National First Ladies' Library
The Flying Inauguration of the "Sudden President
Young scholars study the inauguration process as well as what the constitution states about who succeeds the President of the US when the office is emergently vacant. They discuss the role of government and the events leading to Lyndon...
Curated OER
Religion, Culture, and Diversity
Students study different religions and share their own religious traditions. In this religion lesson, students investigate different religions and how ideas about religion can create conflict, growth, and change. They interview family...
Curated OER
The Gingerbread Man Trail
What a fun way to familiarize your young learners with friendly faces on campus! Scholars read "The Gingerbread Man," discussing the characters he meets. Then, they examine a map of the campus, placing photos of employees (such as the...
Smart Museum of Art
The Making of a Superhero
Thor, Loki, Iron Man, and Captain America. As part of their study of Greek and Roman gods and heroes, middle schoolers compare the characters in The Avengers to Greek counterparts. Individuals then create their own superhero,...
Curated OER
Get in Shape with Geometry
Using geoboards, computer programs, and hands-on manipulative materials, elementary schoolers engage in a study of two and three-dimensional geometric shapes. This lesson is chock full of good teaching ideas on the subject, and the...
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The Food Guide Pyramid
Young scholars examine each level of the food pyramid and how many servings they should consume during the day. They study the important nutrients associated with each category of the food pyramid.
Sea World
Whales
A whale of a lesson is sure to intrigue your elementary oceanographers! Learn about the mammals of the sea with a series of activities about whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Kids complete worksheets about the anatomy of a whale, create a...
Curated OER
Embroidery As A Form Of Art
Young scholars create a "class quilt" using techniques learned from the study of Asian textile practices in this six-day lesson for upper-elementary school. This lesson requires parent volunteers.
Curated OER
Mudras and Sign Language
Students compare the languages of the ancient Japanese people and the American deaf community, two cultures that utilize hand signs in this lesson for the early elementary classroom.
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Flora, Fauna, and the Passing Seasons
Pupils discover representations in art, religion and cultural practices of the flora and fauna of specific geographical regions in this early elementary lesson plan. The lesson ends with a mural project by the entire class.
Curated OER
Playing in China
Students create their own Chinese tangrams using in-class direction and prior knowledge in this two-day activity for the early elementary classroom. Chinese toys are also explored.
Curated OER
The Role of Dragons in Chinese Culture
Students discuss the concept of symbolism in China and America and create their own "dragon boats" for evaluation and display. This Art lesson plan can be easily integrated into an elementary unit on China.
Curated OER
Florida the Best WebQuest
Students create a multimedia presentation demonstrating that Florida is the Best State in this creative project for the early elementary classroom. The lesson can be adapted for any state or country.
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Foam Trees/Ornaments
Students create foam ornaments and/or miniature trees using fun foam, glue, buttons, rick rack or pasta, and gold string in this early-elementary school Art lesson. Suggested adaptations for younger and older students are provided.
Curated OER
Japanese Abstract Wind Sock
Students create Abstract Wind Socks using brown paper bags, markers, kite string, and basic art supplies in this Art instructional activity for the elementary classroom. Abstract concepts are emphasized and it is recommended to only use...
Curated OER
Whimsical Wooden Santa
Students create wooden Santas using small blocks of wood, paint, holiday materials, doll hair, glue, and berry leaves in this Holiday art lesson for the elementary classroom. The lesson includes resource links and a finished example of...
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Holidays Around the World
Young scholars explore different cultures by researching holidays around the world, and comparing/contrasting their own customs to those of others; students then present their findings to the class.
Curated OER
People Who Have Made A Difference
Students explore, experience, and develop a list of ways they can make a difference in their communities. They assess a matrix of attributes of people who have already made a difference in the lives around them. The class surveys a group...
Curated OER
Japan/Kimonos
Second graders identify the kimono as a traditional Japanese clothing. They explain the importance of nature in Japanese traditional crafts. They create and design their own kimono.
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Explorers (Early European)
Students research and explore the past and its historical roots involving the economic motivations of early European explorers. They assess connections between the current technological advances in transportation and that of the early...
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Rice is Nice
First graders explore Japanese foods through fairy tales, fiction and nonfiction books, cooking meals and eating with chopsticks. After all of the creative ideas have been utilized, the class holds a tea party for parents in the classroom.
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Diversity of Families
Students discuss the word "family" and examine the various types of families, focusing on those of students in the classroom. They create a "School Family Tree" that builds on the diversity of students in the classroom.
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Assembly Line Burgers
Students explore the reasons why the assembly line was formed and how it improves productivity. They practice with their own assembly line by making "burgers" out of wafers and frosting.
Curated OER
Frederic Remington: His Life and Time
Eleventh graders discuss the life of frederic remington and visit his museum. In groups, they research topics involving remington and write reports. They assemble their findings into a Web page about remington.