Finding Background Information Teacher Resources

Students utilize the work of W.H. Auden Brugel's "Landscape with the Fall of Icarus" as an introduction to work on the Internet. The Web is searched for a Greek legend, a painting, and a virtual trip to support data about Brugel.

Pupils study why dams are built and what is affected by them. They build model dams and explain how dams can be a detriment to paddlefish population.

Sixth graders conduct a variety of assessments at a local stream to determine if it is a suitable habitat for salmon. They measure temperature, tubidity, dissolved oxygen, pH levels, bacteria and nutrients. In this unit, 6th graders work...

Students are introduced to igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. They use foods to demonstrate the basic formation of each type of rock, read books about rock formation and view related videos.

Second graders create depictions of a monkey in its' natural habitat. Emphasis is placed on the artwork of Henri Rousseau and techniques of landscape and design. State standards are addressed in this lesson.

Seventh graders conduct an interview with a veteran of a recent war to provide an account of military conflicts. In this oral history lesson, 7th graders research a recent war and write interview questions for their research. Students...

Sixth graders explore, examine and trace the development of modern Europe from 1900 to the present. They identify and assess the attitudes during this time period toward discrimination and become more aware of their sensitivity to...

Students examine the world of forensic science, focusing on fingerprint analysis. In the lesson, they implement a method by which fingerprints of class members are categorized and identified. Elementary students study classification...

Students explore ever-changing exchange rates. In this euro/dollar exchange rate lesson, students plan a trip to Europe and calculate their costs in euros and dollars.

Learners examine U.S. foreign affairs with the Middle East during the Reagan and Bush presidencies. In this Middle East lesson, students watch video segments, examine maps, and listen to music regarding the relationship between the U.S....

Students explore the Nevada mining of 1850-1880. In this history lesson, students investigate the Comstock Lode and examine the mining tools that were used to search for silver and gold.

Students examine the ways that government works to help improve aquatic habitats. In this water habitats lesson students view a video and plan a school restoration project. 

Students create and original multimedia presentation on the Incas, Mayans, or Aztecs. In this Meso-American civilization lesson, students research and then compare and contrast the civilizations of the Incas, Mayan and the Aztecs....

Students study sonar and will explain the concept of it and its major components.  In this design lesson students build a low-cost sonar system. 

Young scholars explore self analysis by investigating other cultures. In this personal characteristics instructional activity, students utilize the Internet to read about a child from Niger, and many other young scholars around the...

Eighth graders analyze documents and maps of Plainfield, CT from different time periods, then, working in a small group, create a map for a giventime.  In this Plainfield lesson, 8th graders read primary and secondary sources...

Students investigate water formations by creating a puzzle.  In this water properties lesson, students create a giant river puzzle by drawing on large butcher paper as a class, then dividing the image up into many pieces. ...

Students explore physical science by completing a worksheet. In this sound perception lesson, students collaborate in small groups to research sound properties on the Internet and in libraries. Students conduct a listening experiment by...

Students answer Civil War questions. In this Civil War United States history lesson, students copy Civil War vocabulary and phrases onto squares on a Bingo card. Students cover a Bingo square in response to each question asked by the...

Students identify the three types of plate boundaries and the Earth's tectonic plates system. They examine how the Galapagos Islands were formed and hydrothermal vents.

Students describe the overall events that occurred during the Paleocene extinction event as well as the processes that are believed to result in global warming after group research. They infer how a global warming event could have...

Fifth graders investigate the concept of natural resources. They participate in a simulation project to see possible uses. They use the internet to study how Hacienda Verde is used as a model for others for sustainable coffee crops.

Learners explore Puerto Rico. They create K-W-L charts of their prior knowledge of Puerto Rico and observe maps of Puerto Rico. They code the map for measurements and land and water forms. They explore websites to gain background on...

Learners examine structural features.  In this life science lesson students complete an activity and quantify the impact of various modifications.