California Academy of Science
The Emperor Penguin's Egg
Here is a game intended for use at home that could easily be adapted to the school environment. The class reads an informational story about emperor penguins and then they watch a clip from the film, March of the Penguins. They focus on...
California Academy of Science
A Day inthe Life of a San Francisco Native Animal
Although the lesson is specifically about the San Francisco Bay area, it's good enough to be adapted to any local region. Children research what the landscape in San Francisco was like prior to settlement, they consider the types of...
California Academy of Science
Banishing Bycatch
Bycatch is a sad reality for many sea turtles, dolphins, and sharks; it occurs when they get unintentionally caught in commercial fishing nets. The class plays a game using popcorn and crackers, each child will attempt to catch the...
California Academy of Science
Discovering Rainforest Locations
How many rainforests are there, where are they, and do global factors effect their locations? These are great questions that have great answers. Children in grades four through eight use several different maps to determine why...
California Academy of Science
Parts of an Antelope
There are so many wonderful parts to an animal: fur, antlers, tails, and legs, to name a few. A large diagram of an antelope is used to start a matching game, where the class matches body parts made of the same material. They discuss...
California Academy of Science
Tropical Belt
Where in the world is the equator? Explore a world map with your class, coloring in oceans, continents, and rainforests while locating the three major lines of latitude: the equator, Tropic of Cancer, and Tropic of Capricorn. Discuss how...
Curated OER
Manifest Destiny--a Simulation
Students participate in a simulation activity to help them explain the attitudes involved during the Manifest Destiny period in American history. It provides a clear demonstration of territorial disputes.
Curated OER
Maple Syrup Production
Students examine the steps of maple sugar production and the labor and effort involved from the tree to the final product. They participate in a taste test game, and if they have access to maple trees, make their own syrup and sugar.
Curated OER
The Water Cycle - Family Page
Students discuss the steps of the water cycle. They create their own model of the water cycle. They complete the Family Page at the end of the lesson plan.
Curated OER
Who Are My Local Representatives? Can I Influence Their Vote?
Pupils find out who their national, state, and local representatives are and write and mail a letter to one of them. The letter should be persuasive and should attempt to influence their representative's vote on a given issue.
Curated OER
Participating in State and Local Government
Students analyze the structure, organization, and powers of State legislatures. They outline the overall shape of the office of the governor.
Students analyze the structure of local governments as creations of the State. They describe...
Curated OER
Three Branches of Government+++A Visual Representation
Third graders identify the three branches of government, describing their functions, and the important people in each branch. They construct models of the buildings and people to visually represent the Legislative, Executive, and...
Curated OER
I Didn't Do It! (Is Anyone guilty Anymore?)
Students explore the concept of "reasonable doubt" in our criminal court system and compare it to "preponderance of the evidence" in the civil court system. They discuss the trials of OJ Simpson and other historical criminal defendants.
Curated OER
Distinguishing Between Levels of Government
Twelfth graders study confederal, federal, and unitary governments. They compose an essay that compares and contrasts the purpose of state/local government with that of the national government in the American federal system.
Curated OER
Local Governments Don't Do Much ... Or Do They?
Students study and explore their local government. They role play members of their City Council and various constituents as they discuss a variety of subjects typical of a city council meeting.
Curated OER
Galaxies
Students use the provided website to classify galaxies after exploring information about elliptical, spiral, lenticular, and irregular galaxies and using the Hubble Tuning Fork.
Curated OER
SkyServer Scanvenger Hunt
Students discover the variety and beauty of objects in the sky and the ability of a research telescope to obtain quantitative information about these objects. They use the SkyServer Navigation Tool to identify objects and record...
Curated OER
Maple Syrup
Students comprehend the process of making pure maple syrup. They identify differences between pure syrup and artifical maple syrup. Students are asked what is in the displayed containers. They sample the syrups and try to figure out...
Curated OER
Forest Stewardship
Students define the term forest stewardship and they identify good forest stewardship practices. They are asked:"Does anyone enjoy spending time in the woods?" Students identify techniques of practicing good forest stewardship (taking...
Curated OER
American Chestnut
Learners discuss importance of American Chestnut tree, explore its value and uses, examine how it has almost become extinct, and identify ways certain groups are working to help regain American Chestnut tree population through breeding.
Curated OER
Ten Important Hardwoods
Students discuss ten important Pennsylvania hardwood trees, examine characteristics of each tree species, evaluate economic and ecological importance of hardwood trees, and recognize at least two characteristics of each species.
Curated OER
Harvesting Trees
Students examine and discuss benefits and process of harvesting trees, analyze, compare, and contrast computer-generated depictions of three different types of tree harvesting methods, read Harvesting Trees flier, and answer discussion...
Curated OER
Wetlands Are Wonderlands!
Learners explore the wetlands. They participate in numerous activities to explore food chains, food webs, and energy in the ecosystem. Students read stories, sing songs, visit specified websites, and participate in games to discover...
Curated OER
The Moon
Learners explore the relationship between the earth, sun, and moon in our solar system. They create a moonrise/moonset chart, perform a dance that models the moon phases, and create a Styrofoam model of the moon's surface.