Smithsonian Institution
Mary Henry: Journal/Diary Writing
A great way to connect social studies with language arts, a resource on Mary Henry's historical diary reinforces the concepts of primary and secondary sources. It comes with an easy-to-understand lesson plan, as well as the reference...
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Fitness Walking Class
The Fitness Walking Class unit is well-organized, and you could use the skeleton of this unit to organize your own Fitness Walking Class. Use pedometers to keep track of steps, write in journals, and get other people to walk with you....
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"Memories of Mom" Memento
Learners brainstorm a list of writing topics for a "Memories of Mom" book, choose one of the topics as the subject of a daily essay and combine a week of daily essays into a book to give their mothers for Mother's Day.
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Electric Blues
Students brainstorm a list of electrical devices used in their home. They read an article about electricity usage in a heat wave. In groups, they create public service announcements promoting energy conservation. They share their ideas...
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Images of Children in Dorthea Lange's Photographs
Students research the photographs of Dorthea Lange. In this visual art lesson, students look at photographs of children taken by Lange and answer several questions. They write or tell stories to explain what they think is occurring in...
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Growing A Coral Skeleton
Students research the growth of coral. In this coral polyps lesson, students simulate the growth of coral by using available materials to grow crystals. Students record observations in a scientific journal.
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Cooking Up the Scientific Method
First graders identify the different steps of the scientific method. In this life science lesson, 1st graders apply this method when conducting a series of hands-on activities. They collect data and write observations in their journals.
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Ph-ocusing on Photosynthesis In and Out of the Garden
Students are introduced to the concept of photosynthesis. As a class, they brainstorm a list of what they already know about plants and individually grow a plant on their own in the classroom. They record their observations daily and...
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Stop, Look and Listen
Students study and observe city wildlife and their local community's wildlife. In this wildlife activity, students look for animal clues in their local places. Students observe animals using cameras and journals. Students make a...
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Recycling Bottles
Learners learn how to sort #1 and #2 plastics and how to weigh and read a digital scale. The bags are then collected and weighed on a digital scale and the information is used to make bar graphs. They also write in their journal about...
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Spying on Spiders
Students investigate spiders. In this spiders lesson, students create a habitat for a spider with a jar, twigs, and dirt. Students observe the behavior of the spider and record how they spend their days.
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A Biblical Perspective
Students analyze money using a Biblical and business perspective. In this algebra lesson plan, students define their money relationship biblically and in a business fashion. They compare their view with the view of someone in the Gold...
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My Brother Sam is Dead: A study of the Revolutionary War
Fifth graders complete an analysis of the Revolutionary War through literature. After "My Brother Sam Is Dead," students create a time capsule containing items that would be relevant during the Revolutionary War. They identify key...
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About Life: The Photographs of Dorthea Lange - Images of Children in Dorothea Lange's Photographs
Young scholars examine how visual artists tell stories with their work. In this visual art instructional activity, students study two of Dorothea Lange's photographs to find elements of art and narrative content, use descriptive language...
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The Convoy Lesson Plan
Young scholars explore colonial life and society during that time.