Virginia Department of Education
Planet Line-Ups
Should Pluto be considered a planet or a dwarf planet? Scholars research planets in our solar system to understand their similarities and differences. It also includes memory activities related to the order of the planets.
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A Model Solar System
If Earth is modeled by a grapefruit, what planet could be represented by a golf ball? This activity uses everyday and not-so-everyday objects to create a model of the Solar System.
Chicago Botanic Garden
Food for Thought: Climate Change and Trophic Cascades
Learners examines the arctic food web with a short video about polar bears and an article about bears and warming temperatures. They design an arctic food web and discuss the trophic cascade that could come from climate change.
Education World
Public Speaking Lesson: The Impact of Bullying
It's one thing to prevent yourself from becoming a bully, but how do you convince others to follow suit? Take the first step in creating a better world with a public speaking lesson plan that prompts learners to write and present...
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Ecoregions of Texas
Students map the ecoregions in Texas and illustrate the vegetation native to the region. They will use their maps to investigate why prehistoric hunter-gatherers might have decided to live in one area over another, such as the ancient...
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Creepy Crawlies
Second graders study the world of insects. They join Greenpatch Kids, an organization of young people who are interested in nature and want to protect our environment. In addition, the students assess use of technology as a valuable...
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Papa Interviews
Working in teams of two, students conduct interviews by playing the role of a reporter and Hemingway. They research their parts, write the interviews, and perform them for the rest of the class.
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The Wild Wild Mid-West
Eleventh graders examine reasons for Louisiana Purchase and identify those who played key roles in it, create map of Louisiana Purchase and states that are part of it, and analyze overall importance of Louisiana Purchase.
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The Hidden History of the Roman Empire
Students compare entertainment in ancient Rome to entertainment today. In this ancient Rome lesson, students research the details regarding the entertainment that occurred in the Colosseum and the Circus Maximus in Rome. Students compare...
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Self-Esteem through Literature and Music
Learners research representations of self-esteem in music and literature, reflect on their meanings and use in developing positive attitudes. They make a presentations based on their research. They also keep a daily journal.
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Phase In, Phase Out, the Magnificent Moon
First graders discuss why the moon appears to change shape. They use flashlights and balls to simulate the sun's light shining on the moon during its different phases. They read books, paint pictures and write sentences about the moon.
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Solving Science Mysteries
Students choose a science-related mystery to investigate such as the Loch Ness Monster or Bigfoot. They, in groups, research theories and give a persuasive talk presenting the theory they feel to be most likely.
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Choosing the Lincoln Statue
Fourth graders research photographs or artwork depicting Abraham Lincoln during the time when he was traveling the 8th Judicial Circuit and practicing law in Champaign County. They develop a Powerpoint presentation of the results of the...
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Wild Animal Investigation - Habitat Diorama
Students research wild animals in cooperative groups and use their information to construct habitat dioramas. They demonstrate competence in using different information sources, including those of a technical nature, to accomplish...
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Constellation Creations
Fourth graders puncture holes in black paper to represent stars in constellations. They glue white paper behind the black to show the stars. They create several constellations and keep them to use as study guides.
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Big on Biography
Pupils conduct research for biographical information on a person they select. They write information on note cards and place the information appropriately on a graphic organizer.
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A Kingship Rested in Peace
Pupils investigate, by decades, important events in Middle Eastern history, King Hussein of Jordan's influence on these events and how it affected U.S. foreign policy and produce a timeline representing the five decades in King Hussein...
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Who Should Be Number 2?
Pupils explore role of the vice president and the qualities that a presidential candidate must look for while choosing his or her running mate.
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People of the Earth
Students explore the rich culture of the southwestern Native Americans through the integration of curriculum. Pupils read and research stories about Native Americans. They write an essay about Native Americans. Additional cross...
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World Religion At A Glance
Ninth graders research and assigned religion and fill out information they gather on their "Special Assingment Instruction Sheet." They create a sample brochure about the religion they researched, edit the brochure with another student...
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Unique Plants of the Biomes
Students examine how the earth is divided into different biomes that are characterized by a distinctive climate. In this earth's surface lesson plan students identify adaptations of plants in specific biomes.
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Biomes: Adapting To Deserts & Other Ecosystems
Middle schoolers examine how animals must be adapted to the conditions of its environment to survive. In this biomes lesson students research desert adaptations then discuss how these animals have survived.
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Poetry Power
Second graders explore language arts by analyzing poems in their class. In this word play instructional activity, 2nd graders define the terms rhyme, rhythm and alliteration and identify their uses. Students utilize class word lists to...
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Prairies
students make booklets about each of the following: reptiles, birds, plants, animals and buffalo. Each was information and contained the facts covered in class. they research one specific area in which they were especially interested....