US Institute of Peace
Defining Conflict
Before there can be peace, we have to understand conflict. Introduce the concept of conflict through a two-part activity that combines discussion, collaboration, and writing. The first in a 15-part series examines the multiple meanings...
Curated OER
Introduce a Weather Unit
Engage your learners by playing Water Music Suite by Handel. Different types of weather sounds play on the recording, and it's an easy lead into talking about the weather! What is weather? What kinds of weather exist? What is it called...
US Institute of Peace
Perspectives on Peace
Is peace simply the absence of war, or is there more to the story? Young social scientists define peace in the second installment of a 15-part series. Groups work together to explore cultural concepts of peace and the peacemaking process...
Curated OER
Circle Justice—Lesson 1: The Anger Within
Students examine the emotion of anger through the poem 'A Poison Tree'. For this poetry analysis lesson, students identify and decode unfamiliar vocabulary they encounter, engage in groups discussions and complete several writing...
Curated OER
Understanding Latitude, Longitude, and Time Zones
Students take an imaginary world tour by locating cities with latitude and longitude. They plan an itinerary and calculate the time zones from which they would call home. Then they construct word problems involving travel across time zones.
Curated OER
Harvesting the New World: Changing Land Uses and Contact Between Cultures in Colonial Times
Ninth graders differentiate the Native American and European values. In this world history lesson, 9th graders define colonialism in their own words. They study the effects of epidemics and other diseases to Native American populations.
Curated OER
A Moment in Time
Eighth graders study poems to see how punctuation, line length, rhythm and word choice can be used to create a memorable moment. They read and discuss poems by Shel Silverstein.
Curated OER
Different Tribes, Different Times
Second graders study the different types of Native American culture groups. They, in groups, visit four different work stations to examine various culture groups and complete a Corn Cycle worksheet.
Curated OER
Hard Times, Soft Sell
Students analyze art to determine themes for the Great Depression Era. In this Great Depression lesson, students identify themes for the era and research evidence for the themes to present to the class. Students interview family members...
Curated OER
Time is On My Side!
Fourth graders review the most effective test taking and studying skills. As a class, they are introduced to how to self-manage themselves when it comes to the activities they have to complete. To end the lesson, they complete a pretend...
Curated OER
American Prehistory: 8000 Years of Forest Management
Pupils discuss the first people to live in North America and the types of evidence we have of their existence. They complete a set of worksheets and explore their answer in group discussions.
Curated OER
Calendar Skills
First graders use an October calendar to trace numbers, trace letters, and identify dates as being in the past, present, and future. For this Social Studies lesson plan, 1st graders label events on the calendar in order to gain deeper...
Curated OER
Holidays: Stress on the Body
Students read an article on stress and holiday weight gain. In this biology lesson, students research about the body's response to excess sugar in the diet. They create a pamphlet, billboard, newscast or journal article containing...
Curated OER
Teen Jobs: How to Find, Get, and Keep Employment
A five-day lesson plan on getting and keeping a job; what could be more beneficial to a young adult? They'll discuss how to locate a job, pick up and fill out an application, and nail the all important job interview. Resume writing,...
Workforce Solutions
Networking BINGO
A Networking BINGO game asks participants to find scholars who share a variety of the same interests and characteristics. Categories include everything from shoe size, to biggest fear, to intended college major.
Rainforest Alliance
Forests of Guatemala
With 90 percent of its land area covered in forests, Suriname, a country in South America, contains the largest percentage of forests throughout the world. Here is an activity that brings classmates together to learn about the...
National Wildlife Federation
Hot, Hotter, Hottest: Extreme Weather's Impact on Our Resources
How dry is it? It's so dry, the river only runs twice a week! Through an analysis of maps and discussions, pairs learn about droughts across the United States in the ninth of 12 lessons. They then read about, answer questions, analyze...
Curated OER
Description of People and Things
Elementary schoolers use adjectives correctly in their speech. They demonstrate adjectives using familiar objects. (For example, they might show narrow by walking between two chairs placed closely together.) Then they play antonym Bingo...
Curated OER
American Flag History
Young historians explore US culture by investigating the US flag. They will use their textbooks, prior knowledge, and sources provided by the teacher to research the history of the American flag. They will design and create a trading...
Center for Learning in Action
Water—Changing States (Part 1)
Here is part one of a two-part lesson in which scholars investigate the changing states of water—liquid, solid, and gas. With grand conversation and up to three demonstrations, learners make predictions about what they think will happen...
Overcoming Obstacles
Clarifying Values
Encourage thoughtful decision making with a lesson that highlights the importance of values. Scholars take part in a grand conversation, listen to stories, and make decisions based on their personal values.
Missouri Department of Elementary
Other Changes (Life-Changing Events Outside of the Family)
Change is inevitable. Kindergarteners discuss coping skills to properly manage changes that can occur outside the family. Scholars reflect on their life changes after starting kindergarten. They discuss their feelings and draw a...
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Stop and Go
It's "Green light, go!" with this lesson! STEM classes are illuminated with the history of traffic signals and how the engineering design has improved over time. They also learn about patents for new inventions. Finally, they research in...
EngageNY
End of Unit 2 Assessment, Part 1B: Fishbowl on Better Use of Water in Industry
Listen up, it's time for a Fishbowl discussion! Scholars continue their discussions about water management in industry and agriculture. After hearing both sides of the debate, pupils complete graphic organizers, deciding which sector is...