Curated OER
Shades of Meaning
Examine and distinguish between words that have similar definitions but different connotations. Middle schoolers define connotation and denotation and participate in a "shades of meaning" contest in small groups. Groups use the Visual...
Curated OER
Shades of Meaning
Students use words with similar meanings to analyze implied meanings. For this word connotation lesson, the teacher introduces the activity by asking students whether a new product should be advertised as "newfangled" or "cutting-edge."...
Curated OER
A Nice Story
Explore word choice in writing. Your class listens to a short story entitled "A Nice Day" (included) and discusses how the story could be improved. Pupils replace the word nice throughout the story with various synonyms, then reread the...
Gecko Mathematics
Gecko Mathematics: Multiplying Unit Fractions
Make learning visible! Have your mathematicians follow along as you use paper strips to demonstrate the concept of multiplying unit fractions. Then, offer a different way of solving the problem using a number line. Finally, introduce the...
Curated OER
Mighty Oaks from Little Acorns
What does it mean to grow? To germinate? For the plan detailed here, class members investigate the growth process of an oak tree while focusing on the beginning stages of planting and germination. They plant seeds and record observations...
Forest Foundation
Waste Not - Want Not
Recycling is the focus in the sixth of a nine-instructional activity series devoted to forest ecosystems. Class members read an article about the responsible use of natural resources and ways to reduce land fill.
Curated OER
Brain Power
In this science worksheet, students investigate the anatomy and function of the human brain. Students read facts about the parts of the brain and what each does. Students compare the size of the human brain to that of other animals....