Learn the difference between saving money and investing money, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each. Kids review banking and personal finance terms before studying the different ways that people can reach their financial...

Students discover how Varian Fry rescued people in Vichy France during World War II; and realize the difficulties and dangers Fry faced. This lesson has websites and a play imbedded in it for student use.

Eighth graders read and discuss Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Then they invent a candy bar, name it and draw a picture of it. Finally, they write a short descriptive paragraph about it.

Bridge the gap between health and food for your special needs class. Through discussion and handouts, they will be introduced to the basics regarding the vitamins and minerals we get from eating healthy foods. They work to identify...

Students take a closer look at the balance of trade. In this current events instructional activity, students watch PBS video clips about American trade with China. Students research Chinese production and consumerism in order...

Learners discuss prior knowledge of American culture during the 1950's. They complete KWL charts, participate in class discussions and view the documentary film Atomic Café. They record their observations from the film.

Students view the AMERICAN MASTERS entitled Joni Mitchell: Woman of Heart and Mind, examine the concept of influence, and explore how Joni Mitchell and her work have influenced others. Students read, interpret, and analyze her lyrics by...

Second graders explore biology by creating birdhouses. In this bird identification lesson, 2nd graders discuss the different types of birds that live in their environment and what characteristics each type of bird has. Students create a...

Young scholars explore Native American tribes in Maryland. In this Maryland history lesson, students investigate Native American tribes in a webquest. After completing the webquest young scholars create a triarama.

Students use reciprocal learning to coach one another in review of their prior learning about decimals. In this peer reciprocal learning decimal review lesson plan, students participate in conversation, accountability, roles and...

Student explain how geographic and cultural settings influence a person's identity. They compare and contrasting Esmeralda Santiago's Puerto Rican self with her American self by participating in a close reading of the text and writing a...

Students imagine themselves staying for the weekend in a summer cabin near Mount St. Helens (or other volcanic site,) and having to quickly evacuate the area.

Pupils read an article about dirty bombs and then use a worksheet as a discussion guide to consider surrounding issues. They use balloons, cornstarch and iron fillings to demonstrate the possible impact of a dirty bomb.

Students use the indicated text and the internet to compare and contrast the North and South. They discuss the social and political implications of the two predominant economic systems (slavery and factory). They are introduced to the...

Students review the characteristics of the thirteen colonies. In groups, they use the internet to research one of the colonies more in depth and answer questions about it. They develop a newspaper or travel brochure to share the...

Students work in groups of four and complete a roster of their names and personal information and to complete a release form that allows their pictures to be placed online. They then engage in classroom activities while being...

Young scholars create time-lines of tow major eruptions and use this information to determine what happens during an eruption.  For this volcano lesson students read information about previous eruptions and create a time line. 

Students identify the functions and benefits of boundaries. They discuss personal boundaries, list personal questions, and role-play crossing personal boundaries.

Eleventh graders explore the era of slavery when Jefferson was President. In this United States History lesson, 11th graders participate in a class discussion that is led by the teacher.  A PowerPoint presentation on the topic is...

Students define and discuss labor unions in the United States. They compare and contrast labor unions in the United States and labor unions in Europe and Japan.

Ninth graders access a star worksheet and determine properties of polygons.  In this investigative lesson plan students complete a worksheet and discuss myths. 

A lesson plan in which students complete a graphic organizer to record prior knowledge before reading, ask questions while reading, and summarize a text after reading. Materials are included. [PDF]

A lesson plan in which students complete a KWL chart before during and after reading a text. Materials are included.

What exactly is a "questioning tool kit"? This resource provides techniques for asking essential questions, hypothetical questions, telling questions, planning questions and organizing questions.