Interactive
American Museum of Natural History

Tools of the Trade

For Students 6th - 12th
Archaeologist David Hurst Thomas details his search for a lost Spanish Mission on St. Catherines Island, Georgia. A great way to introduce youngsters to the life of and the tools used by archaeologists.
Lesson Plan
Channel Islands Film

First Contact: Lesson Plan 4 - Grades 5-6

For Students 5th - 6th Standards
After watching Treasure in the Sea, a documentary about Channel Islands National Park and the video First Contact, about the voyage of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo to the Channel islands, groups research and then compare the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

California's Mission/Rancho Era

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders complete a variety of activities as they study the Spanish colonization of California, including the relationships among missionaries and Indians and their interactions with soldiers and people in the pueblos and ranchos.
Unit Plan
NASA

Marsbound! Mission to the Red Planet

For Teachers 3rd - 12th
It's time to go to Mars. Using the provided cards and mat, groups design a mission to Mars. The cards contain information about the different components of the launch and warn about a few mishaps that might occur along the way.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What They Left Behind: Early Multi-National Influences in the United States

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students examine how the European voyages of discovery influence American culture even today. They map eighteenth century Europe's impact on the United States.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What They Left Behind: Early Multi-National Influences in the United States

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Learners research the impact of European voyages of discovery and colonial influence on different aspects of American culture. They access a number of online sources and reference maps to trace the influences of England, France, Holland,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Gold Rush Abolitionists: How different was the role of Spanish-speaking blacks under Mexican rule from the role of English-speaking blacks under U.S. rule?

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students determine how Spanish-speaking blacks and English speaking blacks were treated differently. In this emancipation lesson, students compare the Mexican and American rules regarding slavery.     
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Understanding Primary Sources: California Missions in Art

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students examine pieces of art from the 19th century. They discuss the role of Spanish missions in California as well. They write an essay describing the paintings.
PPT
Curated OER

Colonial North America

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Showcase the religion, conflicts, daily life, and politics of Colonial North America. A very well-done presentation highlights all the major colonial groups, social norms, demographics, and political struggles of the time. Perfect for an...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Oh, California

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students begin this lesson by charting information about the relationship between the Spanish missionaries and Native Americans at a California mission. Then, students identify the dynamics of those relationships that would have made...
Lesson Plan
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Channel Islands Film

Lone Woman of San Nicolas Island: Lesson Plan 3

For Teachers 4th - 8th Standards
Should researchers be able to excavate, examine, and remove Native American artifacts from historic sites? Should companies be permitted to build on sacred Native American land? After watching West of the West's documentary, The Lone...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

California Mission Slide Show

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders research the details of a California Mission. They design a slide show to present their research.
Worksheet
Curated OER

The Moon

For Students 6th - 8th
In this space science worksheet, students complete each of the statements with the correct word or phrase about the moon. Then they identify four ways that scientists believe the moon was formed, selecting one and writing a paragraph...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Space Exploration Missions

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders explore and discuss the various space exploration missions.  In this space mission lesson students work in pairs and create a PowerPoint presentation on the contributions of space exploration missions. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Adventure Begins: "Boys I Believe I Have Found a Gold Mine!"

For Teachers 7th - 11th
Young scholars view and discuss historical documents regarding Native Americans and Californians prior to the gold rush in the 1940's. They complete a variety of activities designed to show what they have learned from these sources and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Whiningdingdilly

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd
Students read the book The Whiningdingdilly and complete a Venn Diagram, write a friendly letter, find misplaced animals, and morph animals and humans. In this The Whiningdingdilly lesson plan, students practice reading, writing, map...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

How Do We Explore Strange Environments?

For Teachers K - 4th
Students identify and label the different parts of a robot, rover, or a spacecraft. They discuss and record all of the features their robot will need to accomplish its mission and be able to explain why they chose these features to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Life of a Mission - From Beginning to Now

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students research the history of a Spanish mission. They create a timeline showing the major events of the mission. They complete a worksheet to end the lesson.
Activity
Peaceful Playgrounds, Inc.

10 Rainy and Snow Day Activities for Indoor Recess and PE

For Teachers K - 6th
Don't let the rain and snow put a damper on your PE lessons. This collection of indoor activities is a perfect way to keep students active regardless of the weather outside.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Marine Life Protected Areas in the O.C.

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students research a Marine Protected Area and determine the species' that benefit from its protection.  In this marine lesson students present their findings to the class using PowerPoint.
Unit Plan
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California Shakespeare Theater

Hamlet Teacher's Guide

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Even those experienced teachers of Hamlet can find much to like in a guide that offers many fresh ideas for activities. Class members may take on the role of FBI profilers that investigate Claudius and Hamlet as murderers, or...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Pre-Columbian Settlements and People

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders describe the social, political, cultural and economic life and interactions among the people of California from the pre-Columbian societies to the Spanish mission and Mexican rancho periods.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Applying For The Mission

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Pupils participate in a live simulation of traveling through space as part of a large science unit. They are encouraged to go into the community and ask for participation from parents and relatives. Students reflect upon their own...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

California Indians

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders discuss the major nations of California Indians, their geographic distribution, economic activities, legends and religious beliefs. They describe the function of Spanish missions and the influence of Catholicism. In...