Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Lactose Intolerance: Fact or Fiction
Around the world, about 2/3 of adult humans are lactose intolerant. Scholars work in small groups to discuss a few statements about lactose intolerance. Then, they watch a video on the topic and readdress each statement. Whole-class...
PBS
Stories of Painkiller Addiction: Decisions and Consequences
Teach young learners that most drug addictions end in one of three outcomes: treatment, jail, or death. After watching a short video segment on the consequences of drug abuse, class members discuss what they viewed and consider what...
Curated OER
Ecuadorian Rainforest
Have your class talk about the importance of the rainforest and the products that come from it. Learners watch a video showing the path of chocolate from the rainforest to the supermarket. They discuss how the rainforest and...
Curated OER
Equadorian Rainforest: The Tropical Supermarket
Students study the concept of sustainable agricultural practices through cocoa farming and the lives of the people who are the producers. Students watch a slide show and read a story which helps them understand the origins of chocolate,...
Curated OER
Decision Making and Teen Parenthood
Students analyze psychology by completing worksheets in class. In this decision making lesson plan, students identify the important choices they will need to make as they enter adulthood and discuss appropriate methods to communicating...
Agriculture in the Classroom
Pumpkins... Not Just For Halloween
Celebrate fall with four pumpkin themed hands-on activities! After learning about pumpkins, scholars complete two activity sheets that reinforce estimation and word problems. They then plant pumpkin seeds and bake a pie in...
Curated OER
Designing A Mythical Creature
Pupils study mythology and why human cultures require them. In this investigating myths lesson students design a creature that fits an explanation of a natural phenomena then demonstrate the concept of "myth" and "legend".
Curated OER
Bottled Model Lungs
Students will learn about the respiratory system by comparing and contrasting models, building their own models, and giving one another feedback. Questions about familiar body systems can be useful in getting students to start thinking...
Curated OER
Science: Total Recall
Third graders attempt to recall details about a person entering the classroom while they are involved in another activity. They test their skills of observation and memories by playing an interactive memory game.
Curated OER
"Snapshot" Exercises & Sensory Detail Word Bank
Read a sample of creative descriptive writing to your science class. Discuss how writing can be used to record and communicate observations that scientists make. Reading selections and thought-provoking questions are suggested. Also...
Curated OER
Weathervanes in the Wind
Students investigate wind and weather by creating a weathervane. In this environment lesson, students identify the purpose of a weathervane and observe weathervanes in action on their campus. Students create a weathervane and...
Curated OER
Composting Conundrum
Learners research cafeteria composting. In this composting lesson, students design a vessel that would allow the cafeteria staff to collect food scraps for composting. Then learners build a prototype and present it to the class. Lastly...
Curated OER
Third Grade Ecuadorian Rainforest
Third graders explore the Ecuadorian Rainforest. In this writing and research lesson students utilize several information sources to learn about the Ecuadorian Rainforest. Students also summarize and paraphrase information learned...
Curated OER
How can we keep our forests intact and have chocolate too?
Fourth graders recognize the need to sustain crops in the rainforest. In this rainforest lesson plan, 4th graders consider the use of products from the rainforest. Students discuss how people of different points of view decide...
Curated OER
Planets in our Solar System
A wonderfully designed, and very thorough lesson plan on the planets in our solar system. Designed for third graders, this lesson has learners use technology and multimedia tools to research, explore, and create information about the...
Curated OER
How Can We Keep Our Forests Intact and Have Our Chocolate Too?
Fourth graders explore various methods of growing and harvesting rainforest foods in order to sustain its biodiversity. They discuss the various uses for trees from several viewpoints. Students research chocolate demand and land use...
Curated OER
Ecuadorian Rainforest: If the Forests Could Talk
Third graders explore the delicate balance the must be maintained in a rainforest ecosystem. In this ecosystems instructional activity, 3rd graders learn about the importance of "little things" such as bugs or a certain plant in the...