Curated OER
Urban Heat Islands: An Introduction to Energy Transfer and Transformation
Elementary school physical scientists explore kinetic mechanical energy by dropping a golf ball on different surfaces. They discuss how human made materials might react to light differently from nature made materials. This lesson plan...
University of Chicago
Addressing Stereotypes
How is a stereotype defined, and what are some mechanisms we can use to combat negative stereotyping? Your young historians will discuss how and why stereotyping occurs, as well as consider the roots of modern conceptions of the Middle...
Curated OER
Superman: Modern Mythology
Students discuss what characteritics belong to a hero. They examine different mythological stories and identify the theme of each. They compare and contrast the origin of Superman to the mythological stories and report their findings to...
Curated OER
The Dawn of the 20th Century
20th Century themes are explored in this overview. From Urbanization to Marx & Einstein, scholars will learn about the key themes of this topic. Note: This is a brief overview of 20th Century themes and not intended to be an in-depth...
Curated OER
Exercise Examples
Second graders discuss reasons for performing physical activity. They develop a list of exercises to share with other groups. They lead other groups through a set of exercises on the playground.
Curated OER
Neanderthals
Students study Neanderthals. In this Prehistoric life lesson, students investigate two main theories regarding the relationship between Neanderthals and modern man. Students will conduct research through several provided web sites and...
Curated OER
Jason and the Golden Fleece
Students read and analyze the classic Greek tale of "Jason and the Golden Fleece." They compare/contrast the story with modern works of literature and films, answer discussion questions, and retell the story in a modern-day setting.
Curated OER
Medicine: Then and Now
Young scholars read ancient Greek texts to explore ancient healing practices and compare them to modern-day medicine. They conduct research into modern first-aid practices, using a standard medical reference.
Curated OER
Powerful Pulleys
Learners explore the building of a pyramid and how pulleys were used to change the direction of applied force. They demonstrate the mechanical advantage of using a pulley and apply it to modern engineering.
Curated OER
Reconstructing a Fossil Pterosaur
Students reconstruct the skeleton of the fossil Scaphognathus crassirostis. In this fossil lesson plan, students discuss the Kingdoms of life, geologic history and the history of the skeletons of species. Students are given 20 minutes to...
Curated OER
Crash! Bang!
Students study the physical force of linear momentum by investigating collisions. They analyze the difference between elastic and inelastic collisions. They calculate linear momentum.
Curated OER
Human Development
Students brainstorm about the physical, emotional, and social developmental milestones of human beings. They complete a timeline as a class that begins with birth and ends with death. Students identify whether each milestone is...
Curated OER
T-Rex
Middle schoolers examine the differences between a scavenger and a predator. In this predator instructional activity students research an animal and study its physical traits.
National First Ladies' Library
A Crippling Cough: Tuberculosis on a Rampage
Students use problem solving skills to examine symptoms, causes, and treatment of tuberculosis in modern times and in early 1900s. Students read patient case, work in teams to diagnose illness, and conduct Internet research to confirm...
Curated OER
Human Evolution
High schoolers investigate hominid evolution to learn the difference between a relative and an ancestor. They study the emergence of bipedalism and the related physical adaptations and cultural ramifications, and chart patterns of...
Curated OER
Lewis and Clark and Native Americans, Part II
Students research the Native Americans living in the regions explored by Lewis and Clark. They identify the modern-day names of sites claimed by the Lakota Indians, and create a poster of the original Native American names.
Curated OER
Impact of Technology
Young scholars asses the effect of technology on the status and role of individuals, and analyze the postive and negative impact of moderiation on cultural and physical enviroments. Pupils brainstorm examples of postive and negative...
Curated OER
From Foraging to Farming
Students experience the difficulty that goes along with foraging for food. In this lesson on the importance of modern agriculture, students simulate how there simply is not enough food and water for everyone when agricultural means are...
Curated OER
Food Energy
Students compare the energy value of traditional foods eaten by indigenous people with those of modern commercial foods. They use a calorimeter to measure and calculate the amount of stored energy in various food types, and identify the...
Curated OER
Motion and Disease
Students participate in an activity in which they act like a real life person and apply kinematics motion equations to things. In this discovery lesson students use real life situations to apply physics.
ProCon
Olympics
Are the Olympic Games a benefit for their host countries and cities? Scholars decide for themselves in preparation for a class debate or discussion. After reading a brief background and overview of the topic, pupils read the top three...
Curated OER
Understanding the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB)
How did our universe really begin? Explore the Science Big Bang Theory and Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) with this multiple activity-based lesson that demonstrates that the increase of density due to the decrease of temperatures,...
Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media
Labor Unions in an Industrializing U.S.
Have class members eager to enter the workforce? They'll be glad to learn that things aren't how they used to be. Have your young historians examine then discuss four primary source images related to the negative effects of...
Curated OER
Electrical Conduction in Semiconductors
In this electronics worksheet, students explore the properties of semiconductors to complete 17 short answer and problem solving questions.