First graders recognize the short vowel U in written and spoken language. Through matching activities, they discriminate the short vowel /u/ from other vowel sounds. Students associate the phoneme with its letter representation and...

Students investigate the aspects of a historic map of roads and trails in the Southeastern United States. They explore reasons for giving roads certain names and decide on names for other roads themselves.

Fifth graders create research posters on an artist of their choosing in this five-day instructional activity. Work is accomplished through internet research, partner work, and individual work. Criteria checklist is included for assessment.

Young scholars research the life of surrealist artist Salvador Dali and create their own "surreal" art in the form of a collage, based upon their dreams or fantasies.

Students examine labels in the classroom to connect the written word with a message. They discover photographs of local buildings and their purpose. They also practice the classroom rules based on the labels.

Students investigate the phoneme, a meaningful representation, and the letter symbol for /o/ (short o). This lesson helps students recognize the /o/ in spoken words and begin to spell words with the assistance of letter boxes. Students...

Pupils participate in making bread. They are required to follow the recipe and directions given to them by the teacher. A field trip to the grocery store can also be included.

Students analyze Mongolian and Native American folktales and compare the two types. They discuss the importance of storytelling in nomadic cultures and read a story in small groups. Following the story, they answer questions and...

Students recognize the short vowel i in written and spoken language. Through matching activities, they discriminate the short vowel /i/ from other vowel sounds. Students associate the phoneme with its letter representation and identify...

Students create comic strips to communicate ideas that cannot be expressed through words alone.

Students examine the process of recycling by creating a mock television commercial about recycling. In this recycling lesson, students watch an animated demonstration about recycling and answer content questions. Students play an online...

Students listen to the book Five Little Monkeys Sitting In a Tree, identify written numbers 0-9 and the symbol for subtraction; students subtract two single digit numbers using manipulatives, and recite the corresponding number sentence.

Students examine the causes and outcomes of the War of 1812, and determine the chronology of the Star-Spangled Banner. In this War of 1812 lesson, students learn vocabulary and read a narrative about the War of 1812 before participating...

Students examine the messages given to others based on their clothing. In groups, they compare and contrast the clothes of today with those from the 1980s. While being shown a picture of a piece of clothing, they practice object...

Students see how to calculate the gains and losses of their stock portfolios. They use basic math skills in calculating their stock investment the old-fashioned way.

Students explore aspects of Asian-American culture.  For this lesson plan, students use the internet to research American history and the Asian American experience, complete Asian inspired art and read a biography. This lesson...

Students view the Bird of Paradise quilt and observe the design-work in the quilt.  In this counting quilt activity, students will count to find repeated pictures in the quilt.  Students will represent their families...

What is a parfleche? It is a box used by the Plains Indians to carry goods as they traveled. First, the class will discuss the uses of these highly ornate boxes and the nature of the Plains Indians' nomadic lifestyle. Then, the class...

Students compose a simple melody using the notes of the D Major Scale. Criteria/Rubric for evaluation is provided with variations depending on skill level of students. A minimum of one forty-five minute class period is needed for this...

Young scholars create and perform original band compositions using their own band instruments. This two day lesson requires student compositions to be done at home. Students evaluate performances using a checklist for composing...

Students create Kokeshi Dolls using paints, dowel ends and glue. They research the traditions and history of Hina Matsuri, or girls' day in Japan.

First graders examine a typical Chinese New Year celebration. As a class, they identify the traditions and values used and discuss how they are unique to China. To end the lesson, they take measurements to make their own paper lantern...

Students examine political presence of Hudson's Bay Company, explore economic impact of European demand for beaver pelts and the fur trapping trade, and practice counting in Chinook Jargon.

Students view and discuss realistic family portraits and respond to them by creating abstract art work, form and draw imaginative still life, prepare story about their family history or history of family in community, and write...