Curated OER
Formal versus Informal Language
Engage in an activity that focuses on the concepts of formal and informal language use. Middle and high schoolers compare and contrast each style by using a Venn diagram that includes some examples. They read and hear a passage of lyrics...
EngageNY
Peer Critique and Revising: Formal English
Dear Sir or Madam: What's the difference between formal and informal language? Scholars focus on using formal English and transitions in their position papers. After revising their rough drafts, they engage in the peer editing process...
Curated OER
Formal and Informal Language
“C u l8r @ skool.” As part of a study of formal and informal language, class members examine excerpts from Lil’ Boosie lyrics, the Emancipation Proclamation, a speech by Martin Luther King. Links to the resources not provided; however,...
Virginia Department of Education
Determining Purpose and Audience
Build the writing skills of your junior high wordsmiths with activities that introduce many essential skills of writing. As a class, they develop working definitions of formal vs. informal writing, explore different categories of...
Curated OER
Writing Formal Letters
Help your young writers recognize the importance of composing formal letters. Middle schoolers read letters written by Thomas Jefferson and analyze the components that make it a formal letter. They will then compose their own...
Curated OER
Commas vs. Semicolons Lesson Plan
Ninth graders use correct punctuation when writing. After defining the use of commas and semicolons, they discuss how punctuation can help eliminate confusion. They listen to a letter, first with correct punctuation, and then without...
Curated OER
Comparison of Normal vs Mutant Zebra Fish Embryos
Young scholars observe and study mutations. In this mutations lesson, students work in groups to complete observation tables of various mutations of the zebra fish embryos. Groups give presentations about their observations.
Curated OER
Pumpkin Writing Paper
In this writing worksheet, students use the blank lined paper with a colorful pumpkin border for any kind of writing: reports, poetry, stories or letters.
Curated OER
Connecting the Dots: Workers and Their Importance
Students explore the role of workers and their jobs in the community. They write a friendly letter to a community worker expressing appreciation for the work they do and their importance to the community.
Cornell University
Mechanical Properties of Gummy Worms
Learners won't have to squirm when asked the facts after completing an intriguing lab investigation! Hook young scholars on science by challenging them to verify Hooke's Law using a gummy worm. Measuring the length of the worm as they...
Curated OER
Hare vs. the Tortoise
Seventh graders identify and create questions and hypotheses, dependent and independent variables and form a conclusion that can be answered and tested through scientific experimental investigation. For this relationship lesson, 7th...
Curated OER
Identifying Science Fiction
Students discuss works of science fiction that they read, highlight aspects that made each a part of science fiction genre, identify formal literary elements, and discuss ways each can be developed through science fiction.
Curated OER
An Exploration of Automotive Design
students research varied aspects of car design, and create a new design for the exterior body of a car. Students conduct Internet research, respond to writing prompts, and analyze, evaluate and synthesize information from multiple...
Curated OER
Chemistry: Renewable and Nonrenewable Energy
Young scholars research on renewable and nonrenewable resources. In this chemistry instructional activity, students design and build solar panels. They evaluate their device and write a lab report.
Curated OER
Getting Dressed For Success
Students in an ESL classroom describe and identify different clothing items. In groups, they compare and contrast the various clothing tradtions found in each home country. They discuss the importance of clothing and how they should...
Curated OER
Direct and Inverse Variation
Eighth graders participate in two data collection activities that involve direct and inverse variation. In the pre-assessment, 8th graders categorize numerical, graphical, and verbal representations as linear or nonlinear and determine...