Illustrative Mathematics
Above and below sea level
Using the real-world example of elevation, above or below sea level, young mathematicians interpret expressions using negative signs, and absolute value. This task provides a good opportunity to discuss the notion of magnitude and...
BioEd Online
Spiders in Space
Does a spider spin its web differently in space? What other ways might microgravity affect an arachnid? Pick a topic to research, plan an investigation, and follow astronauts on the International Space Station as they perform some of the...
Curated OER
Create your own Parfleche!
What is a parfleche? It is a box used by the Plains Indians to carry goods as they traveled. First, the class will discuss the uses of these highly ornate boxes and the nature of the Plains Indians' nomadic lifestyle. Then, the class...
Grid Games Galore
Math Games Students Like to Play
These may not all be your cup of tea, but you'll likely find some gold in this math games packet. Find brief, easy-to-execute games (like Integer Football) and that are perfect for review or even a substitute teacher plan.
Denver Public Schools
Kung-hsi Fa-ts' ai! – A Chinese New Year Celebration
Looking for ideas for your Lunar New Year celebration? Check out an interdisciplinary unit of study that includes lessons in counting, calligraphy, culture, geography, literature, art, and music. Kung-hsi Fa-ts' ai! (May you...
Penguin Books
A Teacher’s Guide to the Penguin Edition of John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath
The dry Oklahoma landscape in America's Dust Bowl sent many farmers in search of the promised land. A teacher's guide to John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath discusses the characters' desire for a better home along with other themes...
Stanford University
Migrant Mother Photograph
A picture often has hidden stories to tell. Looking at the iconic Migrant Mother photography by Dorothy Lange, individuals examine the human toll of the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression at large. Other documents, including a statement...
Curated OER
Journey Through Time
Students examine the movement of the Bison over the land bridge. In groups, they use the events to put them into the correct sequence. They apply measurement to chronological time and read more information about the land bridge.
Curated OER
Bison Calculations
Students discuss how animals are cared for when they are captured. Using calculations, they determine how much food and water it takes for one bison and compare their water intake to humans. They also compare their weight to that of a...
Curated OER
What is a Ruminant?
Students examine the way bison eat and digest their food. Using a diagram, they follow the food from one compartment to the next. They discover that bison are ruminants and discuss why the bison need four stomachs.
Curated OER
Analyzing a Picture
Students examine various photographs and identify three conclusions from them. Using the pictures, they write their own story based on their observations. They share their stories with the class and discuss how some of their...
Curated OER
Personal Learning Profile
High schoolers are given an overview of their legal rights according to IDEA, each student describes in their own words why it is important that they exercise their rights within the transition planning process. They are asked, "What...
Curated OER
Media Campaign
Eleventh graders design and present a media product supporting environmental stewardship. They demonstrate an understanding of the nature and types of waste and of their management in industry and the community. They assess the results...
Curated OER
What's in the Water?
Students examine water data for up to a month and perform tests on the samples.
Curated OER
Examining The Scores
Students investigate test scores taken to obtain academic strengths and weaknesses. They practice looking at the scores in order to interpret the results. Students use time for class discussion and planning study strategies to target...
Curated OER
Soil Science Study
Pupils complete an activity by looking and gathering data on plants and soils.
Curated OER
It's All In The Surface: The Effects Of Color & Texture On The Ability Of A Surface To Absorb Solar Energy
Ninth graders examine how dark surfaces absorb more light than light surfaces. They perform an experiment that compares various surfaces abilities to absorb heat, then record and analyze the results.
Curated OER
Into the Pond
Seventh graders use a pond to explore macroinvertebrates and other organisms. They use a dichotomous key to classify the organisms and maintain a journal recording their findings.
Curated OER
Earth Kids: Kindergarteners Taking Care of the Earth
Students explore a variety of ways of how to care for the environment in the nine lessons of this unit. They observe how to be responsible "Earth Kids."
Curated OER
Land Ho! Early Exploration and Settlement of the Americas
Students complete a unit to learn about early American exploration. In this Americas exploration lesson, students complete eight lessons of activities to learn about Columbus's discovery of the new world and the early exploration of the...
Curated OER
Bioweapons - Are You Safe?
Students investigate bioterrorism and bioweapons as ways to transmit contagious diseases. Student examine the way the US is protecting itself from bioterrorism.
Curated OER
The Bread of the Sandwich
Students create relief maps of Canada and Mexico out of everyday objects like dried macaroni, dry rice, sand, etc. They create a clue card for a location game and try to stump their classmates. They host a travel fair to display their...
Curated OER
You Don't Say!!
Fourth graders write and respond to sayings throughout the school year. They define the idioms, illustrate them and compare their meanings with other groups in the class.
Curated OER
Mexico: One Land, Many Cultures
Students research and study the country of Mexico and complete a project about it. In this Mexico lesson plan, students research Mexico's geography, traditions, art, songs, stories, and legends that are native to Mexico.