Here is a nicely designed activity on ancestry and family history. In it, learners read an article entitled, "Where Were Your Ancestors in 1871?" Then, they make up a series of questions to profile their family and their community 100...

Third graders explore the biodiversity that exist on the prairie. Through reading or listening to books, they keep track of vocabulary words associated with the prairie on an 'Alphabet Poster'.

Here is an excellent lesson plan on the water cycle and the states in which water exists. Learners identify the features of the water cycle, describe how water changes form, and look at ways that people affect the natural movement of...

Learners investigate art from Native American culture by creating fabric. In this native art analysis lesson, students identify the art of Plains Indians and discuss how it is represented in their fabrics, beads and decorations. Learners...

Auntie Litter is here to educate young scholars about water pollution and environmental stewardship! Although the 15-minute video clip is cheesy, it's an engaging look at the water cycle and conservation. Learners start by illustrating...

Young scholars explore the relationship between art and science through experimenting with color, design and recycled materials and creating their own art work.

Students listen to two selections of Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" symphony. In groups, they identify and describe the mood and musical elements used to represent each season using correct vocabulary. They write their observations in a paper...

Students research crimes and corresponding punishments of students. They interview local judges to see if they try to match the punishment with the crime. Students write an analysis article about crimes and their punishments in your...

Learners investigate water use and what happens at a water treatment plant. They define and discuss key vocabulary terms, view a diagram of a water treatment plant, and conduct an experiment that simulates the water filtration process.

Students observe different ways that objects spin. In this physics instructional activity, students observe several objects spinning and use the new vocabulary words "rotate" and "revolve" to describe how the objects spin. The...

Young scholars listen to two different excerpts of the same music piece. In groups, they collectively write descriptions of the tempo and dynamics of the piece and assign a color to the music. They relate the color chosen to the tempo...

Students explore the medium of watercolor paints. They observe basic watercolor painting techniques (such as wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry and dry-on-dry). Then students experiment with these techniques on small squares of watercolor paper.

Third graders identify and perform the five main dance movements of the "Chicken Dance" to accordion music.

Students brainstorm a list of famous explorers from the past. In groups, they complete a worksheet analyzing the art of Karl Bodmer and how one could view him as an explorer as well. They answer discussion questions to end the lesson plan.

Students create a "water web" to illustrate the interdependence among water users and producers. They distinguish between direct and indirect uses of water; illustrate the interconnectedness of water users in a community; and demonstrate...

Students identify and describe the aquatic exotic species found in Illinois. Using the internet, they research the species origins and discover their effects on native species in the area. They discuss how appropriate it is to introduce...

Students are introduced to careers with an aquatic emphasis. They take a self-evaluation test on what they enjoy in school to determine which career is right for them. They listen to people in the field discuss what their job is like.

Students observe similarities and differences of natural objects. In this observation lesson, students use a magnifying glass to identify the details of objects.

Students discuss how groundwater becomes polluted. In groups, they design and create models of groundwater pollution sources. They demonstrate to the class how the water may become contaminated from local and nonlocal pollution sources.

Learners examine the types of hawks found in Illinois and compile a list of them. Using different species of hawks, they compare and contrast their characteristics. They work together to create their own hawk model for the classroom.

Young scholars research the economic importance of the major reservoirs in Illinois. In groups, they manage a budget for one of the lakes to promote tourism in the area. They also work together to create advertisements.

In this unit of lessons, students examine land issues affecting the world today. They discover what it is like for animals to live and create paper animals. They also examine parts of a tree and how to make dyes from materials found in...