Unit Plan
Newspaper Association of America

Using the Newspaper to Teach the Five Freedoms of the First Amendment

For Teachers K - 12th Standards
Of all the amendments found in The Bill of Rights, the First Amendment contains some of the most important freedoms for American citizens. A unit plan on the First Amendment features interactive lesson plans designed to teach about those...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Seeing the World Through A Different Lens

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students participate in activities in which they model different disabilities. They discuss their experiences as a class. They work together in groups to discuss how to improve an adaptive device.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Insect Files

For Teachers K - 5th
Pupils are provided with a physical description of the insect, in words and graphics, including body parts, special adaptations, color, and so on. They explore and report on all four elements of an insect's habitat: food, water, shelter,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Alligator

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students create a model of an alligator out of clay using both artwork and research to guide their finished work.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

People Interacting with the Environment

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students explore an arctic, temperate, and tropical environment and then decide what people need in each environment to help them live comfortably and what their lives would be like.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

AccessABILITY

For Teachers 2nd - 4th
Learners examine certain disabilities represented by children with disabling conditions in the class.  In this generic differences and disabilities lesson, students design an art project depicting one word or phrase regarding...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Twisted Vision

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students investigate the vision adaptations in marine animals in their environments. In this life science lesson, students use polarized filters and make observations.  Students explain how the adaptation of polarized vision is an...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mussel Anatomy Lesson Plan

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students identify the parts and functions of a mussel. They explain how its physical adaptations help it survive in its habitat. They label the parts as a quiz to complete the lesson.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Oceanographic Yo-Yo

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students examine how oceanographers use chemical and physical parameters of seawater to locate hydrothermal vents.  In this ocean lesson students complete an activity and worksheets. 
Lesson Plan
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Human Needs

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Young scholars investigate human needs and how they have adapted to different environments. They complete an experiment to discover the effect of stress on muscles. They use the food pyramid to create a plan for healthy eating.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Worm Weather Predicted

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students examine worm habitats. In this animal habitats lesson, students participate in a lab activity that requires them to explore the adaptations that earthworms make to their environment.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Describe the Perfect Pathogen

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners develop a pathogen based upon their knowledge of pathogens and after presenting it to the class, they then suggest ways that the pathogen might be combated. Next they identify possible physical or behavioral changes in a...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Using Compare and Contrast to Write in Science

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders investigate and compare the behavior of magnetism using magnets. In this physics lesson, 5th graders write about the similarities and differences of a variety of magnet types.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Characters' Coming of Age

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students develop older versions of child or adolescent characters from favorite works of literature, adapting them for teenage or adult sequels. They each outline a sequel and write its first chapter.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Scale Factors for Areas and Volumes

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Young scholars examine mathematical questions. They examine how to tackle mathematical questions and discover the effect of a change in length on area and volume. They examine the consequences of the physical properties sea animals on...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Photosynthesis

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners explore the concept of photosynthesis. They describe the light and light independent reactions of photosynthesis. Students relate physical plant characteristics to their functions. They distinguish between C3, C4, and CAM plants...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Box of Mystery

For Teachers All
Students are given a box and wrapping paper and are asked to decorate it in a style that is original and creative. The project could be used for content area learning if adapted to include curriculum content. The instructional activity...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Wh0-o-o-o's Out There?

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders describe the physical features of an owl and identify survival adaptations. They Investigate an owl's niche in an ecosystem. The students participate in an interactive puzzle on the internet that helps for motivation.
Lesson Plan
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Ghost Canoe

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders are read the book "Ghost Canoe" by their teacher. Using a map, they locate the physical characteristics of Washington State and describe how people adapted to their environment before statehood. They discover how people...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Voices at Whisper Bend

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners examine life in Pennsylvania during and after World War II. Using primary source documents, they compare the unity of the United States during World War II and the Iraq War. They also discover how citizens adapt to the war at home.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Surviving in Our Ecosystems

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders identify the characteristics of a frog and compare them to a human child. They draw and describe the best environment for a human to live in and the best environment for a frog to live in based on their physical...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Creating Public Awareness - Indoor Air Quality

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Young scholars design a poster about indoor air quality. In this indoor air quality instructional activity, students make a billboard that tells the occupants of a building about at least one air quality problem.
Lesson Plan
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Yes We Can! Students with Autism & Down-Syndrome on the Drums!

For Teachers 1st - 5th
To learn about various topics and improve their social skills, learners with special needs play along with music on drums and other sound objects. Teachers take digital pictures of the students participation and use them to make bulletin...
Lesson Plan
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Polar Day: Living in the Canadian North

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students study the Canadian North. In this Canadian North lesson plan, students study the physical characteristics and the lifestyles of people in that region. Students complete map making and creative activities that help them learn...