Lesson Plan
Agriculture in the Classroom

A Holiday Tradition: Which Christmas Tree Will You Choose?

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Different varieties of Christmas trees provide an interesting way to combine social studies, science, math, and technology. Class members not only research the history of the Christmas tree holiday tradition, they compare and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Christmas Tree

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students recognize that the Christmas tree is one symbol of Christmas, then demonstrate their ability to identify symbols. They compare the lightstock (Christmas pyramid) with the Paradise tree and apply their knowledge about the history...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The History of Christmas Trees

For Teachers 1st - 8th
Young scholars read an article on the history of the Christmas Tree. They discuss the article and talk about their experiences with Christmas trees.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The History of Christmas Trees, Part One

For Teachers 1st - 8th
Students read an article about Winter Solstice celebrations. They consider the symbolism of evergreens in winter and how different cultures have used evergreens in winter celebrations throughout history.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Poets of Christmas Past

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students consider the meanings of Christmas by reading an op-ed. As a class, they then create a sequel to the poem "A Visit from Saint Nicholas," in which "Mamma" tells a story about the history of Christmas.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Smells Like Christmas, Exploring the Nose

For Teachers K - 1st
Students discover that the sense of smell helps us to enjoy life and explore unsafe conditions. They smell Christmas by making gingerbread ornaments.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Christmas Synonym Lesson

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders examine the use of synonyms. In this synonym lesson, 2nd graders listen to a read aloud of Splendiferous Christmas and ring a jingle bell each time a synonym is used for a word mentioned in the book. They write synonyms on...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

"COUNTRY" CHRISTMAS AND OTHER HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders develop an understanding of Christmas traditions of other countries and well as the United States. They discover the meaning of other holiday celebrations and utilize computers and other technology as an integral part of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Lesson Three: The History of Christmas Trees, Part Three

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Learners explore the influence of different beliefs and customs on seasonal celebrations by recognizing their historic development. They develop an awareness that traditions and customs are influenced by different environments.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Trees for Tomorrow

For Teachers K - 3rd
Students examine how to plan for prudent use of trees so that we never run out of this natural resource. They determine what the oldest wooden object in their home is and draw picture of it. They observe a cross section of a tree and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Foam Trees/Ornaments

For Teachers K - 2nd
Learners create foam ornaments and/or miniature trees using fun foam, glue, buttons, rick rack or pasta, and gold string in this early-elementary school Art lesson. Suggested adaptations for younger and older students are provided.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Christmas Handprint Wreath and Other Holiday Hand Crafts

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students trace their hands and use the prints to create Christmas wreaths. They explore the history and development of the symbolism behind the Christmas wreath.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Logs of Straw: Dendocronology

For Teachers 5th - 9th
Pupils investigate the age of trees by analyzing tree rings.  In this dendocronology lesson plan, students examine sample images of tree rings and identify their age by the amount of rings.  Pupils complete a chart identifying...
Lesson Plan
Japan Society

Tanabata: Japan's Star Festival

For Teachers 1st - 5th
The Star Festival or Tanbata, is a holiday celebrated in Japan every year. People make tanzakus out of paper and hang them on the trees. Pupils will learn about this culturally significant holiday while creating tanzakus of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Thanksgiving Mural

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students create a mural of the history of Thanksgiving. In this holiday lesson plan, students recall the history of Thanksgiving and create a mural of the holiday using large paper and crayons.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Light Bulb Decorations

For Teachers 4th - 12th
Students create light bulb decorations for the holiday season in this Art lesson for 4th through 12th grades. Emphasis is placed on creativity and artistic expression. Also a great activity for older students raising money for...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Food and Languages of the World

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders become familiar with the German pickle, part of the Christmas celebration in Germany. In this German pickle lesson plan, 3rd graders listen to the story of the German pickle and its significance to the German Christmas...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Recycled Lid Ornament

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students create a keepsake ornament out of recycled plastic lids and other household items.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Creating and Preserving a Tradition

For Teachers 1st - 12th
Students explore folk art and tradition. They work in small groups and produce an essay about folk art or traditions practiced in their community. Students discuss the creation and preservation of a tradition. They discuss various...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Celebration Symbols and Their Meaning

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Learners develop a symbol that represents something they wish to celebrate or include in a celebration of their choosing.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

POP! Goes the Popcorn!

For Teachers 2nd - 4th
Students complete a variety of activities based on examining corn and popcorn as one of the major crops of Kansas. They journal the results of the multidisciplinary activities in this unit.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Illustrating and Writing a Short Story

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students use their art materials to go outside and draw a picture of a scene. They can also write down specific notes in a small spiral notebook about the scene they want to remember so they can write their stories. They complete their...