Guided by close-reading questions, groups examine the similarities and differences between the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. In addition, they look at how the principles are presented in these two foundational US...

Before beginning The Winter's Tale groups read and discuss a scenario that parallels the plot of Shakespeare's play. They then brainstorm possible solutions to the problem.

Ghost stories are the hook suggested in this proposed unit to engage reluctant readers. 

Here is an ongoing activity intended to build interest in local, national, and world news. The class is divided into four groups of approximately five students each. The groups are responsible for monitoring the daily news. They compose...

Youngsters study the history and uses of the blueberry. There are actually six different lessons linked into this plan! The lessons can be useful within a variety of curricular areas, and are particularly appropriate around the...

An interesting lesson on different types of soils is here for you. In it, learners discuss what soil is, and consider three piles of soil - clay, sand, and loam. During the rest of the lesson, third graders discover all sorts of...

Students study the work of Rodgers and Hammerstein in an historical context of the development of American musical theatre as an art form. Students explore "roots" of the genre as it evolves in last half of the 19th and first two decades...

Students create their own holidays, describing them in booklet form. They develop the holiday's name, symbol, colors, food, and historical significance.

What is the difference between a fact and an opinion? Middle schoolers categorize statements as either facts or opinions before writing a persuasive essay to support a thesis statement they create. This is a great introduction to...

Seventh graders compare and contrast different types of art associated with different cultures. They identify how cultures express their values in art. They create their own collage about Japan.

Sixth graders compare and contrast various forms of artistic expression. They create an abstract painting.

Eighth graders investigate art appreciation and Renaissance portraits through time. They create a portrait.

Twelfth graders make decisions in a group, lead a business group, and document progress in a journal. They compete against other peer business groups, relate business decisions to stock prices, and assess goals of software.

Eleventh graders describe different modes of transportation, discuss how transportation has changed throughout history, and describe why transportation is important to them.

Students recognize vocabulary necessary for applying for a job, fill out a job application and provide personal information necessary for applying for a job. They spell the names of references and tell ways of networking to improve job...

Kindergarteners spell patterns of the long vowel phoneme /ay/. After listenting to The Birthday Day, learners work together to construct a class book that utilizes words that end in /ay/. Since the /ay/ phoneme is used so much...

Learners recognize words by common spelling patterns. The teacher reads a poem to the class and look at rhymes for the word moon. They practice handwriting in conjunction with spelling, and they can even write their own -oo- poem! 

On day one of the "Organic Mechanic Part I" lesson, learners try to remove the waxy coating of an apple and consider pesticides that may be represented by this addition to our food. On day two, they research pesticides online and...

A simple idea, this exercise will help young learners practice metacognitive and language arts skills. At the end of each day of school, have each member of your class record, in their own words, what they learned that day. Merely...

First graders identify the commodities of Oregon and produce a map of the different commodities in different regions.

Third graders relate dance movements to chants. They tap out the rhythm of poetry on different body parts.

Students examine who they are through the arts and sciences. They create a portfolio entitled, " All About Me."

Individuals examine a book's components, including key events, characters, and vocabulary and develop "chain book reports" with their peers. Strips of paper containing the book's important events are staples together and hung.

Secondary historians simulate events leading up to the American Revolution. They assume the roles of patriots, loyalists, or neutrals in a town meeting set prior to the Revolution. As Patriots and Loyalists make their arguments, neutrals...