The New York Times
Dark Materials: Reflecting on Dystopian Themes in Young Adult Literature
The Hunger Games. Maximum Ride. Why is so much of young adult literature so dark? What is the appeal of dystopian literature to young readers? The six activities in this resource ask kids to reflect on some of the reasons this genre has...
Cornell University
Exploring Rocks and Minerals
Investigate the properties of rocks and minerals through a rockin' hands-on activity. Learners test rocks for various properties and, using a guide, attempt to identify different samples. They use various properties including hardness,...
Cornell University
Density
Certain things just do not mix, including liquids of varying densities. Learners collect data to determine the densities of several liquids. They then use the density information to predict the type of liquid.
Stanford University
Voices of the Struggle: The Continual Struggle for Equality
As part of a study of the Civil Rights Movement from 1868 to the present, class members examine first person narratives, the Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education, and other significant events in civil rights history....
Curated OER
Cultural Inquiry Lesson 2B: Finding Artifacts and Analysis
Students build on their knowledge of sources, by looking at 2 types of information sources: artifacts or primary sources and analysis or secondary sources. They brainstorm a list of primary and secondary sources connected to one of...
Curated OER
The Struggle to Organize
Students analyze correspondence and a news release regarding the Harlan, Kentucky, mine strike of 1931-1932. They use these documents to discuss the problems of organizing industrial trade unions before the New Deal.
Curated OER
Architecture the Wright Way
Eighth graders search a database for famous buildings in Illinois, and compare these structures to the designs of Frank Lloyd Wright.
Curated OER
Finding Longitude and Latitude on Pennsylvania Maps
Students draw the lines of longitude and latitude on a map. Students look at a topographical maps to see how topography relates to land use.
Curated OER
Trials and Triumphs of Modern Feminism
Students read primary documents to launch a discussion about the role of American women throughout the 1970s-1980s.
Curated OER
Forestry
Learners conduct a soil organism experiment. In this soil organism lesson, students work with a partner to test soil samples and collect data. They grow cultures from the soil samples in order to make comparisons from different sample...
Curated OER
Native Americans of Rockland County
Students comprehend Native American cultures through the use of both secondary and primary sources. They explore and investigate Native Americans in New York State. Students are shown some old Indian arrowheads and they are challenged...
Curated OER
European Travelers
Seventh graders explore the European travelers and culture. They create a travel brochure that presents a given European culture in an inviting format. Students analyze the cultures of various European countries and select one they would...
Curated OER
It All Starts With a Seed
Students use laboratory equipment safely. They identify structures in a seed. They distinguish between monocots and dicots. They search for information using the computer.
Curated OER
Sustainable Development
Twelfth graders explore the difference between natural and man-made environments. In this renewable resources instructional activity students evaluate the economic importance of resources.
Curated OER
Exploring Community Through Local History: Oral Stories, Landmarks and Traditions
Learners explore the history of their local community. In this local history lesson, students analyze primary documents to develop an understanding of the local culture and traditions of their local community.
Curated OER
American Democracy
Twelfth graders represent a specific interest in the business community and must present a plan that benefit the community and present the least amount of danger to the community. They must convince the city fathers that their venture is...
Curated OER
Wandering in Washington
Students plan a sightseeing and shopping trip around Washington, DC taking into account train safety messages. They write about the experience in their jounals and must include five safety messages.
Curated OER
Movement and Music: An Introduction to Slavery
Students create a slavery timeline. They identify key leaders in the anti-slavery movement. Students are asked what they can recall about slavery. They review the following vocabulary words slavery, spirituals, abolitionists, and...
Curated OER
Connect the Species
Fourth graders, in pairs, explore energy transfer and species interrelationships by viewing slides on a microscope. hey explore phytoplankton (producers) and zooplankton (consumers)
Curated OER
From Graphic Organizer to Comparison
Fifth graders brainstorm a variety of topics for writing. As a class, learners create four types of graphic organizers on selected topics. They discuss how to use graphic organizer in constructing a written paragraph.
Curated OER
Magnetic Bookmarks
Students design magnetic bookmarks with healthy living messages. They decide on the shape, length, color, and type of material to use for creating their bookmark. Students write in an "inventor's journal" about their design and...
Curated OER
Sports Injury Management
Students study the acronym TOTAPS in relation to managing sports injuries. They discuss the elements of TOTAPS and how to progress through each step. After discussing TOTAPS, they study how to treat injuries using the RICER method and...
Curated OER
Map Making with Lewis and Clark
Students develop maps based on a virtual internet expedition of The Louisiana Purchase land area. They create the maps based on an actual outdoor expedition of their communities. Student create two maps, one based on the Louisiana...
Curated OER
Don't Delete Me
Fourth graders explore genetic disorders, which can be caused by a malfunction in a particular chromosome and how these can cause genetic mutation.