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Map Reading in the 21st Century
Learners interact with MapPoint tools to view maps of the past and the present in multiple ways. They participate in mini-lessons aimed at locating certain points of interest or famous routes taken in history.
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Where Have All the Glaciers Gone?
Fourth graders discover that scientists examine evidence from around the world in order to explain global climate change. They see that records of climate change exist, and describe photographs interpreting changes in glaciers over time.
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Mountaintop Removal Coal Mining
Students become familiar with coal as an energy source and how it is mined. In this coal lesson, students research the effects of coal mining on the environment. Students discuss the various problems associated with coal mining....
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Money Sings
Students listen to and perform songs for the purpose of learning the perceptions of people in regard to their financial holdings.
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Finding Your Spot in the World
Students practice locating places on a Thomas Brothers map. In this map skills lesson, students locate places on the map of where their ancestors are from and then practice finding various community places on a map. Students graph the...
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The Greenhouse Effect
Middle schoolers investigate the greenhouse effect and why it happens.
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Blooming Thermometers
Students study phenology, or the study of climate change. They research the Japanese springtime festival of Hanami and plot and interpret average cherry blossom bloom date data from the past 1100 years.
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Landforms of Illinois
Students discover the primary landforms of Illinois. They examine how those landforms were formed as well. In groups, they research one of the landforms from their vocabulary list. They create their landform in a shoebox and present it...
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Population Dynamics
Students discover how organisms are dependent on one another for survivial. They also discuss how to conserve natural resources. They compare and contrast the different types of symbiotic relationships as well.
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Coin Art 4-6
Learners study the historical figures and symbols of U.S.
patriotism depicted on the penny, nickel, dime, and quarter coins and learn that artists designed the portraits and other images on the coins. They research Texas symbols and...
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Lesson 1: Hot, Not, or Silly
Students discover burn prevention and fire safety while sorting and classifying related pictures. In this early childhood lesson plan, students identify ways to prevent burns, and discuss various ways in which burns may occur. Students...
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Retell A Story Through Dance
Students tell stories through dance. In this ballet lesson, students learn pantomime dance skills and examine "The Nutcracker" ballet performances as they examine ballet as storytelling.
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How does it feel? Why is the Civil Rights Movement so Important?
Fifth graders study the Civil War. In this US history lesson, 5th graders simulate what life was like during the Civil War by having two groups with one group given more materials than the other group. Students then draw a portrait of...
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Celsius or Fahrenheit?
Second graders create a thermometer. In this Celsius or Fahrenheit lesson, 2nd graders create an individual thermometer to use for measuring the temperature. Students convert the outside temperature.
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Plodding Along: The Dan Wagoner Experiment
Students research Dan Wagoner and apply his choreographic ideas in "Plod" to dance study. In this art lesson, students discuss Dan Wagoner. Students select four shapes from "Plod" and connect in a dance.
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Population Needs vs. Population Deeds
Middle schoolers examine the recent population explosion of the world. After watching a demonstration on closed systems, they identify the role humans have on the depletion of natural resources and lowering the standard of living. To...
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Apply Scientific Inquiry and Scientific Habits of Mind
Students review the components of the scientific inquiry method. In groups, they develop hypothesis on a variety of different topics and design an investigation or experiment to test it. They share their conclusions with the class and...
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Guided Reading with Twister's Tricks
Students participate in pre-reading activities before reading the book, Twister's Tricks. They read the book independently, but are guided by directive questions from their teacher. A discussion follows, as well as repeated readings for...
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Tree Identification
Students list four ways to identify trees. In this tree identification instructional activity, students use tree identification techniques such as leafs, bark, wood grain, soil type, and climate to create tables and graphs.
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The Trial Martin Luther
Students investigate details about the trial of Martin Luther. In this Reformation lesson, students review the acts of Martin Luther concerning Reformation of the Catholic Church and then read proceedings from his trial. Students...
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A Holocaust Monument
Students examine Holocaust memorials to discover expressive power of shapes, practice creating simple geometric shapes or forms, and practice calculating ratios, area, and/or volume.
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Remembrance Through Public Art
Students discuss the purpose of public art, in the form of memorials. They research the design and planning of the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington D.C., then plan their own memorial and construct a 3D model.
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Living During the Little Ice Age
Young scholars brainstorm what living conditions during the period known as the Little Ice Age (1350-1850) might have been like. They research lifestyles, the economy, crop yields, and human and livestock mortality.
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Block the Sun, Not the Fun
Students discover ways to protect themselves from the sun. They identify diseases that are caused by too much sun exposure. They take a quiz and measure their progress throughout the year.