Roald Dahl
Matilda - The First Miracle
As the story unfolds, readers discover Matilda has a superpower. Take part in an activity that has learners talking about what superpower they would have, how they would use it, and how it could help others. Then, after reading the 14th...
Roald Dahl
Matilda - The Third Miracle
Magnus takes a visit to the classroom in the 20th chapter of Matilda. Or does he? After reading, learners interview the person in the hot seat to get a detailed account of what happened during this chapter. Then, they write individual...
Roald Dahl
Matilda - The New Home
Matilda finally gets her happy ending with a new home with Miss Honey. But first, Mr. Wormwood goes on trial for his wrong doings and bad car sales. Class members take on the role of a character in the trial and participate in a role...
Teach Engineering
Algae: Tiny Plants with Big Energy Potential
My, what big energy potential you have! Scholars learn about the energy potential of using algae as a biofuel. A PowerPoint presentation first describes the structure of algae and then how researchers use algae as biofuel to produce energy.
Curated OER
Carpooling and the Environment
Students investigate carpooling and determine to what extent it occurs in their community for a carpool challenge. In groups, students create a survey then collect, calculate and record data to determine how much pollution could be...
Curated OER
Lightning Safety
Middle schoolers investigate how lightning is produced and ways they can keep themselves safe during a lightning storm. After a lecture/demo, students use a worksheet imbedded in this plan to reinforce the concepts taught.
Curated OER
Deadly Ascent
Students explore some of Earth's extreme environments and the possible dangers they present. They describe some of the potential dangers found in extreme environments around the world. Students discuss ways to deal with potential...
Curated OER
Protecting the Herd
Students simulate the spread of a fictitious disease using an internet-based simulation. In this biology instructional activity, students predict the factors that could affect epidemic. They investigate these prediction using computer...
Curated OER
National Women's History Month
Students explore the messages presented through propaganda posters for the Bread and Roses protest of 1912 and define their role in women's emancipation. In this women's history activity, students research propaganda sources and complete...
Curated OER
Trash...it really piles up!
Students investigate a contemporary "midden" by analyzing trash collected from various sources and determining life-style choices people make. They see that reducing the amount of waste we generate is helpful to the the environment.
Curated OER
The Rocky Shore
Students compare a realistic landscape painting with a photograph of the same place.
Curated OER
Acid Rain: The Disappearing Statue
Second graders examine the effects of acid rain on statues and buildings. They participate in an experiment in which they use different chemicals on building materials. They observe and record their observations.
Curated OER
Spy on a Spider
Students view slides or live specimens to name and describe the distinguishing features of groups of arthropods, especially spiders and insects. They complete worksheets, observe webs and then search for and record where spiders can be...
Curated OER
Creatures from Planet X: Spiders
Young scholars are given a description of some fascinating animals from "Planet X". They follow the descriptions given to illustrate one of these animals paying careful attention to introduced vocabulary such as 'appendages',...
Curated OER
Biological Sampling Device Using a Sea Perch
Students construct plankton nets to be towed and collect specimens to be examined and analyzed in the classroom. They develop research skills through collection of an aquatic sample. They write lab reports after interpreting, identifying...
Curated OER
Water Quality Monitoring
Students comprehend the four parameters of water quality. They perform tests for salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH and clarity or turbidity. Students comprehend why scientists and environmental managers monitor water uality and aquatic...
Curated OER
Is There Seaweed/Algae in Your Food?
Students discover that seaweed/algae is a small part of the resources the oceans provide. By investigating common household products, students discover that human senses are not enough to detect the presence of seaweed/algae in food.
Curated OER
My Favorite Meal
Students investigate ecological systems and the multiple uses of the environment by studying the osprey population.
Curated OER
Firstgov for Kids
Students examine kids.gov, FirstGov for Kids website, which provides links to both Federal kids sites and sites from other organizations. They complete a worksheet by finding answers at the website.
Curated OER
Superbugs: An Evolving Concern
Students investigate the growth of bacteria in the presence of antibiotics. They write a hypothesis, conduct an experiment to test their hypothesis, analyze the results of their bacterial growth experiment, and describe the results on a...
Curated OER
The Meaning of Genetic Variation
Students investigate variation in the beta globin gene by identifying base changes that do and do not alter function, and by using several Internet-based resources to consider the significance in different environments of the base...
Curated OER
Honduras: Going Bananas
Middle schoolers explore the popularity of bananas. They conduct a survey to understand the reasons for their popularity. Students research a banana's journey from the farm to school lunch. They compose a children's book about bananas...
Curated OER
Dear Darla
Students write a letter. For this language arts lesson, students play the role of an advice column journalist. Students respond to a letter asking for advice.
Curated OER
Hypothermia on the High Seas
Learners identify and present the effects on humans when the body temperature falls, demonstrate and explain how the body loses heat, and understand hypothermia and cold water survival techniques.