Illustrative Mathematics
Representing Half of a Circle
Geometric shapes make great visual models for introducing young mathematicians to the concept of fractions. Looking at a series of four circles, students are asked to determine whether or not one half of each circle is shaded. To support...
Mathematics Assessment Project
Discovering the Pythagorean Theorem
Young mathematicians join the ancient order of the Pythagoreans by completing an assessment task that asks them to find the area of tilted squares on dot paper. They then look at patterns in the squares to develop the...
University of North Carolina
Reading to Write
Silly journal and essay prompts may be fun to write, but they don't model the kind of writing needed for college papers and standardized tests. The 15th part in a series of 24 covers the concept of reading to write—during and after...
CCSS Math Activities
Smarter Balanced Sample Items: 6th Grade Math – Claim 3
Communication is key. Eight sample items show how important communication and reasoning is for sixth grade mathematics. Part of the Claim 2-4 slide show series, the presentation uses concepts from fifth and sixth grade to illicit...
Federal Reserve Bank
FRED in the Classroom: Measures of Inflation
Don't just tell class members about how to measure inflation, have them experience it firsthand by asking them to work with real data and construct graphs!
Teach Engineering
Build the Biggest Box
Boxing takes on a whole new meaning! The second installment of the three-part series has groups create lidless boxes from construction paper that can hold the most rice. After testing out their constructions, they build a new box....
Curated OER
Identifying Themes in Children's Literature
Identifying themes in literature is the focus of the language arts lesson plan presented here. Learners read short pieces of fiction and practice the skill of identifying the themes present in each one. The bulk of the activity consists...
Curated OER
Hot Spots
Keep an eye on progress with reading and vocabulary using pink and green sticky notes. This resource describes how to set up the sticky note system so that learners can note difficult passages, and teachers can track ability.
Weebly
Symbolism in The Giver
Take two days to examine the symbolism inherent in color, and how this relates to Lois Lowry's The Giver. Small groups first discuss the meaning of colors and then come together as a class to explore the impact of color. The activities...
Curated OER
Money Conversations
Students participate in a conversation about money. In this money conversion lesson students discuss money in a variety of related topics. They respond to a conversation between a bank manager and a poor parent as well as decide what...
Scholastic
Thanksgiving Lessons Grades PreK-2
A quintessential resource for teaching an elementary unit on the first Thanksgiving addresses a variety of skills, including informational reading, critical thinking, comparing and contrasting facts, technology tools, and historical...
Curated OER
Gases Around Us
Students participate in a whole class discussion about solids, liquids, and gases. Students get involved in a teacher-directed experiment related to solids, liquids, and gases. Students complete worksheet, writing the names of the parts...
Curated OER
Who Needs Numbers?
Students identify whole numbers through the one millions place. In this place value lesson, students read the book The Day Without Math and use place value mats to create numbers to the millions place. Students use base ten blocks during...
National First Ladies' Library
So! You Want to Start Your Own Political Party?
Pupils examine the emergence of third parties in American politics during the first half of the 19th century. Working in groups, they research a Third Party and determine why the party was founded as well as who were instrumental in the...
Curated OER
Class Ketchup
Students describe statistics by conducting a class cooking activity. In this ketchup lesson plan, students conduct a class survey based on ketchup consumption habits by students. Students utilize tomatoes, water and a bottle to create...
Curated OER
Critical Literacy in the 21st Century
Students discover world geography by writing persuasive letters. For this literacy lesson, students discuss what percentage of children are illiterate in our country compared to other geographic locations. Students utilize writing...
Curated OER
Scribbleboy
Fifth graders are introduced to the text, SCRIBBLEBOY, discussing the cover page for clues to the genre. They discuss the ordinary surroundings contrasted by the graffiti and the words and phrases used to provide information about the...
BrainPOP
Migration Activities for Kids
For as long as there has been life on earth, animals, including humans, have used migration as a means of survival. This collection of activities supports young scientists as they learn about this behavioral adaptation, encouraging them...
Curated OER
U.S. Imperialism PowerPoint Project
Eighth graders explore U.S. Imperialism. They explain why stronger countries take control of weaker countries. Students research Imperialism in other parts of the world. In groups, 8th graders create a PowerPoint presentation discussing...
Curated OER
Body Decorations
Body decoration has been practiced for years and years, and it is often associated with a culturally significant event. To celebrate Harmony Day, children discuss the Hindu custom of henna or hand painting. They brainstorm ways people...
Curated OER
Cleveland may gamble on gambling
Learners write a news feature or editorial discussing the debate of whether gambling should be legalized in Cleveland. Students research and debate about the issue. Learners interview community members to hear views.
Curated OER
And Others?
Having integrity is often easier said than done. After completing the first lesson in a unit on being true to themselves and their values, learners engage in a discussion about three different people in difficult situations that call for...
Childnet International
Crossing the Line: Sexting
Technology may be changing every day, but peer pressure remains difficult for teenagers to resist. After watching a video about feeling pressured to text provocative pictures, middle schoolers learn about the laws and school policy...
EngageNY
Solving Percent Problems
Don't discount how much your pupils understand percents! The 27th lesson in a series of 29 presents a problem to find the cost of a discounted outfit. Small groups determine either the original price or the discount received given the...