In need of a really good lesson that incorporates literature, art, and cultural themes? After hearing a traditional Chinese folktale and discussing cultural themes and symbolism, learners create original illustrations for the story. This...

Students research the Wright Brothers and their plane. In this airplane history lesson, students use a hotlist of sites to research and create an airplane. A question is provided for each site.

Nanoparticles have toxic effects on plant and animal life—even though you can't see them. The second lesson of a two-part series has young scientists conduct an experiment that exposes plant and animals to nanoparticle pollutants. They...

Students learn about experiences and feelings through books. In this lesson plan, students read a variety of books to aid in their understanding of life. Through a listing and brief synopsis of twelve books, students explore feelings,...

What will the future hold? How can I make my dreams come true? Since learners don't have fairy god mothers, they'll need to develop strong goal-oriented plans. They concoct ideas of their dream life, determine the type of income needed...

Learners bring a favorite photograph to class and discuss what they see and don't see in the photos. They brainstorm with the teacher on the overhead and then translate the information into poetic form.

Explore the visual arts by creating a construction paper art project. In this collage lesson, young artists research the Internet to examine styles of famous artists including Keith Haring. They create cut-outs of hearts using...

Students answer questions, then after reading several bat books, students revisit the questions.

Second graders create a Mother's Day Writing Project in this lesson. They review the assignment's expectations, and develop their rough draft letters and illustrations. They then peer edit their rough drafts and write their final copies.

Students consider the implications of teen pregnancy. For this personal health lesson, students discuss how mothers prepare for pregnancy physically and financially. Students compare their daily routines to those of young mothers and...

Sixth graders read about Grady, the Silo Cow and analyze the parts of a news story.  In this news article lesson, 6th graders discuss writing for different purposes.  Students discover the characteristics of a strong...

Students conduct research and create an eponym dictionary. They use their imaginations to create their own monster. They have a Monster Mash day to show off their creations.

Students find differences in handprints in a cooperative effort to make a rainbow.  In a rainbow painting activity, students use their hands to create the different levels of the rainbow. Students may choose their colors.

Students experiment with carrying eggs to simulate a mother crocodile's gentle grip as she carries her eggs/young. They compare different modern tools to the jaws of a crocodile.

Students read a book.  In this story elements lesson, students share their favorite food, predict what the story will be about and discuss how they would feel if they got to eat their favorite food everyday.  Students read the...

Young scholars define bartering and barter to investigate supply and demand. In this bartering lesson, students read A New Coat for Anna and recall how they exchanged merchandise in the story.  Young scholars complete a sequential...

Young scholars compare and contrast different forms of communication.  In this poetry lesson, students focus on the ballad form and read "Timothy Winters". Young scholars draw conclusions from the ballad and divide into groups to...

Fifth graders define dominant and recessive genes and that they have DNA from their mother and father.  In this inherited traits lesson, 5th graders complete a punnet square based on their parents traits.  Students decorate...

Students research about human migration during a specific time period. In this physical science lesson, students watch a video about human evolution. They prepare a presentation on human migration and share it with the class.

Students read and discuss the book, Esperanza Rising. After analyzing and identifying the novel's structural elements, they examine working conditions for migrant workers in the 1930s. As part of the lesson, students in groups choose...

While an interesting lesson idea involving the exploration of a story about an Asian American boy named Imduk, a teacher would need to have assess to the Scott Foresman reading program to make this work. If not, a teacher could use...

Exploring the idea of working to achieve the American Dream, the class reads an excerpt from How the Garcia Girls Lost their Accents by Julia Alvarez. Following, the class analyzes the excerpt and discusses the theme of the reading using...

Kids may be a little resistant to this rainy day idea, but it could produce some amazing art. They paint a watercolor picture of anything they like. When they are done, they take their paintings outside and let the rain work its magic!...

What do families around the world have in common? Explore this theme through the popular animated film My Neighbor Totoro by Hayao Miyazaki. Over the course of two days, pupils view the film, pausing to discuss their own families and the...