PBS
From Patterns of Input and Output to Algebraic Equations
Watch video clips titled, "Frog Hops Part I" and "Frog Hops Part II," then discuss patterns demonstrated in the videos. Learners will complete an algebraic expressions and equations handout and discuss the answers. They will be able to...
PBS
Using Variables in Simple Equations
A Cyberchase clip shows Hacker creating a game show that uses a variable to find out how much power is produced by a gleamer bug. Follow the video with a lesson about using variables to solve equations. Terrific handouts and...
Curated OER
Measuring Area: Sensible Flats
Here's how to calculate the areas of polygonal figures. In this measuring area lesson plan, upper graders use hash marks to create and count square units. They also problem solve a cyberchase activity watching Quicktime videos.
Curated OER
Varieties of Quadrilaterals
Students classify quadrilaterals, In this quadrilaterals lesson, students watch a video about parallelograms, discuss the different types of quadrilaterals, and complete a worksheet classifying quadrilaterals.
Curated OER
Alaska Native Ways of Knowing
Pupils watch a video on the Alaskan native ways. They examine how knowledge was passed down from elders and how the Alaskans lived with harmony in nature. Learners then prepare and present a classroom science fair project based on...
PBS
Exploring Selected Haiku by Issa
If your class doesn't know what a haiku is, show them two examples from the Japanese poet Issa (both included here), and have them make some observations. How long are they? What is the structure? A video and a list of questions help...
Curated OER
Exploring Contrasts in "The Lanyard," by Billy Collins
A good gift is hard to find. A “worn truth,” perhaps, as Billy Collins says in his poem, “The Lanyard,” but true nonetheless. After a study of Collins’ tribute to a mother’s love, young poets select an object that sends them “into the...
PBS
Blue Ribbon Readers: Determining Important Ideas
Brenda Z. Guiberson’s nonfiction book, Cactus Hotel, launches a series of activities that model for readers how to determine the main idea in a passage. Class members engage in an online interactive game to test their...
Curated OER
Blue Ribbon Readers: Making Connections
Model for young readers how to make the shift from passive to active reading by making text-to-self and text-to-text connections. After a series of activities that provide guided practice, the focus shifts to making text-to-words...
Curated OER
Blue Ribbon Readers: Monitoring and Repairing
An online interactive activity encourages young readers to employ the monitoring/repairing strategy to become better readers. Class members identify unfamiliar words, decode them, and use them in other contexts.
PBS
Blue Ribbon Readers: Questioning
Model for your class how to become a better reader through questioning. After conducting a picture walk that introduces prediction strategies, learners play an interactive questioning cube game. Complete directions for the game and...
Curated OER
Blue Ribbon Readers: Visualizing
Introduce young readers to the comprehension strategy of visualizing by asking them to think about a place that makes them happy. After illustrating or using words to describe this place, the class moves on to an interactive game using...
PBS
Twelfth Night Act 2 Sc 5 Lesson Plan
As part of their study of Twelfth Night, Act II, scene v, class members examine the character of Malvolio, Olivia's letter, and the themes developed in the scene. In addition, pupils use an online link to the Shakespearean Insult...
PBS
Joseph Had a Little Overcoat: Flash Card Games
Expand the vocabulary of young readers with this series of five activities based the children's book Joseph Had a Little Overcoat by Simms Taback. From playing bingo to group storytelling, a variety of different approaches are...
PBS
Plotting Pairs of Coordinate Points in All Four Quadrants to Construct Lines
Your young graphers are motivated by watching three Cyberchase videos to plot points in all four quadrants, connect pairs of points to make a line segment, and find the point of intersection of two lines.
Nature Works Everywhere
Sharks and Shorelines
Examine predator-prey marine relationships through an interactive instructional activity design. Learners begin by studying a specific shark species and then analyze real-time shark-tracking data. They also study threats to shark...
PBS
The New West: Interactive Map | A Biography of America
Using this interactive map activity, from A Biography of America, explore how the "New West" evolved during the late 20th century, transforming from the wild, untamed Old Rocky Mountain West into a smaller, more accessible "New West."...
NPR
Test and Evaluate the Prototype
Time to test the prototype. Groups test their prototypes to the plastics problem under consideration. The results of the tests and peer feedback offer a means to refine the prototype.
NPR
Iterate to Improve the Prototype
Strive for perfection. Based on peer feedback, groups identify ways to improve their prototypes of the solution to the plastics problem. Members must come up with at least two ideas for improvements. This is the eighth instructional...
NPR
Introduction to the Engineering Design Process
Step by step is always best. In groups, future engineers create the tallest possible tower with marshmallows and spaghetti sticks. Along the way, they learn about the engineering design process.
PBS
Why Do We Have Seasons?
Explore the reason for the seasons! An interactive lesson allows learners to explore the earth's rotation from the viewpoint of four cities at different latitudes. It provides descriptive information at eight points during the orbit...
NPR
Investigate the Plastic Problem
Plastics are forever. The second lesson in a 10-part unit has pupils research the effects of plastics on the environment. They present their findings by creating an infographic.
NPR
Define the Plastic Problem
Individuals identify a specific problem concerning plastics and write a problem statement, which describes the problem, explains why it's a problem, and identifies desired solutions.
NPR
Share and Reflect
Would you have done anything differently? Groups publish one-minute videos on their engineering solutions to the plastic problems. They self-reflect on their work throughout the unit.