Curated OER
History of Natural Resources in the U.S.
Students define conservation, exploitation and preservation, identify legislation related to conservation and environmental issues, and identify leaders and organizations that were key to the conservation and environmental movements.
Curated OER
Illinois Endangered & Threatened Species
Sixth graders identify endangered and threatened species in Illinois. Using fact sheets, they explore why some species are more likely to be on the list than others. Using the internet, they research one species, note its adaptations and...
Curated OER
Creative Classroom Creatures
Students are introduced to the five kingdoms and discover why there is a need for a classification system. Using the internet, they examine how scientific names are created and practice putting animals into their correct classification....
Curated OER
Cyber Memory--Let's Hope Not
Sixth graders continue to read excerpts from "The Last Book in the Universe". In groups, they discuss any questions they have about the material. They research an endangered threatened species and make a plea to the rest of the class...
Curated OER
Habitat Happenings
Pupils examine the characteristics of the Prairie Creek Habitat in Illinois. In groups, they travel between various stations writing haikus and reading brochures. They identify what occurs in each habitat and identify the animals located...
Curated OER
If I Were the Wind
Eighth graders are introduced to authors in the conservation community. As a class, they describe a personal experience they have had with nature. They identify examples of an author's descriptive writing techniques and answer questions...
Curated OER
Mammal Jeopardy
Seventh graders play a jeopardy like game using information about mammals. Before beginning the game, they complete a worksheet with questions similar to ones that are to be used during the competition. They answer more difficult...
Curated OER
Photosynthesis
Learners are introduced to the process of photosynthesis. In groups, they test the effects of the lack of sunlight on plant leaves and compare the results with their hypothesis. They note the characteristics that plants and animals share...
Curated OER
Dental Health
Fourth graders investigate the types of habits that are necessary for good dental health. They use information provided from a variety of resources to make conclusions of the overall practice of dental hygiene. Then students produce a...
Curated OER
The Song of the Lark
Using the internet, class members research the biography of Willa Cather, view photographs of Red Cloud, Nebraska, and read the novel, The Song of the Lark. They discuss the film, its setting and characters, and explore the importance of...
Curated OER
Personal Strengths, Talents and Goals
It's important to discuss individual strengths, goals, and talents. With a partner, fourth graders create a PowerPoint presentation of one of their classmates, showcasing their goals and talents. They then complete a worksheet showing...
Curated OER
Pigs in a Pen
Kindergarteners explore numbers, counting, and one-to-one correspondence. Through demonstrations and hands on activities using math manipulatives, they discover several number concepts as well as practice counting throught rote...
Curated OER
Measurement
Students explore the concept of measurement. In this measurement instructional activity, students discuss what specific measurement tools such as an odometer measure. Students recite a measurement poem. Students make a foldable with...
Curated OER
Ratios, Unit Rates, and Proportions
Explore the concept of ratios, unit rates, and proportions. Learners convert fractions and percents to decimals. They discuss rates and where they can be found in the real world. A hands-on experiment and numerous flash cards and...
Curated OER
Tyrone, the Horrible
Read a Hans Wilhelm story and complete creative writing activities. Start by reading Tyrone, the Horrible and discuss the behavior in the book. Then split your class into groups to create a "bully" situation and discuss possible...
Curated OER
Biodiversity Debate - Stream Side Science
Role play community members who are both for and against the construction of a dam. Research the pros and cons and then hold a classroom debate. This activity ideally follows a series of stream studies, links to which are included. Use...
Curated OER
Settler's Shopping List
Students browse through catalogs from the 1890's and 1900's and make a list of items needed for a year in the wilderness.
Curated OER
Sarah, Plain and Tall
Pupils read Sarah, Plain and Tall, and they write a journal entry for each chapter. They can write about anything that come to mind as you read the story. Students are able to draw in the journal. They write down key words or phrases...
Curated OER
Phishing Tales
Learners research different types of identity-theft fraud and ways to avoid falling victim to various scams. They create focused public service announcements in different media, targeted to individuals most susceptible to consumer fraud.
Curated OER
Unite The School
Learners engage in a school project help unite the feelings and make each student feel a very special part of their school. This project would be a great beginning of the school "opener" for students and their teachers.
Curated OER
The Monarch Butterfly Watch
Learners explore monarch migration through the Journey North web site. In this butterfly instructional activity, students use the internet to identify a butterfly's migration pattern. Learners write in electronic journals.
Curated OER
The Iditarod Adventure
Students use the internet to follow the Alaskan Iditarod race as well as perform research. This project-based activity will result in students creating many desktop publishing documents.
Curated OER
Celebrating Our Nation's Diversity
Second graders conduct a class census to measure diversity.
Curated OER
What's All the Fuss about Harry Potter?
Young scholars complete a survey to explore the popularity of Harry Potter books. In this literature and controversy activity, students examine why certain books are controversial or popular. Young scholars write original plays about...