Explore early writing systems and their significance in understanding the development of past civilizations. In groups, learners research early writing systems and then present their findings to the rest of the class. They teach their...

Creative projects are great ways to increase interest in topical research. Middle schoolers learning about primitive life styles in the Americas explore the importance of music to hunter gatherers. They research and create musical...

Students research the sources of prehistoric cave paintings and engage in an activity of creating their own cave art. The lesson focuses on the design, composition style of the art, and importance of cultural contributions cave painting...

Gratitude is the focus of a discussion that sets the stage for pupils to take part in a service-learning project in which they deliver notes of kindness by way of social media or mail. A reflection closes the learning experience.

Benjamin Franklin may have been a Founding Father of the United States, but he also founded a number of civic associations. Learners explore his legacy using a biographical essay and collaborative activity. After their exploration,...

A unique lesson that's designed for visually impaired early learners, but can be adapted for anyone, is here for you. Pupils use brightly colored foam letters, beads, checkers, and an abacus, in order to gain practice in identifying the...

Little ones learn the tones mi, so, and la by singing an answer to a sung question. They play a name game to identify beat, then discuss songs with no beat. If there is time during this musical instruction lesson, they dance about the...

It's never too early to connect children with the real world meaning of their work. A series of four one-hour sessions, plus a field trip, make up this unit on college and career readiness for first and second graders. After viewing a...

Students create questions about the Early English Colonies in pairs and trade their questions with other students and answer them. In this Early English Colonies lesson plan, students either answer the question or use it as a discussion...

We are all immigrants to this country and the study of immigration can help students connect to history in a personal way. Students will listen to audio clips from the Ellis Island web site, discuss the treatment of immigrants in the...

Students play a Jeopardy type review game regarding the physical classroom set up for preschool. They review the positive guidance techniques learned in prior lessons such as redirection and time outs. Following the review, students...

Young scholars explore ways to volunteer. In this volunteerism and philanthropy lesson, students brainstorm how the early Americans benefited from philanthropy, then discuss how others benefit from our philanthropy and how we choose ways...

Learners create an artifact. In this early survival lesson, students use found objects to create an artifact that could have been used to help early people meet their basic needs.

Fifth graders study early explorers. In this World history lesson, 5th graders draw an outline of a map labeling each part, build geographical features out of dough, and paint each of the land and water features.

Middle schoolers research various events during the War of 1812 and then create magazine articles with supporting illustrations, students are in control of their learning.

As if surviving a journey to America wasn't enough of a feat for early 20th century immigrants, they then needed to settle into American life. Learn about the ways New York public education attempted to meet the needs of its students,...

Put on some music and get moving as a way to represent the life cycle of a caterpillar. Kids listen to the story The Very Hungary Caterpillar, discuss the life cycle, then create vocal expression that represent each stage of the cycle....

Class members are introduced to a project-based learning unit on US immigration with an activity that asks them to analyze sheet music and other primary source materials to uncover issues raised by immigration.  

It's never too early to learn about grocery budgeting. Middle schoolers delve into the world of consumer math with a lesson plan that focuses on both healthy choices and real-world math applications. Groups work together to form a...

It's never too early to start saving for retirement. In fact, the earlier one starts, the better! Use this retirement planning activity to teach the importance of a retirement strategy and why to start at a young age. 

Third graders "travel" from Europe to North America as Columbus did. They organize the information into chronoglogical order.

Young historians research the Southwest Trail, which ran through Arkansas back in the 19th century. Pupils are divided into four groups. Each group researches a pioneer who blazed the Southwest Trail. Then, the group presents an oral or...

First graders analyze historical materials and create questions about Dwight D. Eisenhower.  In this question writing lesson, 1st graders ask and answer questions about the life of Eisenhower. Students write about photographs they...

It's easy to criticize those in power until you're sitting at their desk, faced with the same decisions. A history lesson prompts secondary learners to research the Roosevelt presidencies through the lens of leadership and...