Upper graders compare their cell phones to a lacquer box from the Japanese Edo Period. They consider how each is a form of communication and how the very nature of each object communicates social norms, ideology, and beliefs. A really...

What's life like aboard an ocean exploration vessel? Junior oceanographers examine the important role of communication in ocean research in lesson plan two of a five-part series from NOAA. The materials introduce the class to life on...

Radio signals transmitted to Pluto take five hours to reach their destination! In these two activities, young scientists explore data communication in space. In activity one, pupils learn how data is gathered and sent back to Earth....

What happens when the plan just won't come together? Get a bigger team! Episode four in a seven-part series featuring the Global Problem Solvers examines what happens when young leaders run into a road block when implementing new...

Communication through the solar system is a challenging task. Sending probes to different locations in our solar system helps scientists learn about these bodies. As these probes are sent farther and farther from Earth, receiving their...

New ReviewHow is technology a useful tool for active citizenship? Pupils assume the role of technology consultants reviewing citizenship projects. Small groups collaborate to make recommendations about how to incorporate technology to improve...

While working in groups, learners refine the negative prints, floppy disks, and photographs they've been working on. They rotate to different stations on paper cutting, airbrushing, and computers. Special attention is placed on the...

They tried to put a ring on it! In the 60s, scientists had a plan to improve communication technology. Adding a ring of copper needles around the earth would help to boost radio wave signals. Scholars can watch a video lesson from a...

Technology has undoubtedly improved the lives of people around the world—but has it improved communication? Seventh graders read two informative passages about the rise of texting and emailing versus in-person conversations before...

Students explore communications by participating in a science class activity. In this communication technology instructional activity, students discuss the process of morse code, its history, and the electromagnets used to create the...

Humans have taken communication to every corner of the Earth, yet our bodies, at the cellular level, have communicated without technology for millions of years. Learners view the variety of ways cells can communicate, whether right next...

The National Broadband Plan, an effort to assure that every school, library, hospital, and home in the US would have high-speed Internet access, is the focus of a unit that examines the value and implications of such a plan. Groups look...

Learners develop self-awareness and discuss the importance of cooperation and communication through worksheets and hands-on, collaborative activities. 

How can the people of Malawi get the fresh drinking water they need? The third episode in a seven-part series shows the Global Problem Solvers as they put their heads together and use technology to upgrade the country's system of wells....

Imagine a simple way to remind students and parents about upcoming events, projects, appointments, and more through text messages. This free service allows for one-way communication from the teacher to parents/students. Simply sign...

Telegraphs and pigeons may all seem passe, but at one point in time they were at the cutting edge of technology. Explore the evolution of technology and how it affected communication during World War I. 

The Cold War presented some communication challenges to the US military. Because the conflict was before the launch of satellites, scientists focused on the earth's natural satellite, the moon, the bounce radio signals. A video lesson...

No power? That's no problem for the Global Problem Solvers! The fourth of seven episodes follows them in their search for solar panels to power their pop-up school kits. High water threatens to delay the return of normalcy for Tampa's...

Students discuss how they use communication devices. They read an article about communication technology. They create a poster depicting the impact of such devices on future generations. They also write a paper about what they have...

Nothing says 21st century learning skills like an Internet-based collaborative learning lesson plan focused on using technology to compile and synthesize information. An embedded video shows you what collaborative learning in high school...

Students relate the development of the Internet to other great moments in communications history. They make an illustrated timeline of communication milestones and discuss which inventions had to happen in order for the Internet to exist.

With a vocabulary list and a Venn Diagram students will discuss the reasons communication is so important. They will identify the characteristics of written and verbal communication then write about their feelings. Note: This lesson plan...