Curated OER
You Have All the Answers
Students explore the concept of theories in science while examining the theory of evolution. They conduct research and participate in a discussion about current issues in science culminating in the creation of question and answer pamphlets.
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Proving (a Theorem) and Disproving (a Theory)
As a cross-curricular lesson plan, your class examines the issues of gender discrimination, careers, and gender roles. They read and discuss an article, prepare a proof of the Pythagorean theorem as a class, and develop a creative...
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Classroom Builder
Young scholars explore music theory by discussing a classic song. In this musical notation lesson, students listen to the song "My Favorite Things" and discuss and share their personal tastes with the class. Young scholars practice...
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Moral Development in Camus' The Stranger
“In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.” Readers of The Stranger rate Mersault’s moral development (or lack thereof) using Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development scale. Using...
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Replacing Missing Links in the Evolutionary Chain
Examine the evolution of various species of hominids from their earliest existence approximately 4.5 million years ago to today. In small groups, learners research one of the ten stages of hominid evolution and then create a poster and...
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Gumdrop Crystal Models
A great way to learn about molecular structures is to make a model. Gumdrops and toothpicks are used to construct crystal models. The models are based on theories of crystal shapes that occur because of positive and or negatively charged...
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Galileo's Dialogue
Explore how Galileo's controversial theory raised objections in his time. In this physical science activity, learners research about current controversial issues. They role play both sides of the issue, and decide which one has a...
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Hands-on Cells
Students review the components of a cell and the differences between plant and animal cells by creating a three-dimensional model of each type of cell. In small groups, they use modeling clay and household object to construct their models.
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What's in a Name? Considering the Shakespeare Authorship Question
Did Shakespeare really write all that stuff? After viewing a trailer for the film, Anonymous and reading Stephen Marche’s article “Wouldn’t It Be Cool If Shakespeare Wasn’t Shakespeare?” class groups read articles about the Shakespeare...
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We, the First People
Students explore new support regarding the earliest peopling of America by examining multiple theories on the migration of the first people to America, investigating related archaeological finds, and creating research-based scientific...
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Earth is Round?
Third graders discuss how Aristotle concluded that the Earth was round. As a class, they review theories about the Earth's shape and describe how life on Earth would be different if it were flat. Individually, they make a moon book in...
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Flight Dreams - The Pressure on Parachutes
Students investigate air pressure by researching parachutes. For this physics lesson plan, students participate in three separate experiments utilizing air pressure and paper products to test theories on parachutes. Students...
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Color Principles - Hue, Saturation, and Value
Students identify different color models and the application of the color theory. They create different visualizations that compare color models.
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Becoming Whales: Experiencing Discoveries of
Students experience, through a "dig," the historical discovery of fossils which increasingly link whales to earlier land-dwelling mammals. They encounter the intermediate forms which show changes that lead to the modern whale.
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"I've Been Working on the Railroad" - Federal Land Grants and the Construction of the Illinois Central Railroad in Mid-nineteenth Century Illinois
Eleventh graders, in groups, design a self-sufficient community. Groups present the communities they've designed. They compare and contrast the communities presented. They research the theories of Johann Heinrich von Thunen online and...
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Rock, Paper, Scissors
Students explore the concept of dominant and recessive genes by examining the dominant and recessive characteristics of a game of rock, paper, scissors. In small groups students play the game and explain how one move is dominant over...
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Why is Evolution Controversial?
Students examine the controversy surrounding evolution --- the challenges to science, the battles over teaching evolution in the schools, and the reconciliation of religion and science. They also examine an interactive time line of...
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Evolution of Our Solar System
Students research pertinent solar system formation and Earth development events and work together to determine which events occurred first, second, third, and so on. Students arrange themselves as a human timeline across the room. ...
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3-2-1 Blast Off!
Students explore physics by participating in a flight experiment. In this rocket design lesson, students discuss the scientific process and how chemical reaction can create the energy needed to boost a rocket. Students utilize...
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How Science Works: Fossil Record - Televised Debate
Students compare the three theories used tp interpret fossil records. In this earth science instructional activity, students create a production of a televised debate. They collaborate with group members to generate relevant questions...
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Happy Birthday, Earth!
Young scholars visualize the Earth's ecosystem at a specific time period and how Earth has changed over time. They create a detailed journal entry for a specific time period and create a birthday card to Earth.
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Why Is Evolution Controversial?
High schoolers examine the legal side of the teaching of evolution. They study the Scopes Trial and reflect on what it means for a teacher to be denied the right to teach a key scientific concept. In addition, they design their own...
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Inspired Science
Students explore the history of inventions and their difference from discoveries. They create timelines of inventions, demonstrating their connections to each other.
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Science and Matter: Multiple Intelligences
Students complete presentations of their understanding of the concept of matter in many different forms. In this matter lesson plan, students use whatever multiple intelligence they feel strongest in to present their presentation.
