Students write a diary. For this writing and creativity lesson, students pretend they are moving west and keep a diary about their adventures. Students study real-life scenarios about families who made the trip out west before writing...

Eighth graders examine prehistoric terrain. In this geography instructional activity, 8th graders discover necessary resources for settlers. Students work in small groups to create a trail crossing the state of Kansas.

Students investigate the concept of the Oregon Trail. They conduct research using a variety of resources. The class divides into different groups to take a different aspect of the research. Then the groups present the findings to the...

Students identify diseases that plagued the pioneers and find preventative measures to avoid them.  For this Oregon Trail lesson, students brainstorm possible health problems and diseases for pioneers. They then research a...

Students draw animals and plants that are described to them as they read passages of people who traveled across the Gila Trail in the Southwest. In this Gila Trail lesson plan, students also write a letter describing a plant or animal in...

In this multiplication learning exercise, students start with one number in the box and find the math trail that leads to the other 8 numbers. There are 4 problems to complete.

Fourth graders experience pioneer life on the Oregon trail. In this pioneer lesson plan, 4th graders research the reasons for moving west and what life was like on the trail. They create a map, complete an oral presentation, and write...

Students explore, explain and experience the importance of good character traits in everyday life by assessing the challenging journeys traveled on the Oregon Trail. They study the daily accounts of perseverance and courage along the trail.

Students practice active listening skills.  In this literacy and U.S. history lesson, students predict the hardships pioneers using the Mormon Trail might have faced. Students view the movie "Children of the Wagon Train," then...

Have your middle schoolers choose a topic about the Oregon Trail to research for an informative report. They are given a list of report ideas and the components required when composing an informational report. Then, they choose one of...

Learners explore environmental care by participating in a trail building exercise. In this topography lesson, students collaborate in small groups and utilize building materials to create a trail in a nearby park or nature area. Learners...

Young historians research the rationales for fighting the Vietnam War, and the controversies surrounding it. They watch film clips, examine photographs, and read Lyndon B. Johnson's message to Congress to gather information for a...

In this nature trail activity, students read words that they may find on a nature trail. Students read 16 words and tick the ones they get right.

In this addition learning exercise, students find the secret trail on the grid from the starting number to the ending number by adding a trail of numbers. Students complete 12 problems.

In this subtraction instructional activity, students find the secret trail on the grid from the starting number to the ending number by subtracting a trail of numbers. Students complete 9 problems.

In this subtraction worksheet, learners find the secret trail on the grid from the starting number to the ending number by subtracting a trail of numbers. Students complete 9 problems.

Whether written for Therese, Elisabeth, or for Juliane, young music theory learners will enjoy pursuing the clues hidden in music symbols that indicate who wrote "Fur Elise."

Second graders follow the Iditarod race that begins in March. They research data and select a musher to trail in the race. Then they write daily in a journal about events that happen on the trail, including pictures from the Website.

Learners explore what life was like on the American frontier. They participate in a simulation of frontier life using Oregon Trail computer software, create an Oregon Trail newsletter, develop a timeline, and conduct interviews with...

Middle schoolers explore the trail followed by Lewis and Clark on their journey across the United States. In this United States History lesson plan, students complete several activities to establish the Lewis and Clark Expedition,...

Ever wonder how scientists track fish underwater? Your class can learn how with this informative worksheet. First, they will read a paragraph about androgynous fish, tagging, and data analysis. Then, your scientists must answer five...

For this lesson, you will need access to "Notes from the Trail." Your learners will read the day's text, and identify the most important or significant event in the journal entry. Not many prompting questions are provided, and some of...

Learners set up and maintain birdhouses on the school grounds in an effort to witness and capture (through video and photos) the major stages in the life cycle of cavity-nesting birds.

What a great idea for scientific inquiry. This lab was intended for use as children explored a college campus, but it could be used anywhere. They go to three different places on campus and conduct a simple experiment that shows an...