Who wouldn't want to read a book about monster plants? Get those kids into informational texts with an engaging topic, like meat eating plants! You'll use the teaching guide to provide structured practice as your class reads to...

Reading about history is nothing like experiencing it firsthand. Encourage your eighth graders to do the next best thing with a historical narrative prompt, in which they describe the experience of a first-time traveler on the...

Learners assess the educational and social issues of boys and girls in school as a springboard to interviewing women in the fields of science, in order to study of their early interests and experiences in these typically male-dominated...

The house lights dim, the curtain parts, lights slowly come up, revealing the stage. Before the actors appear, before a word is spoken, the audience is drawn in by the lighting, by the colors, by lines of the set, by the props, and...

Students research information about whales. In this early childhood lesson plan, students create an illustration of a whale to display in a sea scene in the classroom. Students then use the library and internet to research a whale of...

Here's a fresh take on the student writing portfolio. Consider having learners create an electronic portfolio. After examining sample e-portfolios, class members explore various software programs they will use throughout the course and...

Students, working in small groups construct scale models of the planets and solar system. They examine images of Mars and discuss what might have caused the features. They record facts about their planetary research in their journals and...

Students choose a professional field of interest, consider what modern day or historical figure they would most like to assist, research the economy & its effect on support staff/entry-level jobs in that field, and create a strategy...

A field trip to the library begins this instructional activity where children select their own books to practice fluent silent reading. They then practice their writing by creating a new ending to the story they chose before receiving a...

Young scholars identify and examine their own areas of expertise. After reading an article, they discuss the evolution of three opera high school students. They create a timeline collage showing their mastery of their field of interest...

Students learn along with Ms. Frizzle's class. In this Magic School Bus lesson plan, students observe ants doing some tasks by making them a temporary indoor home.

Students identify and research school customs and folk groups through discussion and interviews. Then they identify and learn that traditional culture exists within other cultural contexts, such as the academic world of school, and in...

Students listen to a confusing poem about baseball. In this clear writing lesson, students write a set of directions for a game.  Students rewrite their directions until they are clearly understood.   Students make a game and...

Students read a story and complete a story map.  In this diversity and acceptance lesson, students read Arthur's Nose, make a story map, research Aardvarks, complete a Venn Diagram comparing Arthur's nose to other animals in the...

Students investigate the four groups of people that existed in the U.S. before the European settlers arrived. They predict how the people arrived in the U.S., then investigate their predictions to find out whether or not they are...

Students explore healthy snacks. For this nutrition and cooking lesson, students observe and identify food groups on USDA's MyPyramid food guide. Students discuss how fiber helps our digestive system and follow a recipe using yeast to...

Students research art by identifying the work of Keith Haring. In this sculpting lesson, students utilize the web to examine sculptures and drawings in the style of Keith Haring. Students utilize sculpting wire, foil, pencils, glue and...

Connecting meaning to a given word via image or sentence can really help learners build their vocabulary and in turn enhance their reading ability. The class constructs a chart where they define each new vocabulary word, come up with an...

Students combine reading and physical education to reinforce what they've learned about positions on a baseball or softball field. They read and conduct a skit about baseball.

Young scholars practice a series of communicaton activities. In this communication skills lesson, students role play listening and active listening strategies to improve communication. Young scholars write a set of guidelines for...

Students construct a four-line poem to be used on the inside of a Valentine's Day card. They use a digital camera to show themselves to their "buddies" (local nursing home patients) who receive the cards on Valentine's Day.

Young scholars study the history and importance of clay and pottery. They observe a video dealing the kiln. Students explore ideas for improving construction of pottery. They demonstrate a variety of construction methods and identify...

Fourth graders make studenT books to share with elementary students that teach a universal rule that obeys both conscience and authority.

Learners investigate Thanksgiving by reading a children's book.  In this holiday lesson, students read Arthur's Thanksgiving by Marc Brown and create a turkey fact book after reading an electronic encyclopedia.  Learners bring...