Curated OER
Aerodynamics of Cycling
Pupils study aerodynamic forces - lift and drag - and see how those forces affect cycling performance. They see how those forces are calculated and how
Curated OER
Exploring and Comparing Other Communities
Third graders search TDC database for images of physical geography maps, weather maps, natural resources maps, and old travel brochures. They create a new travel brochure of an area of their choice using the information they gathered.
Curated OER
A Recipe for Soil
Fourth graders use local materials such as leaves and other plant matter; sand and pebbles to make soil. They plant seeds in the manufactured soil and in natural soil and then observe and record the results.
Curated OER
Satellites
Eighth graders explore the history of space travel and satellites. Through a teacher demonstration, 8th graders observe how a satellite revolves another object. They identify natural and artificial satellites, explore how satellites...
Curated OER
The Siberian Arctic
Students, in groups, research the topics: habitats of northwestern Siberia, reindeer, oil and natural gas, and other threatened regions of the Arctic. They answer specific research questions based on their topic. They use online...
Curated OER
Aerodynamics of a Boomerang
Students examine how aerodynamic forces affect the flight of aircraft, animals and sports balls and projectiles (like a javelin or boomerang). They discover the origins of the boomerang and early usage in hunting.
Curated OER
Affluenza
Young scholars are introduced to the "disease" of affluenza. After watching a documentary, they identify the forces that have changed the nation into a consumer society. As a class, they discuss ways to avoid catching on to this...
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Hey Cavey Baby
Ninth graders create an unfamiliar sound with natural materials. They role play an early man sound experience. They imagine themselves a member of a clan of early people.
Curated OER
Very Big Company
Learners describe the problems of political independence without economic independence. They evaluate the natural resources, human resources and industrial resources of a country and make economic decisions. They evaluate strengths and...
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Betty Mae Jumper and The Second Seminole War
Fifth graders describe the reasons for, nature of, and outcomes of the Second Seminole War. They determine that Seminole women and men faced many hardships as they fought for their survival. They relate a story of a Seminole "first"...
Curated OER
Presenting Ecology through Rodent Control
Students role play the member of a health department task force. In groups, they develop their own recommendations to control the rodent problem in the area. They email their local government official and research information about the...
Curated OER
Let's Make Waves
Students investigate the concept of waves and how they are formed. The force of wind is demonstrated as the prime factor to the creation of ocean waves. Students research the concept in detail for better comprehension.
American Battlefield Trust
Antietam 360
It was the single bloodiest day in Civil War history. Now, class members have the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of soldiers who fought in the Battle of Antietam using an interactive website. Supplemental resources include...
Curated OER
Jeopardy Review for WWII
Learners participate in a Jeopardy-style review game for a quiz on WWII. They divide into teams, choose team captains and answer a variety of questions pertaining to the study of WWII.
Curated OER
A Model of Three Faults
Pupils investigate faults. In this science lesson, students explore the many stresses and strains in the earth's layers and research the types of faults in their state.
Nature
Structural Hazards
The scientific explanation of seismic waves is detailed in the introduction. A fictional scenario is also provided for your class to discuss. Pictures and handouts that are meant to be included, however, they are not accessible....
Curated OER
Termite Biology
Students explore the physical characteristics, distribution and habitat of termites. The lesson focuses on the termite as a social creature contrary to most other insects.
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Prairie Scavenger Hunt
Middle schoolers take a close look at the prairie environment. They identify common plants and animals of the prairie. In addition, pupils work in teams in order to put together a presentation on a certain aspect of the prairie...
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Kalahari Explorations
Students research the area of the Kalahari Desert. They use the online and print resources and evaluate the information they find. They present their information to the class.
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Landforms of Illinois
Fifth and sixth graders are introduced to the primary landforms of Illinois and discover how they were created. Landform cards are made for each pupil. They use the twenty-questions format until they have identified each one. Then,...
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Striking a Balance
Students simulate animals in a food chain. In this food chain lesson plan, students are identified as grasshoppers, frogs or hawks. Popcorn is spread across a lawn and students are given baggies (stomachs) and colored sashes to identify...
Curated OER
Erosion Patterns
Students explore erosion when there are multiple types of sediments. They view a soil separation demonstration jar before and after agitation to determine how and why the layers settled. In addition, they conduct experiments with a river...
Mr. E. Science
Erosion and Deposition
Get an in-depth look into erosion and deposition with a 23-slide presentation that details how gravity, water, waves, wind, and glaciers cause changes to the Earth's surface. Each slide consists of detailed images equipped with labels,...
Curated OER
Prairie Scavenger Hunt
Here is a simple lesson plan for young learners on the plants, animals, and flowers found in the prairie environment. There are worksheets embedded in the plan that pupils use once a teacher-led discussion and demonstration has taken...