Young scholars explore the various groups and organizations involved in the Darfur conflict. Through investigative research, students gain insight into this complex issue.

Eighth graders discover what makes an event newsworthy. They research topics by using the five W questions. They examine the difference between facts and opinions and practice interviewing people for stories.

Learners watch a video clip about the effect of Hurricane Katrina. They examine the challenges that New Orleans still faces a year after the hurricane. They work together in small groups to create a museum exhibit on a topic of interest...

Students develop an interactive presentation about the planets for their fictional interplanetary travel agency. They demonstrate their knowledge of internet research techniques and the Solar System through their interactive planetary...

Eighth graders research the structure of the atom. They identify the properties of subatomic particles, including mass and electrical charge. Students access the websit www.chem4kids and extract 10 main facts from the content provided...

Students determine the difference between major and minor details after researching animals and completing graphic organizers. They write descriptive paragraphs for classmates to guess what animal is being described.

Have your middle schoolers choose a topic about the Oregon Trail to research for an informative report. They are given a list of report ideas and the components required when composing an informational report. Then, they choose one of...

What is historical fiction? After explaining the difference to your learners, it's time to give each learner a try! With your support, encourage them to research, plan, and write their own historical fiction story. Don't forget to have a...

Prepare your class for a unit on Ray Bradbury's The Martian Chronicles with an activity that works for pre-reading, during reading, and post-reading. Learners fill out a K-W-H-L chart to reflect on what they already know, what...

How can we heal our hearts through forgiveness?  The third activity in a series of six prompts readers to answer questions about Words by Heart by Ouida Sebestyen. Not only does it activate background knowledge on the...

The president of the United States must be able to keep a cool head in moments of crisis to lead his or nation out of the darkness. A history instructional activity encourages learners to study the ways various presidents have handled...

Lead young learners to understand new vocabulary with this series of word maps. The first of these organizers asks children to determine the definition and provide examples and descriptions of each word with the help of dictionaries,...

Did you know the hole in the ozone is seasonal and filled by January every year? The lesson uses scientific measurements of the ozone over the South Pole to understand patterns. Scholars learn that the hole grew bigger annually before...

Students Write a persuasive essay that contains effective introductory and summary statements; arranges the arguments effectively; and fully develops the ideas with convincing proof, details, facts, examples, and descriptions. They write...

Students research different websites to obtain information about the alphabet. For this Internet lesson plan, students use their knowledge of the alphabet to navigate certain websites.

Eighth graders demonstrate the steps needed for a compare and contrast essay by writing a paper comparing and contrasting two selected pictures.

Sixth graders investigate peer pressure, gangs, drinking, and using drugs. In small groups, they conduct research, develop, edit, and write a three-minute script, and perform the script for the class.

Students practice researching history through oral traditions.  In this U.S. History lesson, students examine an online exhibit titled Harvesting the River, in which students interview someone from the story.  Students utilize...

Students examine the class structure of the feudal system. In this Middle Ages lesson, students define vocabulary relative to the topic and then create "feudal trees" that feature the class structure. Students also research the lives of...

Fifth graders research life in Alaska and compare life there to their lives in this lesson. They read "Julie of the Wolves." They research through the novel and other reference books facts about the Alaskan climate and geography. They...

Middle schoolers create their own Top 10 Facts about any topic related to space.  In this space lesson plan, students work in groups to produce a Top Ten List of facts about space and share with their classmates.  Groups choose...

Students choose topics for research based on human genetics and heredity. They conduct research via the Internet and write a brief explanation of the milestone in genetics and heredity and attach it to a class timeline. They share...

Learners develop an awareness of basic meteorology and related earth science topics. They reinforce geographical knowledge and build analytical and communications skills through class presentations. Students research exciting weather...

Students explore the major causes of heat attacks as the topics of the human circulatory system, blood pressure, heart disease, arteries and veins are examined. Opinions on the topics are developed as researched material is presented to...