School Improvement in Maryland
Political Systems: Advantages and Disadvantages
Every political system has advantages and disadvantages. To gain an understanding of these differences, groups investigate the political system of another country—oligarchy, monarchy, dictatorship, parliamentary—and prepare a...
National First Ladies' Library
The State Of The States
Young scholars engage in a study of the states as part of the United States while conducting research using a variety of resources. The focus of the study is the states that were part of the Union by 1890. Students create an almanac...
Curated OER
What's Your Reference
In this reference material worksheet, students choose the correct reference for each question given. Students discover the differences in the materials found in the dictionary, the almanac, the atlas, the newspaper, and the thesaurus.
Curated OER
The Parkingtons Are Coming
Students particpate in a simulation as hosts for a visiting family of aliens. They work in small groups deciding what 10 pages of information from an Almanac the aliens need before they arrive.
Curated OER
Weather Watchers
Students are introduced to an Underground Weather Stations. In groups, they use the internet to research the weather in different parts of the United States locating each city. To end the lesson, they summarize the information they...
Curated OER
Looking at Lewis and Clark
Fifth graders review information on Lewis and Clark by using a variety of resources. With partners, they travel between stations researching different information based on the expedition. They check each others work and share it with the...
Teach Engineering
Weather Forecasting
According to the Farmers' Almanac, the weather will be nice today. Class members examine how weather forecasting plays a part in their lives with a resource that provides information on the history of forecasting, from using cloud...
Curated OER
Cite Your Sites
What information would you find in an almanac that you would not find in an atlas? What is the difference between a dictionary and a thesaurus? Using a Cite Your Sites worksheet on which they record their observations, groups participate...
Curated OER
Design Explorations: Frieze Patterns
Young scholars will explore frieze patterns. A frieze pattern is a mathematical concept to classify designs on two-dimensional surfaces, which are repetitive in one direction, based on the symmetries in the pattern. They will explore...
Curated OER
The Nifty Fifty- Facts and Figures
Students explore an assigned state. In this United States geography lesson, students identify facts and figures related to a particular state. Students use the Internet for research and create a PowerPoint presentation displaying these...
Curated OER
Texas Tour Brochure
Research a Texas city using the internet. Create a travel brochure which highlights the history, main attractions, and any general information about the city. Use Microsoft Word to create travel brochures.
Curated OER
100 Questions
Gather around to play a game! Middle and high schoolers answer questions (provided here) using various reference materials. Bring encyclopedias and other reference materials to class, as each group has limited Internet access! An answer...
Curated OER
Investigating World Cultures
Students, in groups, write research reports and create visuals about countries, put on a culture fair, and use PowerPoint to present their information.
Curated OER
What Are We Going To Do About Baby Six Billion?
Students formulate and evaluate suggestions about government policy using demographic examples and projections. They examine websites and utilize worksheets imbedded in this plan.
Curated OER
Searching the States (or Provinces) Scavenger Hunt
Young scholars examine information on a particular state or province. Groups of students use the internet to locate facts about an assigned state. They research information such as capital, state song, and major crops. young scholars...
Curated OER
Illinois Biodiversity
Learners examine the amount of biodiversity in the state of Illinois. They practice using new vocabulary and listening to stories about animals. After given time to reflect, they write their own haiku. They work together to create a...
Curated OER
Outstanding Fields of Corn
Students will show knowledge of the five themes of Geography by creating a Diorama. This lesson allows the student to use their knowledge of corn, including both past and present information and apply it to the five themes.
Curated OER
Virginia In the World: The Geography of Commerce
Students examine how Virginia connects with the world through export trade. Using a map, they use symbols to depict the value of trade and the direction of the flow of goods. They complete a scavenger hunt using electronic almanacs and...
Curated OER
Olympic Shadow Boxes
What a cool way to incorporate art and use reference materials. Learners use classroom reference materials such as almanacs, encyclopedias, and dictionaries to answer one of four questions, and then they use the information to create a...
Captain Planet Foundation
Predicting Whether the Weather is Good for the Garden
Can your class predict the weather? Show them how they can come close with a instructional activity about creating weather instruments, including weather vanes, barometers, wind socks, anemometers, and thermometers. Kids research weather...
Curated OER
Comparative Geography I
Students use population density and other statistics to compare countries. They find the population density for the countries listed in the table. Students compare findings with a partner, and then share with the class.
Curated OER
Comparing Countries
Students use a graphic organizer to research, compare and contrast two countries. They write a brief (or detailed - depending on age) report of their findings.
Curated OER
Electricity--More Power to Ya!
Fourth graders use research tools to access and synthesize information. They gather and manipulate data using technology. Research and study the components of an electrical circuit. Create a brochure that demonstrates knowledge of how to...
Curated OER
My State of the Union
Fourth graders, in groups, research states and using various print and nonprint reference materials. The groups make a presentation to inform the class about all the information from the state. This lesson plan provides imbedded support...