Students research what laws, if any, relate to cell phones in your state and community. Students interview local law enforcement personnel to find out if cell phones have caused accidents in your town or city. Try to get statistics on...

Students examine the need for rules to keep order at home, in school, in communities, and in the country using trade books and teamwork activities. They work in cooperative groups to define a positive learning community by writing a...

Students assemble an acorn craft to use as a puppet. They discover that acorns are the fruit and the seed from which oak trees grow. They give an example, of a historical figure or talk about a member of the community or family that...

Fourth graders read the provided documents about the Erie Canal to discover the impact that this transportation systems had on the New York community. In this history lesson, 4th graders first analyze the documents and answer the...

The vocabulary used in this presentation on salt marshes makes it most appropriate for high school or college level ecology classes. The content, however, is relatively simple; It introduces the flora and fauna of this type of ecosystem....

Students draw a map from memory describing the route between their classroom and the gym including a legend, a compass rose, a map scale, symbols, and a landmark at every change of direction. They then retrace their steps in their maps...

Summer slide. Alas, not a term synonymous with a type of sliding board, summer slide refers to the fact that learning slips during summer break, especially in the areas of spelling and math facts. Enrich summer break with a...

What better way to learn about ecosystems than by getting outside and observing them first hand? Accompanying a field trip to a local park or outdoor space, this series of collaborative activities engages children in...

Where does our garbage go? What is the difference between a recyclable and non-recyclable item? Pose these important, but often overlooked, questions to your class and invite them to consider the lasting and damaging effects of the...

Mystery is an exciting genre for young readers to investigate. The plots are so intriguing! Here is a series of lessons featuring Sherlock Holmes stories that invite learners to enter the world of the mystery genre.  Based on what...

Biodiversity is essential for every habitat, but many species are at risk due to pollution and other factors. Explore several different species native to Illinois in a gallery walk with posters that learners have created after research...

Add some variety to your traditional getting-to-know-you activity with a game of bingo! Learners meet and greet with their classmates, filling in squares on a bingo card with students who fit the appropriate description...

Young scholars determine the benefits of a school Web site for parents, teachers and student. They analyze the role of school Web sites in building community, and outline and design sections for their own school's Web site.

Students participate in activities in order to improve their ability to work cooperatively in groups at school as well as with their family at home. They complete the activities at home with their family then discuss the results of the...

Learners collect litter. In this recycling lesson, students review the term litter and give examples. Learners collect litter at their school. They separate the litter into different categories and discuss if these materials could be...

Young scholars listen to Brazilian folk music and discuss its various sounds and connections to today's music. They record sounds that define and represent the culture of their school and community.

High schoolers explore, examine and study how to bring together their diverse classmates together as a community. They assess how to respect each other and accept others similarities and differences and different cultures as well as...

Middle schoolers construct a model giant kelp and kelp forest inhabitants based on field-guide photographs. Students also place animal cutouts in appropriate positions on or near the plant.

Students complete guided reading activities for the book, Saturday At The New You I by Barbara e. Barber. They read about a young girl who visits her mother's beauty salon on Saturdays. They answer pre-reading questions and decide...

Students research the properties and health risks of organic chemical solvents. They create a Safety with Solvents newsletter to share with others in their school and community.

Students research their local communities and identify the founding fathers of their city and county. In this communities lesson plan, students research using the library and internet. Students also interview citizens who have lived in...

Learners examine the history of Spanish in what is now the United States. They examine the current language status of the Hispanic population. Students are able to characterize Spanglish and Chicano English. They examine some features...

Students create a class big book using the "I Spy" game format and adding 3 clues to help readers guess the areas of a naturalization project.

Students work in groups to draw a map of their town or neighborhood. They include their homes, major public buildings and places. Students analyze their maps from a human rights perspective.