National Security Agency
Backyard Building - Area and Perimeter
Turn young mathematicians into landscape architects with this four-lesson series on area and perimeter. Beginning with a basic introduction to calculating perimeter and area using non-standard units of measurement, this...
Saddleback College
How to Find the Main Idea
What's the difference between the main idea of a text and the topic? Take kids through the process of literary analysis with a presentation about finding the main idea and supporting details. Additionally, it guides learners through...
Curated OER
A River Runs Through It; Anticipation Guide
Learners answer questions to consider before they read A River Runs Through It. In this anticipation guide lesson, students complete a worksheet responding to declarative statements and then discuss their responses in...
Curated OER
Ocean Exploration
Students explore whales. In this animal adaptation and whale lesson, students access prior knowledge about whales from previous lessons, then use background knowledge to predict the eating strategies of a baleen whale and a toothed...
Curated OER
Factoring Using the Area Model
There are methods to make factoring less mysterious, and more fun, for students.
Curated OER
Using Artifacts to Engage Students in Critical Thinking Activities
Creating learning centers with artifact-related activities are a great way to promote deductive reasoning and critical thinking skills.
Curated OER
Earth Rotation
High schoolers examine the rotation of the Earth as it occurs in the 24 hour cycle. They use models of planets and the globe to make observations of movements made. Students brainstorm prior knowledge and then participate in a...
Read Works
Predicting Events in Realistic Fiction
Predict what will happen next in The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson. Class members can use their prior knowledge of the story and other experiences to determine what will happen next. Active readers make predictions as...
Curated OER
Introducing Particles
Students predict what is going to happen using prior knowledge being prepared to alter a view when faced with new evidence. They then accurately measure and record liquid volumes realizing that liquids and granular solids have...
Curated OER
Literary Terms Used in I, Juan de Pareja
Seventh graders define six different literary terms after reading I, Juan de Pareja. In groups, they are given a specific literary term to create a PowerPoint presentation explaining how their term in utilized in the context of I, Juan...
Curated OER
Two Sides, Same Coin: How Political Beliefs Influence Language Use
Learners read several magazine articles on the same topic written from different political perspectives, paying particular attention to the diction, syntax, and arguments presented in support the point of view expressed. They then select...
Curated OER
Community Quilt
Second graders use prior knowledge about the community to create a quilt. They use complete sentences to explain their block and also use oral language skills to tell about their caption for their quilt piece.
Curated OER
Nike Transitions
Students discuss the use of transitions in film and video using prior knowledge, a Nike film, and a teacher-created iMovie as examples. The lesson ends with the creation of student iMovies using transitions.
Curated OER
Healthy Tips Podcast
Pupils create a health-based podcast for peers using prior knowledge, internet research, and KWL charts. This lesson is adaptable for different health topics and age levels.
Curated OER
Three Dimensional Geology
Pupils use rocks and fossils to interpret the geology of an area. They use prior knowledge and make recommendations about where to build a subdivision based on the rocks.
Curated OER
Tuck Everlasting
Seventh graders use literary terms while discussing literature with their peers. They explore literature on a deeper level. Students formulate their opinions regarding response to literature, as this lesson helps students practice...
Curated OER
Aluminum Adventure
Chemistry aces use an electrochemical cell to anodize a strip of aluminum. They apply an organic dye to it. In a practical application, they design a piece of jewelry out of the anodized metal and describe the process. Thorough notes...
Curated OER
Pig Products
How do you feel about cloning? This issue is highly debated, so educate your class before they participate in a similar debate! Read a New York Times article related to the use of cloned pig organs for human transplants. Groups develop...
Curated OER
Fossil Fuels (Part III), The Geology of Coal
Do not overlook this set of lessons just because your school does not have a data analysis system. There is plenty of material here to administer a complete mini unit on the formation, distribution, and properties of coal. Since it...
Curated OER
Angles
Fourth and fifth graders investigate angles and name them according to the criteria for obtuse, acute, and right angles. They examine a human-made yarn pattern on the floor of their classroom and identify angles, vertices, and types of...
Curated OER
Will You Pick My Cotton?
Use this cross-curricular history lesson plan to work on your students' informational writing skills. After listening to songs and stories related to Sultana, they engage in a several activities to boost their understanding of slavery...
Curated OER
Exploring Weather Conditions Through Painting
Your advanced class will paint a picture of a particular weather condition. For this painting lesson young scholars describe elements of art in pieces of artwork. They analyze the weather and seasons in the artwork. The students use...
Curated OER
In God We Trust; All Others Pay Cash
Learners review their knowledge on the First Amendment. After reading an article, they identify specific church and state issues. Using the Internet, they research President Bush's proposal from a specific point of view. They summarize...
Curated OER
British Royalty Tours the U.S.
Students share their knowledge of England, then read a news article about Prince Charles's anticipated visit to the U.S. In this current events instructional activity (written prior to Prince Charles's visit), the teacher introduces the...