The study of types of communties is the focus of this presentation. Details are given about the differences between rural, urban, and suburban communities. Use this presentation to provoke a class discussion about the various activities...

Fifth graders examine cultures close to the arctic circle. In this geography instructional activity, 5th graders consider the impact of climate on cultural development of arctic communities. Students research a given community and...

Small but mighty! Learners explore the role of microbes in a healthy ecosystem. An engaging lesson asks pupils to design an aquaponics system that demonstrates that healthy microbes are necessary to maintain the ecosystem.

New roads, new businesses, new developments, new mass transit systems. All growth has both positive and negative effects on communities. Government classes investigate the principles of Maryland's 1997 Smart Growth program and...

Personal correspondence in the form of letters is not as common as it once was. This resource presents an opportunity for you to introduce your class to letter writing and cover topics in social studies. Learners read a letter written in...

“It was a dark and stormy night.” Thus begins the 1830's novel Paul Clifford and, of course, all of Snoopy’s novels! Encourage young writers to craft settings for their stories that go beyond Edward Bulwer-Lytton’s often-mocked phrase...

How are forces and motion important to a swing set? Scholars explore the concepts of force and motion using swing sets. In preparation for their own STEM design project, individuals take surveys and data from peers, complete labs on...

Scholars create a diorama to showcase a vibrant coral reef. Six steps walk pupils through setting up the diorama box, crafting four different types of marine life, and putting it all together. 

Students create birthday calendars using The Print Shop computer program. They produce and market a product, replicating a work environment.

Students demonstrate their knowledge of a camera by taking pictures of people, places, and things that make up their neighborhood or school. They select the photographs that tell a better story than others and explain their reason.

Students discuss their role in their local government. Individually, they use various types of media to examine and take a position on a topic important to them. To introduce their position, they write a letter to the Board of...

Students are introduced to Trompe l'oeil art by a docent. Using that information, they compare and contast it with other forms of art they are familiar with and discuss their opinions with the class. They write a poem about their...

Second graders use cardinal and intermediate directions to locate places on maps and places in the classroom, school, and community. They draw a setting map of "Little Red Riding Hood." Students give five steps of cardinal or...

Students research the 2000 presidential elections. They explain why the presidential winner was initially too close to call, discuss how the winner was determined and predict how the 2000 election might change the process of electing a...

Students discuss the risks a landfill may pose to a community. The setting is a school board faced with a decision about whether to close a school until the landfill is capped (a 3 year period). They are asked to determine how they would...

Second graders study and compare rural, suburban, and urban communities. They play a board game, read books about communities, and complete several other activities regarding the different types of communities. Several extension and...

Students complete a survey about their role in volunteering. They research opportunities to volunteer in their community. They identify ways in which the community would be different if no one volunteered.

Second graders study building placements in a neighborhood. They discuss businesses, roads, houses, rivers, police/fire stations, and use Neighborhood Map Machine to create a new map. They complete an exploratory map and community of...

Students explore the changing environment in their community. They interview elders about the issues, impacts and potential ways of adapting to climate change in the north. Students post pictures and information on the student...

Second graders explore living without sight. In this senses lesson, 2nd graders review the different senses and what they use for each sense. Students discuss what it would be like to not be able to see and they read a story about a...

Students read the novel, Across Five Aprils and investigate the theme of the individual vs, community loyalties. They keep a daily journal, role-play situations, hold a mock debate, and write a research paper on "coming of age."

Students examine the concept of scarcity. In this economics instructional activity, students define scarcity and take part in an activity that illustrates the concept as it relates to goods and services.

Students study people who are peacemakers. In this peacemaker lesson, students examine and identify everyday peacemakers. They imagine what peace is in a visualization exercise and interview a community adult about peace and peacemakers.

Students work with 4th and 5th graders at Cascade Brook School in Farmington, to teach them skills in wildflower and fern identification, and then to help them implement a nature trail, which is accessible to the greater Farmington...