Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Living The Life of a Scribe

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students write a descriptive letter about life in ancient Mesopotamia. Through video streaming, students discover the history of Mesopotamia. They assume the role of a scribe and compose a three paragraph essay using main ideas and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mesopotamia

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders describe the geography of Mesopotamia, explain the characteristics of Sumerian city-states, and identify the cultural practices of the ancient Sumerians. They then explain how empires formed in Mesopotamia.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Decimals Decide Olympic Champions

For Teachers 4th - 6th
The class discovers how a decimal can make all the difference in the Olympics. As they learn about decimal place values, they compare and contrast data and demonstrate decimal values using manipulatives.
Lesson Plan
ARKive

Opposable Thumbs

For Teachers 6th - 8th
How do opposable thumbs help you complete certain tasks? An activity about evolutionary traits prompts learners to try writing their name, twist the lid off of a jar, and use tweezers to pick up a straw, first with their normal grip, and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Triple Beam Balance

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Students explore mass measurement. They complete a diagram of a triple beam balance. Students explore using the triple beam balance to determine the mass of an object. They discuss procedures for using the triple beam balance.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Writing Example Paragraphs

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders write example paragraphs. The term "example paragraph" refers to a paragraph where the supporting sentences provide examples of the subject/idea described in the topic sentence. Students write a basic example paragraph...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Learning to Fight Peer Pressure

For Teachers 6th - 7th
Students discuss what peer pressure means to them and give examples of peer pressure. They discover what assertiveness means and how to distinguish it from aggressiveness.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Speak Write! Understanding the Hidden Meaning of Words

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students investigate connotation and denotation as a basis for greater examining of language. They identify the literal meaning of words and explore the greater implications and impact of word usage.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Using Algebra

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders explore mathematics by completing equations in a math notebook. They will collaborate in small groups to complete different algebra problems and write their work down in a notebook, which they show their teacher. Then they...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Parts of the Plot: Constructing a Plot Diagram

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders conduct a plot diagram for a short story. They identify the problem, the rising action, the climax, the falling action, and the resolution. Students are able to sequence events in a story, and identify the parts of the plot...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Compare and Contrast: Literary Analysis

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders are able to use active listening skills, take notes and identify literary elements of a short story. They use/create graphic organizer, compare/contrast literary elements from various stories and compare and contrast traits.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Active and Passive Listening

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders practice passive and active listening skills. They discover listening skills help them communicate more effectively. Students analyze the benefits of having someone to listen to them actively and the benefits of being an...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Word Choice in Writing

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders discover word choices to use when writing a conversation. They explore synonyms for "said." Students examine a thesaurus. They create a writing piece using the writing process. Students edit and revise their work.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Recognizing Cause and Effect

For Teachers 5th - 10th
Learners define cause and effect and recognize an effect as something that happens as a result of a cause. They apply information they have learned about cause and effect to their study of literature.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Whole Story

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Learners collect and convey information about a current event. By focusing on who, what, when, where, why, and how questions, students study to thoroughly analyze and report on important world events.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Elf Project

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders create elves in order to respond to Santa letters from first graders.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Painting Faces

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Learners study Robert Harris and his work. They examine his portraits and self-portraits and create their own self- portraits. They discuss the life of the artist and write a short biography.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Plants, Animals and Our Environment

For Teachers K
Students draw and label the basic needs of animals. They draw and label the basic needs of plants. Students understand the basic needs of plants and animals are not only the same, but are interrelated. They know that the environment...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Noteworthy?

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Why do we have CliffsNotes? SparkNotes? Middle and high schoolers examine arguments for and against the recent influx of book notes, or study guides. They stage a debate in which they represent Advocates For or Critics Against the use of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

African Art and Personal Adornment: What is Beauty?

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students examine the concept of beauty. They write about what they think is beautiful and compare their ideas to those of others.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Fun On The Farm

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students experiment with a variety of resources to study about sounds and their sources (weather, animal, and transportation). They compare size, structure, and basic needs of living things. Each student studies about farm animals,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Animals of the Sea

For Teachers 1st
First graders construct a story using adjectives. They type and edit their story using a computer and ClarisWorks, Kids-Paint and Write.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Teaching Lewis and Clark: Why Fort Clatsop?

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students study the path Lewis and Clark took on their famous trans-American journey. They participate in an online activity that allows them to examine considerations the Expedition made when deciding where to spend the winter of 1805-06.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Sacred Places: California Missions from Different Perspectives

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students create a project poster displaying photos, drawings, and journal writings that incorporate the major themes of California's missions, and use perspective and point of view both visually and in writing.