What was California like before the Spanish came? Class members discover the answer to the question using images of Native Americans and diaries of the early Spanish explorers. Scaffolded activities allow instructors to adapt the...

Fireflies are more than just mobile twinkle lights. An online interactive lesson teaches individuals about the light patterns fireflies use to communicate with each other. After they practice the patterns themselves, they could be...

Did you know it's possible to train your brain to work better? Learners use brain games to try to do just that. The games test vision and memory and give them the opportunity to improve their scores. The lesson works as an in-class...

A powerful introduction and conclusion can really pack a punch. Using the resource, scholars first read and discuss a model essay. Then, as part of the end of unit assessment, they draft the introductory and concluding paragraphs of...

Get inspired to help those creative juices flow. Using the resource, scholars write their final, best version of their narrative monologues or concrete poems. Next, they prepare for a performance task by watching and discussing a video...

While an interesting instructional activity idea involving the exploration of a story about an Asian American boy named Imduk, a teacher would need to have assess to the Scott Foresman reading program to make this work. If not, a teacher...

A table with abolitionists Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, and William Lloyd Garrison provides space to note the race, motivation, and accomplishment of each. Scholars are instructed to write a paragraph about one they'd like to meet...

Young engineers are instructed to design and build their own solar water heaters. Then, they calculate the efficiency and cost and compare them to commercially available models. This is a full unit for pupils to apply their knowledge.

Draw your class in by working together to complete a chart of ocean users and uses. Connect the users to how they use the ocean where possible. Introduce the class to ways that areas of the ocean are protected, and take them to the NOAA...

Bring your class to the computer lab, and have them use the library and online resources to select proverbs related to specified themes. They create a book or bulletin board of proverbs that offer lessons connected to themes of freedom,...

Incorporate technological fluency with a search for examples of active and passive voice in online resources. Discuss how use of active or passive voice influences mood or tone and contributes to author's purpose. List of...

Students describe how a country is currently engaging in international trade in terms of both imports and exports, as well as identifying trade barriers. They conduct research to identify the institutions and culture of a country. Using...

Fourth graders participate in a virtual field trip to the San Diego Zoo and complete various computer lab excercises to expand their understanding.

Science learners journal familiar ways that the human body can regenerate or heal itself. In small groups, they research and create a poster of current information on stems cells and how they can be used to regenerate. The article for...

In an effort to help prepare teens for the realities of taxes, the teacher fills out a sample 1040EZ while it's projected for the class to see. This is part of a unit on taxes and social security that culminates in a 50+ question test...

Use Flag Day as a learning opportunity for your classroom. Collect a variety of books and other resources on the subject of the U.S. flag. Have pupils conduct independent research at home and come to class prepared to share some fun...

When you see a flower or a tree in nature do you see the math? This web resource contains many ideas for using fractals in a math class including Sierpinski’s triangle, Koch's Snowflake, and the Jurassic Park Fractal. Additionally, it...

Students utilize newspapers as a resource to complete various tasks. They read articles, write summaries, investigate the classified section, write commercials, and circle spelling words.

Students research what experts and viewers thought about the commercials shown during Super Bowl XXXVII, paying special attention to the reason ads very popular or not. Students prepare a notebook or a PowerPoint presentation on the Best...

Young scholars use problem-solving approaches to investigate mathematical content. They formulate problems from situations within and outside mathematics content. They warm up with a survey done by the teacher. Everyone uses practice...

Get your special-needs students thinking about weather appropriate clothing choices with this sunny day social story. Print this resource or use as a slide-show to show children what people wear when its a hot and sunny day. Tip: Use...

It's the age of technology! The idea of computer literacy and fluency are rapidly gaining importance; can your learners keep up? To keep them interacting with technology, bring them to the computer lab for small group reading...

Students classify cameras by type and price. Analyzing newspaper ads, magazines, and catalogs, students compare kinds and brands of cameras. Excellent links and resources are also provided.

Four different activities focus on the amount of trash generated and how humans can better manage waste. Learners analyze two days' worth of household garbage, test materials for biodegradability, and rate recyclability of various...