Curated OER
Build a Catapult
Studens construct their own catapult. In this history of catapults lesson, students work in groups to make their own model of a catapult. Students use physics vocabulary terms explain how the catapult works. Students test the catapults...
Curated OER
Rice Farming in Texas
Third graders explore how rice farming came to Texas. In this rice farming instructional activity, 3rd graders discover the history of how farmers began to grow rice in the United States. Students color code maps and create a timeline...
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Garden Guard
Students read about the history of farming with the use of scarecrows and then sort clothing, build scarecrows, write descriptions, and more. In this scarecrows lesson plan, students also play a game called Garden Tag.
Curated OER
A Better Fly Trap
Students explore biology by creating an insect trapping device. In this fly observation lesson, students identify fly anatomy and discuss their own history with fly situations. Students create fly traps from milk cartons and explore...
Curated OER
Fishing
Students discuss various aspects of the importance of fish. In this fishing activity, students understand why fish keep us healthier. Students sort sea animals by their characteristics, play "who am I?", discuss various types of...
Curated OER
Native American Herb Pouch
Students investigate the uses of herbs by Native Americans, create their own herb pouch, and collect local wild herb specimens. They study local herbs, their history, and uses. Students use construnction paper to make a replica of a...
Curated OER
Healing Fallen Warriors
Students read ancient Greek texts to explore evidence for healing wounds and compare ancient healing practices to those of modern times.
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Invention Convention
Eighth graders research how science and technology have evolved by studying inventions. In this invention lesson, 8th graders discuss inventions and work in teams to create an innovation to present at the Invention Convention. Students...
Curated OER
California Poppy Postcards
What a great lesson! Learners discuss California history, including the state flower, the poppy, and then engage in an art activity. For the activity, they learn about value, shading, layering, blending etc. to produce a realistic...
Curated OER
Evolution of Biotechnology Timeline
Students explore how present biotechnology has evolved. They create a timeline is included referencing major scientists and major events in history which have led to our current understanding and use. A teacher time line is included.
Curated OER
Robotic Arm
Young scholars encounter a real-life robotic arm that may help stroke victims regain control of their environment. The Robotic physical therapy--the new science. They research the history and foundation to this unique alternative to long...
Museum of Tolerance
Developing Media Literacy
To protect young people from questionable content, many schools limit access. This resource suggests that because learners can so readily avail themselves to unrestricted Internet access, it is vital for 21st century learners to develop...
Curated OER
Call to Arms: A Service Project
Sick of selling candy and washing cars? How about hosting a Digital Day or a Learning Lunch? The suggestions here make fund raising fun and rewarding. Raise money to preserve important maps and other primary source documents.
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Aviation History/Writing and Forensic Science
In this aviation lesson, students research Charles Augustus Lindbergh and other early aviators and their flying machines. They then write a letter to one of the aviators asking questions about the mechanics of flight and their flying...
Curated OER
Cell Biology
Identify the different cell organelles in prokaryotes. Modelling the cells using Jell-o and candies will be a fun way to experience the cell in a hands-on way (different to using play-doh!). They observe cells under a microscope and draw...
Virginia Department of Education
Determining Absolute Age
How can radioactive decay help date old objects? Learners explore half-life and radioactive decay by conducting an experiment using pennies to represent atoms. Young scientists graph data from the experiment to identify radioactive decay...
National Woman's History Museum
Hedy Lamarr, An Inventive Mind
Hedy Lamarr led a double life. Best known as an actress, Lamarr was also a brilliant inventor, responsible for the technology found in Wi-Fi, GPS, and Bluetooth. After studying primary and secondary source materials, groups conduct an...
Curated OER
Lead Usage Through History
Students read 2 assigned articles about lead usage with a partner or team. They create a concept map or timeline using Inspiration software to trace the uses of lead by people. They complete a brief constructed response and are graded...
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Good Vibrations Remote Sensing data Collection: Thermal Emission Spectrometer
The Mars Global Surveyor spent two years creating a mineral map of the planet Mars using thermal emission spectrometry. To help young astronomers understand this remote sensing instrument, have them simulate how data is collected and...
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Comet Myths, Facts, and Legends
Here is an interactive book lesson through which learners explore the facts and stories about comets. The plan is comprehensive, providing background information, standards met, vocabulary, assessment ideas, and more. Though the content...
Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary
Ingenious: Franklin Assembles a Scientific Community
Few Americans have heard of the burgeoning scientific community known as the America Philosophical society, started by none other than Benjamin Franklin. With inquiry, research, and discussion, high schoolers come to understand their...
Curated OER
Tides in the Hudson
Students view an illustration of the Hudson River watershed and identify the bodies of water shown. They discuss what happens when fresh and salt water mix. Students view a teacher demonstration of the stratification of fresh and salt...
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Paleoclimate of the Hudson Valley
Students recognize how the climate of the Hudson Valley has changed since the last glaciation and be able to explain these changes. They reconstruct the paleoclimate of the Hudson Valley.
Curated OER
Burlap Weaving Gone Wild
Explore art using fabric with this resource. Learners talk about weaving and create art work after discussing this important technique. This is a great way integrate art and history.