Young scholars read an article on sharks prior to beginning a dissection lab. As part of the lab, students identify differences between the shark anatomy and human anatomy and hypothesize why those differences exist.

Complete a instructional activity that introduces and explores operations with fractions and decimals. Pupils estimate the reasonableness of a decimal computation. Then discuss what operation is needed to find an answer. Handouts, web...

Pupils discover that trade allows us to buy products at reasonable prices. They research information based on the group they belong to. They participate in a debate based on the different positions.

Students use ads from magazines to create data to be measured and apply the skill of estimation. They record the percentage of magazine ads that could be separated into different categories made by students through the use of logical...

Eighth graders study sediment and the factors that effect its distribution.  In this sediment study lesson students complete a lab activity on sediment distribution. 

Students identify the principal physical features the Pilgrims considered when choosing the location of Plymouth. They create a postcard to send to a friend in Europe as if they were a Pilgrim; illustrating one aspect of the settling in...

For this research skills worksheet, students use the noted Web sites to locate responses to 6 short answer questions about World War I. Students also research the specific reasons that selected countries joined World War I.

Young scholars plan a voyage as the captain of a tall ship in the early days of exploration and merchant trading. They choose 2 ships and 3 voyages for a total of 6 possibilities. They calculate the number of days and distance of their...

Sixth graders practice collecting and organizing data. In groups, 6th graders determine how many times "Happy Birthday" (at a reasonable rate) may be sung in ten seconds. They collect the information and create a graph.

Analyze various excerpts from Hamlet and read articles to develop an argument about his sanity. Middle and high schoolers write an argument essay defending whether or not they believe Hamlet is insane. You could modify this assignment...

Examine the contributions of African-Americans in the worlds of art and literature. Over the course of a few days, young scholars will read and analyze a poem, a short story, and a piece of art. They complete a range of...

"How can a magazine reflect a particular time and culture?" Using this prompt, your class explores the Victorian Era as it relates to Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre. They can also play the "Victorian Women's Rights" game for the year 1840...

Determining which statements represent fact or the author's opinion in an integral part of reading informational text. Encourage seventh graders to read a passage about Barack Obama and the city of Chicago, as well as a passage focused...

Get out the text-book, and CD player to teach a lesson on Mozart. Afterward, you can administer this quiz which requires learners to complete 20 short-answer questions related to Mozart's life, operas, music, and general music terminology.

Introduce young mathematicians to concepts of financial literacy with this open-ended word problem. With seven dollars to spend during field day and given a list of available items and their prices, children must determine how they want...

Learners compare and contrast sine and cosine graphs in order to describe their characteristics in a collaborative activity. As they explain their reasoning, learners strengthen their writing and vocabulary skills associated with...

How tall is the Empire State Building? Lead your class through a collaborative estimation activity to determine the number of quarters it would take to reach the top and teach the following concepts: human capital, human resources,...

Review the 5 branches of chemistry and related terms with this worksheet. The focus of these activities is on terms and definitions. Learners answer questions about the study of chemistry, reasons to study chemistry, and pure and applied...

Students identify the characteristics of a good friend and assess themselves as a friend. They practice opening statements to initiate conversation and discuss ways to maintain friendships.

Finding approximate solutions to word problems allows users to assess the reasonableness of their answers. In a well-paced lesson, the class rounds numbers to estimate the solutions. They explain their thinking and determine if the...

Students investigate the reasons why wetlands are threatened especially by people. They study the wise use of water to preserve wetlands.

Making predictions is an important skill that experienced readers tap into when tackling a difficult text. Prepare your pupils to read My Antonia by Willa Cather with an initial prediction activity and this anticipation guide, which...

In this exercise, learners examine the difference between a theme, topic, and moral. After a class discussion on the definition of literary themes, the instructor reads The Cello of Mr. O by Jane Cutler. Next, individuals analyze the...