Western Kentucky University
Understanding Genetics: Punnett Squares
Can scientists really predict genetic outcomes or are they simply making a lucky guess? Scholars first learn about Gregor Mendel and how to make Punnett squares. Then they extract DNA from a strawberry in a lab with included conclusion...
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Map Activity - Roanoke Valley
Students write directions from a starting point to a destination using a map and ads from the Yellow Pages. They define the following terms using total body response or through the use of random objects: "right-hand," "left-hand,"...
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Force And Motion
Eighth graders investigate the concept of force and motion while conducting short class activities. They compare the differences of potential and kinetic energy while rolling objects on a ramp. Students also measure the distance that...
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Species Identification Using Dichotomous Keys
To help your students unlock the wonderful world of living things, teach them to use a dichotomous key.
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Measurement Benchmarks and Conversions
Students explore the concept of measurement. For this measurement lesson, students determine appropriate units of measure for objects in the classroom. Students discuss the importance of measuring objects with the same unit of measure.
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Playground Zoom
Students observe and draw small objects on the playground or in the classroom with and without a magnifying glass. They explore how lenses can affect the way that an object is observed from afar or remotely sensed. Afterwards, they share...
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Introduce Solids
Young scholars identify and interpret a variety of solid materials - cloth, wood, metal, plastic, paper, and rubber. After a period of free exploration, they then describe the properties of the objects and develop vocabulary in order to...
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Pollution Solution!
Learners listen to the story "Clean Air, Dirty Air" by Lynne Patchett and discover the main types of pollution and how these affect their bodies. In this pollution activity, students work in small groups to create a machine to prevent...
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Folding to Make Shapes
Second graders identify different polygons and their attributes. In this geometry instructional activity, 2nd graders get to know polygons by studying the vocabulary and finding polygons in their classroom. They create these shapes and...
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Sound
First graders investigate sound and recognize the importance of hearing. They listen to and identify sounds in the environment, classroom, and on a pre-recorded tape. The students classify each type of sound and participate in a Sound...
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Still Life Painting: Arranging Nature
Learners choose meaningful objects for a still-life arrangement and paint it using watercolors and write an artist’s statement. In this still life art lesson, students identify and analyze the characteristics of a still-life painting and...
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Painted Chairs
Students evaluate visual arts by creating furniture designs. In this three dimensional art lesson, students utilize the web to examine different artist renderings of furniture, sculpture and architecture. Students utilize paint to create...
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Learning to Use the Words Inches, Feet, and Yards
Students use a variety of measuring devices including a ruler, yardstick, and tape measure to accurately measure objects in inches, feet, and yards. They report on these measurements, both orally and in writing.
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Shape Detectives
Students become "shape detectives" as they identify, name, create and describe common shapes within pictures and objects found within the learning environment. Suggestions include incorporating shapes into all learning areas and daily...
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School Days
Students identify colors, days and vocabulary related to objects in their classroom. They examine pictures and identify the different objects. They write sentences about what they did on each day of the week.
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What Sense Does It Make?
Pupils identify the five senses and their functions and explain what information each sense gives us. They collect information gained through observation and experiences. They practice identifying new vocabulary words from the word wall.
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Map Making
First graders explore maps to realize the concept that maps are simply small representations of a much bigger picture. They discuss the importance of maps in everyday life, examine a map of the school, and then make a map of their...
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Field Trip!: A Visit to the Grocery Store
Students discover that foods are organized into groups of similar items by developing vocabulary to enhance verbal discussion i.e., real experiences provide the foundation for thoughtful discussion and critical thinking. They then...
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COLORS
Students practice the vocabulary for the basic colors in English, recognize these words, and then use them appropriately to describe the colors of an object.
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Dialog Expansion, Structure Drills
Students practice speaking sentence patterns used in classroom dialogs. They use new vocabulary within the sentence patterns.
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Transformation of Energy: Heat
Sixth graders investigate how heat is transferred and the concepts of conduction, convection, and radiation. They define key vocabulary terms, and observe teacher-led demonstrations of conduction, convection, and radiation.
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Coordinate Graphs
Students use coordinate graphs in order to identify objects and their locations. They are shown how to plot the x and y coordinates and then are given values to be plotted during guided and independent practice. Students are assessed on...
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Virginia: Jamestown and Its People
Students familiarize themselves with the settlement of Jamestown and practice describing objects and their use. For this Jamestown lesson, students listen to stories about Jamestown, complete an artifact activity, and explore the story...
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Any Nook or Cranny
Students create a reading nook. In this measurement lesson, students find a spot in the classroom to turn into a reading nook. They need to measure how much space they need to fit students and supplies into their nook.