Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Discovering the Magical Pi

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students calculate pi using data on the circumference and diameter of various objects. They define key vocabulary terms, measure the circumference and diameter of various circular objects, organize the data on a table or chart, and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

"Sir Cumference and the First Round Table" by Cindy Neuschwander

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers develop an understanding of measurable attributes of circles; develop a formula to determine the circumference of circles. They approximate the value of pi.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Measuring Inches

For Teachers 1st
First graders measure the length of pipe cleaners to form worms using rulers to focus on inches. They record their results and graph the measurement of each pipe cleaner. They measure their pipe cleaner "worms" in various colors and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Math and Science in a Wetland

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students use scientific methods during field and lab investigations. Students collect specimens and make measurements using the metric system. Students describe biotic and abiotic factors in an estuary and design a model.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Anansi Goes to Lunch

For Teachers Pre-K
Students read the story Anansi Goes to Lunch and complete many language arts-based activities to go with the book. In this language arts lesson plan, students complete activities including phonics, writing, coloring, counting, role...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

TE Activity: A Roundabout Way to Mars

For Teachers 6th - 7th
Students investigate Hohmann orbit transfers using cardboard and string while focusing on the orbits of Earth and Mars. They look at the planets orbits around the sun and transfer orbit form one planet to another to determine what a...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Tightrope Trials

For Teachers 5th - 7th
Students research the concepts of center of mass and how to make different things balance. They make symmetrical cut-outs of different "creatures" and experiment with how they balance on a tightrope of string.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Strange Attractor

For Teachers 5th - 10th
Learners explore magnetism. In this magnet lesson, students assemble a magnet pendulum. Learners observe the pendulum noting the location of the magnetic poles as they construct the pendulum so that the free-swinging magnet comes as...
Activity
Curated OER

Thanksgiving For Preschool

For Teachers Pre-K - K
Students read books, make turkey hands, eat gingerbread cookies, and more to learn about Thanksgiving. In this Thanksgiving lesson plan, students also write what they are thankful for.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Crystals: What Are They and What Holds Them Together

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students are introduced to the characteristics of crystals and what keeps them together. Using the Periodic Table, they examine the various elements and develop a model of an atom. In groups, they place sugar and salt in petri dishes...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Injustice on Our Plates: Immigrant Women

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students investigate the plight of undocumented workers. In this social justice lesson, students research undocumented workers as well as consumer boycott movements and write about their impressions.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Air and Air Pressure

For Teachers 4th - 7th
Students explore air and air pressure. In this science lesson plan, students find air and discover that it takes up space, has weight, and exerts pressure as they complete an activity.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Simple Machines, Odd Machine

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers examine levers and design a machine that uses a lever as a central component.  In this lever machine lesson students test various machine designs and evaluate their effectiveness.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Simply Unique

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students identify, compare and contrast simple machines and their functions. They work together in groups to complete experiments using the simple machines. They write in their journals to reflect on the lesson plan.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Virtual Vacation

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Pupils select a foreign city, research the city using the Internet, and plan an eleven-day vacation to that city. This activity is ideal for a social studies classroom and includes ideas for using iMovie, Excel, and MS Works or AppleWorks.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Calder's Balancing Acts

For Teachers 2nd - 8th
Students learn the vocabulary of contemporary sculpture and distinguish between abstract and realistic sculpture, mobile and stabile, biomorphic and geometric. They write equations using Calder's mobiles
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Fraction Bead Necklaces

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders explore fractions of whole numbers as they make fraction bead necklaces.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Measurement via Triangulation

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students utilize triangulation techniques to determine altitudes of objects. An altitude locator is constructed and used to determine the height of a building or a tree. Tangent tables and formulas provide the ratio for the formula to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Map Grids

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students study map grids and explore how they can be used to locate positions of objects or features on a map. They read a story and then participate in a grid activity using a large map of the setting of the story.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Sextant Measurements

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers create a sextant. Using their sextant, students measure the height of tall objects. Middle schoolers explore how sailors used sextants to identify their location on the ocean. They research how sextants are created.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Holey Clamshells

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students analyze data to make hypotheses and conclusions regarding the predator/prey relationship between moon snail and surf clams.
Worksheet
Curated OER

Clownin' Around

For Students 4th - 6th
In this estimation worksheet, students read about a girl, Amy, who is purchasing items for a class play. Students determine whether Amy needs to find an exact answer or an estimate for the things she is buying. There are 6 questions on...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Hunting for Measured Treasure

For Teachers K
Students compare and contrast objects according to their length. In groups, they travel to different centers in their classroom to participate in different sorting activities. They are introduced to how to use a ruler and reading the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What Are Maps For?

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Learners create a story about a problem someone could have which could be solved by the use of a map. They complete a worksheet that guides them through the features of a map of Chicago. Then they calculate story problems using the...