California Academy of Science
Conservation Island
Why not walk in the footsteps of Teddy Roosevelt and become a conservationist? After discussing issues and reasons for animal extinction, the class creates their own conservation plans. Each small group is given mock data regarding a...
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Five Paragraph Essay
Eighth graders are introduced to the mechanics of writing a standard-form essay. They draft, edit and polish a five-paragraph essay about spending the day as an animal of their choice.
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I Nominate My Friend
Students review letter writing skills and the use of descriptive language, and practice writing persuasive letters, with help from teacher and peers. Letters are then written to nominate friend for Friend of the Year.
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My Name Is Me!
Students write about themselves. In this personal writing lesson, students write their name vertically down a sheet of paper and think of a self descriptive word that matches each letter of their name. Students write a descriptive...
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Picture Me with Words
Students search in newspapers for words that describe them or what they like. They gather the words and use them to create a self-portrait. They read "boring" sentences and rewrite them using more descriptive words. They write 10 word...
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Listen to Grandfather - Say and Write Korean Words
Students create a calligraphy piece using Korean words. They use han'gul script and write with a brush after learning the words. They pay attention to line and space as they create their work of art.
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How Does Meiosis Lead To a Fetus?
Students discuss the stages of meiosis. In this life science lesson, students create an illustration of each stages. They write a short story about a character that went through meiosis.
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Write All About It
Fourth graders use research skills and the writing process to create a newspaper. Although students work in groups to complete the final draft of the newspaper, each student is responsible for doing his or her own research and writing...
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Meet the Corps of Discovery
Students assume the persona of one of the members of Lewis and Clark's expedition team. They research a member of the expedition team, write a first-person introduction of that team member, and share that introduction in a 2-3 minute...
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Animals on the Farm
Students work in groups to create a description of a farm animal. Other classmates try to guess the animal. The class discusses what farmers need to provide for each animal on their farm (food, shelter, veterinary care). Students...
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Trick or Treat for Unicef
Creative thinkers develope advertisements. They work in groups to create an advertisement featuring the importance of contributing to UNICEF. They research, learn about point of view, and present final projects to the class.
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The Yo-Yo Problem: Solving Linear Equations
Students write the algebraic equation to determine the number of weeks money must be saved to purchase a yo-yo. In this algebra lesson, students create a pattern of one penny surrounded by six pennies. They continue the pattern and...
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Is That a Bird in Your Hat?
Second graders imagine they find an injured bird. They create a clay bird and nest to stimulate creative writing. The lesson plan includes an integrated week-long art, science, and writing activity.
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Robots All Around Us
Student work in design teams to research robots, create a drawing of a robot they want to make, build a prototype of their robot, present their prototype and research, and write a descriptive paragraph about their creation.
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Take Service Learning Online
Fourth graders research ways to use technology to raise awareness for refugee camps and the conflict in Darfur. In this world conflict and technology lesson, 4th graders work in groups as researchers, writers, and artists to create a...
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My Symbol
Students paint a symbol representing themselves. For this painting lesson students discuss symbols and view the Interpretive Wall. Students write a poem to generate their personal symbol.
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A Sip of Aesop From the Web
Third graders answer specific questions by conducting an Internet scavenger hunt. They write their own fable after reading many different fables on the Internet. They questions that they answer are included in this lesson.
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Wish Boxes
I love these are lesson ideas! Young artists practice the art of Calligraphy and Origami. They make gift boxes with good wishes. This plan includes an excellent component that shows exactly how to fold the paper in order to make the box,...
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A Zoo Book for All
A visit to the local zoo launches an integrated life science/ language arts research project into the habitat, feeding habits, offspring, lifespan, and other interesting facts about animals. Each group selects two animals to photograph...
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Hairy Monster Stories
Students work together to create a hairy monster. They discuss the elements of a character sketch. They use a rubric to guide them as they write a sketch of their hairy monster.
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Seminole Clothing
Students participate in teacher-lead discussion of Seminole patchwork and styles of dress. They practice identifying the patchwork design of the Seminoles and what they mean. They create (and write a description of) a paper doll...
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What Makes a Hero? Characteristics of a Hero
Students define the word hero, choose the personality traits they think make someone a hero, and write about the characteristics they think make a person a hero.
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Valerie Bloom Poetry
Students listen to Granny Is, a poem by Valerie Bloom and discuss the metaphors in the poem. In this poetry instructional activity, students read poetry written by Valerie Bloom and discuss the techniques she uses. Students write...
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Japan and The Ring of Fire
Students engage in a study of the volcanic forces and earthquakes associated with The Ring of Fire in the Pacific Ocean. The people of Japan are researched in how they have dealt with living in the area. Also students write in journals...