and use. A teacher time line is included.

High schoolers encounter a real-life robotic arm that may help stroke victims regain control of their environment. The Robotic physical therapy--the new science. They research the history and foundation to this unique alternative to long...

Sick of selling candy and washing cars? How about hosting a Digital Day or a Learning Lunch? The suggestions here make fund raising fun and rewarding. Raise money to preserve important maps and other primary source documents.

In this aviation lesson, learners research Charles Augustus Lindbergh and other early aviators and their flying machines. They then write a letter to one of the aviators asking questions about the mechanics of flight and their flying...

Identify the different cell organelles in prokaryotes. Modelling the cells using Jell-o and candies will be a fun way to experience the cell in a hands-on way (different to using play-doh!). They observe cells under a microscope and draw...

Hedy Lamarr led a double life. Best known as an actress, Lamarr was also a brilliant inventor, responsible for the technology found in Wi-Fi, GPS, and Bluetooth. After studying primary and secondary source materials, groups conduct an...

How can radioactive decay help date old objects? Learners explore half-life and radioactive decay by conducting an experiment using pennies to represent atoms. Young scientists graph data from the experiment to identify radioactive decay...

Students read 2 assigned articles about lead usage with a partner or team. They create a concept map or timeline using Inspiration software to trace the uses of lead by people. They complete a brief constructed response and are graded...

The Mars Global Surveyor spent two years creating a mineral map of the planet Mars using thermal emission spectrometry. To help young astronomers understand this remote sensing instrument, have them simulate how data is collected and...

Few Americans have heard of the burgeoning scientific community known as the America Philosophical society, started by none other than Benjamin Franklin. With inquiry, research, and discussion, high schoolers come to understand their...

How do you convey someone’s creativity? Individuals answer the question as they design exhibitions to showcase the intellect and genius of Benjamin Franklin. After conducting research, classmates work in groups to try to capture and...

Students view an illustration of the Hudson River watershed and identify the bodies of water shown. They discuss what happens when fresh and salt water mix. Students view a teacher demonstration of the stratification of fresh and salt...

Learners recognize how the climate of the Hudson Valley has changed since the last glaciation and be able to explain these changes. They reconstruct the paleoclimate of the Hudson Valley.

What does an ad reveal about a culture, or about the values of its intended audience? Class members examine a series of runaway slave ads—one of which was written by Thomas Jefferson—and consider what these primary source documents...

Here is an interactive book lesson plan through which learners explore the facts and stories about comets. The plan is comprehensive, providing background information, standards met, vocabulary, assessment ideas, and more. Though the...