Students get an introduction to using KWL Charts as tools for reading nonfiction. They study unfamiliar words and share what they already know about the topic of the non-fiction selection and use this knowledge to help prepare to read.

Seventh graders explore, analyze and study World War II through primary sources to assess the differences and impact of a "world war" vs. "a small war." They critique liberated prisoner letters, describe what they see in photographs and...

Students study the sounds of New Orleans jazz, its origins, and its influences. In this jazz music lesson, students listen to various jazz songs and discuss the songs. Students use the worksheet 'Jazz: the Universal Language' to study...

Students practice reading and math skills using technology.  In this main idea instructional activity, students retell the important events of A Birthday for Tia in sequence using Kid Pix.  Students create a bar graph...

Students complete poetry writing activities and art analysis activities. In this creative writing and art lesson, students analyze a cubist piece by Picasso and discuss abstraction. Students read a poem by Gertrude Stein about Picasso...

Learners conduct Internet research to discover how Mesoamerican's used chocolate. In this South American history lesson, students work in pairs to complete an activity worksheet and engage in class discussion.

Students explore digital communication by participating in a critical thinking activity. In this Internet safety lesson, students discuss ways to protect their identity on the Internet as well as preserving friendships. Students complete...

Learners examine a picture of a Cuban billboard and discuss what the billboard signifies. Students then consider the impact of the end of Fidel Castro's rule by reading and discussing the article ¿What Was Once Theirs.¿ Learners...

Students examine immigration issues. In this immigration lesson, students prepare for a panel discussion regarding Special Order 40 in Los Angeles as they read an article regarding the order and role play local lobbyists in the panel...

Students are introduced to fractions, including operations with fractionsm converting fractions to decimals and percents. They are provided with activities that provide ample practice opportunities to reinforce the information from the...

Students are introduced to histograms, bar graphs, and the concept of class interval. They use an activity and three discussions with supplemental exercises to help students explore how data can be graphically represented (and...

Students explore effective citizenship. They describe the skills, attitudes, and actions of a good citizen. In groups, students brainstorm ideas for effective citizenship. Each group shares their ideas for what they consider to be a...

Students write about ways in which they used persuasive skills in the past. They evaluate what makes a persuasive argument successful. Students list the ways in which persuasive writing can help us achieve desired goals.

Students create a Middle Ages writing journal with narrative, expository and persuasive prompts.  In this creative writing lesson, students are given a list of Middle Ages topics and begin working in their journals. This is a long...

Learners share their views and opinions on the state of racism in America. Stimulate discussion by asking if there are specific groups who seem to be the target of racism more then others; also students consider what the true causes of...

Students see what inventors have to think about when making an invention, particularly the kinds of effects they can have on people.

Students close their eyes and taste foods without using the sense of sight to identify the foods. They record what they think the food is that they tasted.

Learners examine biodiversity, ecosystems, and extinction. They are divided into groups to discuss why they think biodiversity is important.

Students view an "In the Mix" video about drug abuse. They participate in a discussion about the video, distinguish several facts and myths about drug use, identify how drugs can affect people's lives and engage in role-playing the...

Students study different forms of business ownership. They examine advantages and disadvantages of different forms of business ownership and the appropriateness of different forms of business ownership. They study how business ownership...

Learners study the concepts of autobiography, biography, and fiction as literary genres. They read, study, and analyze Maya Angelou's autobiographical writings in terms of what she intended to accomplish by her writings. They develop and...

The teacher models a Picture Walk by using a "think aloud" method while reading a picture book to the class. On the second day, 3rd graders use a worksheet as a guide for a second picture walk. This time, students complete the "think...

Students begin to examine the lawmaking process. Using their text, they describe the role of the three branches of government. In groups, they identify the four basic values protected by law and define the concept of lobbying and...

Students study Pascal's triangle. They construct their own version of Pascal's triangle, and relate some of the uses for it. While working through this process, students practice their integer multiplication and division skills.