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GLOBAL SYMPOSIUM
High schoolers research different environmental issues in order to become familiar enough in order to brainstorm possible solutions. They form a task force that makes projects that are proposed solutions to environmental problems.
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Traverse City Trouble Makers
Young scholars investigate how to become advocates in an authentic environmental issue, in this case the invasion of the zebra mussel invasion of the Great Lakes. They complete graphic organizers during Internet research, while reading...
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Weather: Clouds
First graders discover how clouds are formed and how they affect weather. After being read a book, they place air into a Ziploc bag and place it in the freezer. They discuss the results and take a walk outside to observe real clouds.
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The Path of Water
This project is designed so students can learn about the sources of water, the path it takes to get to homes and businesses, and the ways we use water. Students will begin by expanding their awareness of the hydrosphere as they research...
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Cultural and Social Transformations Since 1865
Students research cultural and social issues in the areas of Westward Expansion, Immigration, and Civil Rights. They use their research to create a PowerPoint electronic book to be used by other students.
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Whale of a Web Site
Pupils research the characteristics of toothed/baleen whales in books and on the internet. The students participate in whale projects, quizzes, and activities on the internet sites provided.
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Mapping a Stream
Students map an actual local waterway. They create full color scale drawings that include windfalls, plant cover, streambed composition, and landmarks such as trees, boulders, and slumps. This is a long-term project that involves...
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Presidential Periods: Times to Remember
Students research three specific and relevant events that occurred during a particular presidential period. They research that period, create a multi-media slideshow, and present it to the class.
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Meet My Mammal
Students create a multimedia presentation about a mammal of their choice. They develop a new presentation document and all slides within the presentation. They share the information about their animal with the class.
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Student Meteorologists
Students examine and use basic weather equipment and concepts and create a weather forecast. They then incorporate technology effectively into their forecast. Students use a students's trade book as a substitute for the textbook.
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Science: Spider Models
First graders create spider models to discover its anatomy. They use construction paper and sequins to make their spiders and use pictures as examples for their models. As an alternative, 1st graders make posters of the spider's parts....
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Wild Or Domestic?
Students discuss differences between wild and domestic animals. They list animals on chart paper, and then cut out pictures from magazines to create large collage showing wild and domestic animals.
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Educated Action
Young scholars review what they already know about birds. Using the internet, they discover major issues involved with birds in Illinois. In groups, they determine what they can do to help them and contact a local agency.
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Sunshine and Shadows
Students measure their shadows early in the morning, record direction of shadow, make marks in ground with chalk or tape, measure with ruler, and record results. Students repeat process at noon, and then later in afternoon. Students...
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Taxonomy
Learners work together to identify groups of endangered animals. Using a pamphlet, they group the pictures according to specific criteria and cut the pictures out and color them. They place the animals in the correct habitat and share...
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Bringing Illinois into the Curriculum
Students of all ages are introduced to the geography of Illinois. Depending on the grade level, they participate in different activities which allow them to discover Illinois in the past and present. They examine the animals and...
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Plants
Second graders examine the characteristics of plants. As a class, they brainstorm a list of items plants need in order to survive. In groups, they complete various experiments in which they discover the functions of the parts of the plant.
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Writing Persuasive Paragraphs
Fourth graders discover a fun-filled way to write persuasive paragraphs. After reading stories about mice and weasels, they choose which animal to be their topic. Students use a web outline to organize their opinion, four supporting...
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Amazing Bird Adaptions--Why Am I A Bird?
Fourth graders identify and classify birds found in Illinois. Using the internet, they discover how birds have adapted over time and how the adaptations have increased their life span. They compare and contrast the various adaptations...
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Bird Banter
Learners listen to examples of common bird songs of birds found in Illinois. As a class, they discover the importance between the differences in songs and calls. They practice making their own bird calls and songs to end the lesson plan.
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Hawks Migrate
Students examine the types of hawks found in Illinois and compile a list of them. Using different species of hawks, they compare and contrast their characteristics. They work together to create their own hawk model for the classroom.
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Bats Migrate South
Learners examine the life of bats in Illinois. Using the internet, they research the history of the bat in Illinois and describe the way they find prey by using echolocation. They report their findings to the class and answer any...
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The Water Cycle: Transpiration
Students identify and describe the stages in the water cycle. Using plants, they determine if they play a role in the cycle and measure the water the plants give off. They complete an experiment to determine if deciduous or coniferous...
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Water: The Liquid of Life
Sixth graders complete a lesson plan on the properties, types and amounts of water on Earth. In groups, they travel between stations to identify water resources in Illinois and pollution sources. They complete the lesson plan with a...