Curated OER
The Pumpkin Patch - A Venture in Agritourism
After reading an article about how agritourism is helping boost the financial stability of local farms, middle schoolers answer comprehension questions. This is a case-study of Canadian pumpkin producers. It could be useful as a...
Media Smarts
Making Media for Democratic Citizenship
Pupils analyze global issues. In this video podcasting lesson plan, pupils research Internet and print sources regarding selected global development issues. Pupils plan and create video podcasts that feature their research findings.
Curated OER
Little Bees, Big Potential
After reading an article on the alfalfa leafcutting bee, learners chart its characteristics alongside those of the honeybee. Then they draw the leafcutter lifecycle. The article provides fascinating reading when studying the role of...
Curated OER
Glacial Groundwater
Students study glacial deposition and groundwater in Dutchess County, new York. They identify the permeability rates in different glacial deposits and relate this information to ground water capacity of sediments found in Dutchess...
Curated OER
Endangered Animals Books
Middle schoolers research endangered species and create and publish books to present their findings. Designed to use Inspiration software, this resource could be adapted if you don't have access to the program. Contains handy website...
Curated OER
Building Background
Learners, in groups, define qualities of friends and leaders. The groups define how far a friend or leader should go to protect their friendship or country. They research Julius Caesar, Marc Anotony and Shakespeare and read Julius Caesar.
Curated OER
The Lewis and Clark Expedition
Students explore the challenges of the Lewis and Clark Expedition through a physical education simulation. In this cross-curriculum physical education instructional activity, students work in groups of three to log 8000 steps, stopping...
Kate Stickley
Reading the World: Latitude and Longitude Lesson latitude and longitude, maps, coordinates on a map, prime meridian, reading maps, equator, globes
Find five activities all about longitude and latitude! Use oranges to show the equator and prime meridian, plot birthdays on a map using coordinates, and plan a dream vacation.
Curated OER
Watering Our Prairie Farms
After reading an article about irrigation on Canadian farms, learners participate in a discussion. They individually write an opinion paper about the surrounding issues. A lesson like this can be used in an earth science class when...
Curated OER
Bud the Spud Moves West
As part of a unit on Canadian agriculture, this focuses on how potato farms have increased in the west. Pupils participate in a discussion about the impact of consumer demand on production, and then they read an article about potato...
Curated OER
The Rule of Law
Students continue their exploration of the concept of rule of law. As a class, they discuss how Civil Rights leaders followed the rule of law in their protests. After reading various articles, they participate in a discussion and...
Curated OER
Try A Pizza Theme Week
Students explore all the things they could do with a pizza. They become aware of food groups and nutritional needs, make decorated cardboard pizzas, interact with pizza slices and fractions, create stories to go along with their...
Curated OER
Famous Americans
Students create a wax museum of famous Americans. In this research skills lesson plan, students read biographies of selected Americans and conduct additional research. Students dress as the famous Americans they researched and present...
Curated OER
Constitutional Change During the Progressive Era
Pupils analyze the passage of the 16th through 19th amendments during the Progressive Era around the turn of the century. Using research skills, they write papers and create portfolios supporting and opposing the adoption of each...
Curated OER
The African Burial Ground
Fourth graders analyze findings at African burial grounds. For this research skills lesson, 4th graders research Internet and print sources regarding African American heritage. Students discuss their findings.
Curated OER
Examining the Spanish Flu of 1918
Eighth graders take a closer look at the Spanish influenza breakout of 1918. In this research skills instructional activity, 8th graders examine primary sources gathered by their instructor and identify how communities prepared (or did...
Curated OER
Teaching about Aquatic Respiration
Students explore respiration in a lake ecosystem by experiment and research.
Curated OER
Teaching about Rain Storms, Land Use, and Lake Turbidity
Students investigate the impacts of major rainfall and subsequent runoff on turbidity in lakes. They, in groups, develop a presentation of their research and/or write a paper summarizing their investigation.
Curated OER
The Tell-Tale Hearts of Writers
Knock, knock, knock...Creep out your class with a critical thinking lesson focused on word relationships in Edgar Allen Poe's "The Tell-Tale Heart." They investigate the relationship between word choice, mood, and interpretation of a...
Curated OER
Tests and Technology: The Tools Your Students Will Need
Tips for teachers and students as they navigate the new world of computer-based standardized assessments.
Curated OER
Data Strategies that Drive Motivation
Sharing data after mastery checks or summative assessments helps your learners plot their growth and increases investment.
Curated OER
Writing a Screenplay
It's time to make a movie! Kids follow 15 steps to take their movie ideas from concept to script, following clear examples. The resource includes creative ways to guide learners into developing a few words and concepts into fully...
Curated OER
Searching for Answers
How does a judge in the federal judicial court decide on a verdict? Give your middle and high schoolers a better idea of how final decisions are made in the judicial system. Then split your class into four groups, assigning each group a...
Curated OER
Playing With Science
Young scientists investigate the scientific concepts and principles that help make common toys such as hula hoops, yo-yos, slinkies, and silly putty work. As a class, they read "Backyard Rocket Science, Served Wet" to get a look behind...