Lesson Plan
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Mapping the Prairie

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders study maps of the Chicago area looking at defining characteristics and place names. They investigate settlement patterns by looking at the maps.
Lesson Plan
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Cast of Personalities - The Louisiana Purchase

For Teachers 4th - 12th
The origins of the state of Arkansas are the focus of this history lesson plan. Elementary schoolers to high schoolers identify persons associated with the development of the state from the very first European contact to statehood in...
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Sounds of the Wetlands

For Teachers 5th - 7th
Learners identify the sounds of different bird calls. In this biology lesson, students create a sound map. They explain how this method is important in tracking wildlife.
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Food on the Map

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd
Young scholars work together to examine the tastiest towns in the United States. After discovering the names of the equipment, they identify the seven continents. They take a survey and locate the cities and states of the foods mentioned.
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Brute Force and Other Algorithms

For Teachers 10th - 11th
Students discuss why it can be difficult to solve word problems. In this algorithm lesson, students review better methods to outline word problems and solve the problem of the Ice Cream Stands. They discuss how the name Brute Force...
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Five Senses - Learning With The Senses

For Teachers K
Students name the five senses, compare learning with and without the senses.
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Understanding the Effects of Water Pollution

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders examine the effects of water pollution by participating in a story. After reading the story, they determine the best way to get rid of the pollution in a river using different objects. In groups, they complete a worksheet...
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Shapes Around Us

For Teachers K
Students identify basic two-dimensional shapes. They are able to identify the four basic two-dimensional shapes: squares, rectangles, triangles, and circles. Students write/draw in their learning logs a reflection of what they noticed...
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Animal Signs

For Teachers 1st - 9th
Students discuss the many different types of animal signs that can be used to identify and track animals. They participate in an hands-on activity in which they examine tracks, trails, homes, territory markings, and even "scat" left by...
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Ancient Greece

For Teachers 7th - 11th
Students explore the origins of modern language. In this etymology lesson, students discuss the cultural influences of Ancient Greece on modern society. Students design and complete charts that demonstrate the original and contemporary...
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The Discovery of OXygen

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers conduct experiments to identify the different properties of oxygen. In this chemistry lesson, students examine its importance to life on Earth. They explore the historic dispute about oxygen's discovery.
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Exploring the Night Sky: Fall/Winter

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explain how moon phases occur. They explain three ways that the night sky has been used through history. Students locate some of the constellations in the night sky. They discuss stories and myths surrounding stars.
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Tree Identification

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Students are introduced to the characteristics of trees and different techniques to identify them. They distinguish between a deciduous and a coniferous tree. Students describe at least four characteristics used to identify trees. They...
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Wacky Water Critters

For Teachers 4th - 9th
Students visit a local creek or stream. They collect water samples from the creek and observe and sort the "water critters" they find in the sample, observing smaller organisms under a microscope if necessary. They identify each organism...
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The Water Cycle

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Students are introduced to the components and importance of the water cycle. They are shown how groundwater moves using a model. Students list 9 places on earth where water is found. They define the terms cycle and water cycle.
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A Haring Event

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Students research visual arts by creating a presentation in their classroom. In this art history lesson, students identify the work of Keith Haring by researching the web and library. Students analyze images of Haring and create hallway...
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Stone Figurines

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students analyze visual arts by examining images on the Internet. In this figurine lesson, students research Keith Haring's artwork on the web and identify his body movement artistic style. Students utilize soft stones, carving...
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Conversion of Energy Into Different Forms

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Learners study energy conversion and the forms energy may take. In this energy conversion lesson, students study energy conversions in flash paper, rubber bands, mechanical cranks, and a radiometer.
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The Rock Cycle

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders, in groups, examine soil samples with magnifying glasses. They discuss the living and non-living things they find in their soild samples.
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Bone Thickness

For Teachers 6th - 10th
Students calculate the relative thickness of limb bones in five different species. They relate this to the strength and functions of the limbs by comparing and contrasting the values calculated from the bone measurements. They work in...
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Animal Habitats

For Teachers K
Students study the word habitat and its meaning. They also identify that in order for something to be classified as a habitat there needs to be the proper shelter, food, water, and space.
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Plant Growth and Environment

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders bring to school various green plants and categorize them into plant leaves, stems, roots, and fruits. They answer the question, "How can you show there is starch in a plant?" and perform the iodine test and describe the...
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Excavating Your Recycling Bin as a Fossil Record

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Learners explore how scientists examine the past and use rock layers with fossils to understand the past.  In this excavation lesson students divide into groups and complete an activity.