Students review what they already know about birds. Using the internet, they discover major issues involved with birds in Illinois. In groups, they determine what they can do to help them and contact a local agency.

Students measure their shadows early in the morning, record direction of shadow, make marks in ground with chalk or tape, measure with ruler, and record results. Students repeat process at noon, and then later in afternoon. Students...

Students work together to identify groups of endangered animals. Using a pamphlet, they group the pictures according to specific criteria and cut the pictures out and color them. They place the animals in the correct habitat and share...

First graders discover how clouds are formed and how they affect weather. After being read a book, they place air into a Ziploc bag and place it in the freezer. They discuss the results and take a walk outside to observe real clouds.

Learners of all ages are introduced to the geography of Illinois. Depending on the grade level, they participate in different activities which allow them to discover Illinois in the past and present. They examine the animals and...

Second graders examine the characteristics of plants. As a class, they brainstorm a list of items plants need in order to survive. In groups, they complete various experiments in which they discover the functions of the parts of the plant.

Fourth graders discover a fun-filled way to write persuasive paragraphs. After reading stories about mice and weasels, they choose which animal to be their topic. Students use a web outline to organize their opinion, four supporting...

Fourth graders identify and classify birds found in Illinois. Using the internet, they discover how birds have adapted over time and how the adaptations have increased their life span. They compare and contrast the various adaptations...

Students listen to examples of common bird songs of birds found in Illinois. As a class, they discover the importance between the differences in songs and calls. They practice making their own bird calls and songs to end the lesson.

Students examine the types of hawks found in Illinois and compile a list of them. Using different species of hawks, they compare and contrast their characteristics. They work together to create their own hawk model for the classroom.

Learners examine the life of bats in Illinois. Using the internet, they research the history of the bat in Illinois and describe the way they find prey by using echolocation. They report their findings to the class and answer any...

Students identify and describe the stages in the water cycle. Using plants, they determine if they play a role in the cycle and measure the water the plants give off. They complete an experiment to determine if deciduous or coniferous...

Sixth graders complete a lesson on the properties, types and amounts of water on Earth. In groups, they travel between stations to identify water resources in Illinois and pollution sources. They complete the lesson with a field trip...

Students research the economic importance of the major reservoirs in Illinois. In groups, they manage a budget for one of the lakes to promote tourism in the area. They also work together to create advertisements.

Students discuss the power of using petitions to show support for a specific action. In groups, they create a petition for an issue of interest to them related to human rights following specific steps. They can take their petition...

Students engage in a lesson that is concerned with the establishment of a corporation. They apply accounting principles to different situations in order to make payments on a dividend. Students also investigate the basic accounting cycle.

Young scholars discover why recycling is important to Earth. They consider the multiple ways to recycle copy paper. Students transform scrap copy paper with printing on one side into practical classroom tools; an envelope and a...

Students explore the exciting world of mammals as they learn the identities of some Wisconsin native residents. They examine their adaptations and learn how they survive in a state with a wide array of temperatures and ecosystems.

Students examine how to identify the tracks and track patterns of some common Wisconsin animals. They examine how the footprints of these animals reveal how different feet help different animals navigate the winter snow or survive in...

Students in a dance class practice performing abstract movements. Using their five senses, they write a poem about one type of abstraction and perform it in front of their classmates. To end the lesson, they compare and contrast each...

Students examine the changing leadership roles and qualities of writers, journalists and editors in public life. They view short video clips by prominent journalists and read about various journalists in history.

Students examine the components that are used to make a primitive AM radio. In circuit and radio construction students often are asked to assemble parts are or what function they perform. They examine each main component on an individual...

First graders integrate math with an upper body movement exercise. Students practice the proper push-up position. The teacher spreads paper numbers in front of the students. (Begin with the numbers 1-9.) Students must "walk" in a push-up...

Students analyze the factors leading to divorce, effects upon family members, and coping methods. They distinguish the characteristics of violence and formulate prevention and coping strategies. They explain the grieving process and...