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Don't Let the Earth Down
Writing a persuasive argument starts with a clear thesis. Using this resource, your class will write a persuasive paper on a conservation issue. They will then transform their argument into a 30-second public service announcement. If...
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Don't Let the Earth Down
Although recycling is definitely beneficial, reducing our waste and conserving our natural resources should really be the focus of environmentalists. Encourage the future generation to create a public service announcement about a...
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Goal Setting
Students understand how they can incorporate dietary guidelines in their daily life. In this investigative lesson students set dietary goals and incorporate an activity to learn how to create a new seed variety while studying...
Rainforest Alliance
Investments in Forest Carbon
One hundred metric tons of CO2 can accumulate in one acre of forest over time—that's a lot of carbon! In the activity, groups of middle school learners determine what makes forests important. They then solidify the concept by using a...
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Keeping students engaged after standardized testing
Instructional strategies and lesson ideas to keep students excited about learning, while reviewing and preparing for the next grade level.
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Community Helpers
Learners identify the different jobs of people in the community. In this careers lesson, students read Helpers in My Community and have parents come into the classroom to do a short presentation on their jobs.
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Create a 3-D Community Model
Seventh graders explore the term community. In this Social Studies lesson, 7th graders develop a definition of the term community. Students create a sculpture that is related to their community.
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Aboriginals
Students are read a book about aboriginal perspectives. They answer questions and practice words with the letter "g". They participate in math drills practicing their counting as well.
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Quilting the Past and Present
Students construct a quilt using symbols of the past and present. In this communities lesson, students interview an older adult and discuss the history of their community. Students create a quilt.
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Qur'an: Sacred Scripture of Islam
Students discover the strong emphasis Islam puts on education. Using the Internet, they identify advancements in ethics, math and astronomy. They explain the importance of madrasahs, or traditional places of learning in Islam, and...
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Scholarship and Learning in Islam
Students explain what a madrasah represents in Islam. Using the Muslim world as an example, they identify and describe two or more centers of learning. They explain the contributions that Muslims have made to science and math and...
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How Do Cells Reproduce?
Beginning biologists prepare a sugar solution for yeast cells to live in, and divide it into two different jars. Samples from each jar are viewed with a microscope, and then one jar is placed in a warm environment and the other a cold...
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Boating Safety
Pupils are introduced to the safety procedures to follow while boating. After taking a quiz, they complete open-ended questions about boating accidents in Illinois. They discuss as a class how those accidents could have been prevented.
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Fire Fighting
Pupils consider the effects of a wildfire on prairie life. They explore the ways that plants regenerate after a fire and create fictional plants that have adapted specifically to the prairie environment. They share models of their plants.
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I Wonder...
Students review information they have gathered from previous lessons. They create their own experiments and carry them out. They reflect on the project as a whole.
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Bits of Braille
Intended to build an understanding of Braille in a general education classroom. They read the book Helen Keller then write their names using a braille website. Many interesting web links are included. Could be used for a general or...
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Imagine a Kelp Forest
Students write a story based on their research of the kelp forest. In this ecosystem instructional activity, students view a video and research the kelp forest ecosystem. They write a short story imagining the discovery of a new species...
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Salt Marsh in a Pan
Students create a model of a salt marsh to discover the impact of pollution and human activities on water-based habitats including bays and the ocean. They recognize the relationship between natural and developed areas. Students impact...
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Quality of Rice
Sixth graders research how farmers irrigate, harvest, and keep high standards of rice. In this farming lesson, 6th graders discover how rice, wheat and soy beans are farmed. Students make a chart showing the similiarities and differences.
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Children: Then & Now
Fourth graders discuss the roles and responsibilities of family members in their homes today. They decide what they do to help their families both inside and outside the home. They realize why it is important for each person to...
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A Tough Nut to Crack
Sixth graders explore agriculture by examining world geography. In this pecan cultivation lesson, 6th graders identify the history of the famous nut and the impact it has on the U.S. economy, diet and human body. Students define...
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Caterpillars To Butterflies
Students observe the life cycle of a butterfly. They read butterfly/caterpillar themed books. They sequence the lifecycle from eggs on a leaf to an adult butterfly. They release their butterflies into a natural habitat after singing and...
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When I Was Your Age...
Students discuss generational differences in life experiences, consider their future life paths based on their past and present, and write essays from perspectives of themselves 50 years from now.
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Introduction to Severe Weather Patterns
Students review basic weather concepts and terminology, and explore weather modeling tools.