All of the people in your class would agree that life would be different without the invention of the telephone! Study Alexander Graham Bell's most famous and influential invention through the primary source document of his...

Fourth graders search a database for information on North Carolina lighthouses and Old Mills. Using their research, 4th graders generate further questions on these subjects and then research the answers.

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...

Civil rights meets biotechnology in a instructional activity that scrutinizes the collection of DNA of citizens who have been arrested, but not yet convicted of a crime. Real-life cases are examined in which the DNA of a relative was...

Upper graders compare their cell phones to a lacquer box from the Japanese Edo Period. They consider how each is a form of communication and how the very nature of each object communicates social norms, ideology, and beliefs. A...

Young scholars, when researching a space topic in connection to Indiana, find six events related to the topic with a 100% accuracy. They place the six events in chronological order, create a time line, and then make a layered book out of...

Third graders make a timeline for the information covered in their social studies textbook. They use Inspiration software to create a timeline that includes information from the social studies chapter.

History comes alive as groups work cooperatively to create short iMovies about a specific historical period of their choice. Ideal for late elementary grades, the lesson includes a video demonstration and a short materials list.

In a simple but unique instructional activity, youngsters learn about the history of voting systems. They then collaborate in groups to develop a new honest and consistent voting method. A class-wide poll is taken, evaluating the designs...

Students create a travel brochure. In this Social Studies lesson, students observe and discuss different travel brochures. Students look on the Internet and find interesting photos for a particular place. Students then insert their...

Her is a lesson plan using the Ohio State Quarter. Pupils utilize beautifully-designed worksheets embedded in the plan, to study about the origins of aviation. Many of the pioneers of aviation were born in Ohio. They compare some of the...

Students use the Library of Congress Website to locate information for a world cultures project. They select countries to research, investigate visa information, currency, climate, and accommodations. Students follow the directions on...

Students are introduced to product design. In this social studies and technology lesson plan, students examine the historical role of mass production in the development of American business and industry and then apply their knowledge in...

Students research information about each of the fifty states. They locate information using both the Internet and CD Roms and create databases using the research information. They insert graphics in a multimedia presentation using the...

Students explore, experience and study the rich cultural heritage that Inverness and the Highlands has to offer to young people and takes a look into the future. They assess certain aspects of Highland culture through the expressive arts...

Using the sun's light as a source of energy is not a new concept. Give your environmental studies, engineering, or physical science class this list of how humans have used solar energy throughout history. Assign groups a certain time...

Scholars build a simple filtration system to remove impurities from muddy water and rate the filtered water to a grade of clarity scale. The focus is on teamwork and problem solving. This instructional activity would be effective in your...

Learners explore studying habits by utilizing technology.  In this social networking lesson, students utilize a virtual chat program to connect with learners from a nearby school. Students ask and answer study questions back and...

Students create their own website to illustrate a theme form history. In this history and technology lesson, students create a home page or website for a recent history or social studies lesson. Students work in teams to complete the...

Glide into the study of flight. An engaging lesson has scholars research information on the Wright brothers. They develop props and produce a recreation of the first flight at Kitty Hawk. They then report on the event as if they were...

Fifth graders research, examine and study about the three branches of the government and the contents of the Constitution including both the Articles and the Amendments. They create their own classroom constitution at the end of the unit.

Seventh graders use the Internet to research the holiday of Kwanzaa. Using the information, they create a brochure to promote the holiday to others. They email the information to a friend to end the lesson.

Young scholars blog their way through history. In this historical perspectives lesson, students use teacher-created blogs to log their impressions and opinions regarding the historical events they are studying. Steps are included for...

Fifth graders conduct Internet research about the governmental balance of power. They create Kidspiration projects demonstrating the workings of the three branches of government. They compare U.S. democracy with other forms of government.