Curated OER
Living The Life of a Scribe
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...
Curated OER
Mesopotamia
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.
Curated OER
Decimals Decide Olympic Champions
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.
ARKive
Opposable Thumbs
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...
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The Triple Beam Balance
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.
Curated OER
Writing Example Paragraphs
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...
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Learning to Fight Peer Pressure
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.
Curated OER
Speak Write! Understanding the Hidden Meaning of Words
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.
Curated OER
Using Algebra
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...
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Parts of the Plot: Constructing a Plot Diagram
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...
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Compare and Contrast: Literary Analysis
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.
Curated OER
Active and Passive Listening
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...
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Word Choice in Writing
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.
Curated OER
Recognizing Cause and Effect
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.
Curated OER
The Whole Story
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.
Curated OER
The Elf Project
Sixth graders create elves in order to respond to Santa letters from first graders.
Curated OER
Painting Faces
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.
Curated OER
Plants, Animals and Our Environment
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...
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Noteworthy?
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...
Curated OER
African Art and Personal Adornment: What is Beauty?
Students examine the concept of beauty. They write about what they think is beautiful and compare their ideas to those of others.
Curated OER
Fun On The Farm
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,...
Curated OER
Animals of the Sea
First graders construct a story using adjectives. They type and edit their story using a computer and ClarisWorks, Kids-Paint and Write.
Curated OER
Teaching Lewis and Clark: Why Fort Clatsop?
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.
Curated OER
Sacred Places: California Missions from Different Perspectives
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.