Students compare and contrast William Henry Harrison and Martin Van Buren as candidates for president. They explain why the Whigs wanted to find a candidate in the mold of former president Andrew Jackson and discuss whether Harrison fit...

Students reflect on the nature of the campaign of 1840. They identify the positions of the Democrats and the Whigs and their basic differences.

Young scholars observe and count bird sightings around their schoolyard throughout the school year.

Learners search for a variety of items while visiting a Listening to the Prarie exhibition.

View a PBS video entitled Horatio's Drive and explore Horatio's Ratios. Collaborative learners form groups to use Mapquest to determine distances covered. They generate the mathematical averages, ratios, and rates in order to calculate...

Can you tell how tall someone is just by looking at their feet? In this activity, young mathematicians measure their height, arm span, and foot size, graph their findings, and answer questions about how these measurements are related....

Students examine the role of African-Americans in the Civil War. Using primary sources, they analyze the material and formulate their own opinions about the past. They write journal entries to share their opinions on photographs from the...

Students discuss the functioning of the digestive system and the specific enzymes present. They observe the action of amylase on starch to identify characteristics of enzymes then perform an experiment on the effects of temperature on...

Young scholars identify and describe the aquatic exotic species found in Illinois. Using the internet, they research the species origins and discover their effects on native species in the area. They discuss how appropriate it is to...

Students explore race and ethnicity as it is defined by the U. S. Census Bureau. They compare data from 1900, 1950, and 2000 and identify settlement patterns and changes in population. In groups, they map these changes and discuss...

Second graders classify and analyze living things by structure and function and make predictions based on observations rather than random guesses. They make predictions about where dinosaurs lived and correctly place their databases onto...

Second graders use the internet to find information about dinosaurs. Using the information, they complete a database with where the dinosaurs lived, diet, and where bones were found. To end the lesson, they are given criteria and review...

First graders are read a story about the various stages of matter with a focus on gases. Using a ziploc bag, they capture as much air as possible and discuss how it takes up space even though it is invisible. To end the lesson plan, they...

This math vocabulary and computation crossword puzzle has learners read 12 clues, solve them and put the answer in a crossword puzzle. There is no word bank for the puzzle which features basic math vocabulary. Example: Do this to get a...

Pupils use blocks and markers to illustrate the processes of adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing integers. In this mathematics lesson, learners use Algebra blocks to demonstrate multiplying polynomials.

Use the power of primary sources to help young historians understand the conditions Africans endured while being shipped during the slave trade. After reading an excerpt from Eyewitness Accounts of Slavery in the Danish West Indies,...

Bestow background in big business bailouts on your scholars with this political cartoon analysis handout. Two cartoons focus on the General Motors bankruptcy, and its effect on American taxpayers. Background information gives context for...

The intent of this resource is to explore Latin American accomplishments in baseball, recognizing the changes in demographics of players over the last century. Social studies classes begin with a discussion and brainstorm surrounding...

Here is an activity that is intended to highlight a very important issue about precision in reporting and understanding statements in a realistic scientific context. Discuss different ways of reporting the half life of Carbon 14...

Though this is meant to be second in a two-part lesson plan, the two are not dependent on each other. Pupils play the roles of visible light rays, light or dark surfaces, and carbon dioxide molecules. They interact and react according to...

Learners identify and interpret that economic activity involves making choices in the face of scarcity, therefore making choices involves a cost. They also identify that individuals interact in markets by inducing one another, through...

Students create a genealogy book tracing their heritage many generations back. They examine their own ethnicity, attitudes, and self-awareness. They examine new American trends regarding family structure and ethnicity.

Learners explore why people get cancer. They explore human cells by taking a close examine their own. take a small sample of the epithelial cells that line the inside of their mouth. They glimpse how scientists investigate inside cells.