Middle schoolers build models of types of levers. In this simple machines instructional activity, students use dowels and modified wooden rulers to build different types of levers. They compete to create the most efficient lever in the...

Fourth graders reserach the state of Missouri. In this Missouri History lesson plan, 4th graders plan a vacation to a region of Missouri. Students work in collaborative groups to determine all aspects of the trip. Students use math...

Students work in groups to research and prepare an oral report about a region.  In this regions lesson, students find out about the geography, population, state capitals, and landmarks.  Students assign attributes to the people...

Learners investigate color diversity by experimenting with jelly beans.  In this color spectrum lesson, students observe colored jelly beans through different filters and light sources to change the existing look of the bean....

Students place diversity beans in order by their favorites. In this diversity lesson, students rank the beans before and after tasting. The teacher explains to students how they would rank the beans after tasting.  Students discuss...

Students use jelly beans to gain an understanding of fractions. In this fraction lesson, students receive jelly beans and count the number of beans they have in each color. Students then name the fraction for each color they have...

Students explore different types of music. In this music diversity lesson, students are divided into groups to listen to an assigned type of music. Students list characterisitcs of each type of music then assign a jelly bean...

Learners research another country and its people.  In this diversity lesson, students work in groups to research an assigned country and develop a short oral report.  Learners use diversity beans to represent the people of...

Students read articles about various agricultural products and create a map using the statistics in the article.  In this agricultural statistics lesson, students look at the geography of the country and which products come from the...

Third graders read the book Sahara Special and participate in comprehension activities. In this realistic fiction lesson, 3rd graders create a brochure for where they live. Students have personal bags, a brown paper bag, that they fill...

Students read The Apple Pie Tree and discuss the story and talk about what was living in the tree.  In this life comprehension lesson, students write the main idea of the book in a few sentences. 

Students look at the migration of different birds. For this migration lesson, students discuss why an animal migrates and problems that can occur during migration. They look at several downloadable maps that show the specific routes of...

Students read an article that explains the dangers of household bacteria. In this lesson, students explore items in a home that easily hold bacteria, then complete several activities to reinforce comprehension of the article.

Students explore communications by participating in a science class activity. In this communication technology lesson plan, students discuss the process of morse code, its history, and the electromagnets used to create the device....

Sixth graders look at toys in space. In this gravity lesson, 6th graders make predictions about what different toys will do with zero gravity. They watch a space video and see what happens to these toys in space.

Third graders investigate shapes in our world. In this geometry lesson, 3rd graders describe plane and solid shapes and identify angles, solid objects and lines of symmetry. Students use online resources, graphic organizers and conduct...

Students explore the techniques and basic needs of the fisherman.  In this fishing lesson, students view a demonstration of the use of fishing equipment. Students research Iowa farm ponds and design a class mural from their...

Students make observations of their own backyard. In this environment lesson, students keep records of the plants and animals they see in their home or school yard. Students make notes of how the weather and environment changes over...

Learners investigate companion planting. In this  communtiy gardening activity students explore the tradition of the Native American Three Sisters gardening approach. Learners act as botanists, anthropologists, folklorists, and...

Seventh graders describe electrical energy and how it is produced. In this natural resource lesson, 7th graders explain the various ways of obtaining and using natural resources for energy and the environmental consequences. They will...

Students conduct an experiment to observe photolysis in the lab. In this chemistry instructional activity, students explain the mechanism behind photolysis. They test the impact of a non-toxic marker to plant metabolism.

Students conduct an experiment to determine the temperature tolerance of yeasts. In this biology lesson, students collect data and compare them by plotting graphs. They explain how extreme temperatures affect organisms.

Students examine the history of the National parks. In groups, they discuss the concepts of conservation and preservation. They discuss the use of natural resources and how some are renewable and non-renewable. To end the lesson, they...

Young scholars explore the evolution and features of bacteria through a series of activities. In this biology lesson, students collect data and graph bacterial growth. They design a brochure about bacteria's role in society.