Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Natural Selection

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students practice calculating allele and genotype frequencies in the framework of a simple simulation using hard candy, calculators, and a worksheet. This instructional activity includes a three-page worksheet and an assessment question...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Cloning and Related Issues

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders research information on cloning and the surrounding issues online. They analyze the issues surrounding cloning and present their point of view with supporting details in a Powerpoint presentation.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Trappers Then and Now

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students study how trapping in the Illinois Territory in the 1800's effected the beaver population in the state. They compare methods, rules and regulations of the 1800s to those of today. In groups, they research a variety of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

John Muir in Yosemite

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Students explore different ways to value the environment and participate in a simulation of a historical debate to protect Yosemite as a National Park. They are assigned various roles in the debate in which they must research and present...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Ellis Island: The "Golden Door" to America

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners write a narrative from the perspective of an immigration inspector or European immigrant. In this Immigration lesson plan, students read an online history of Ellis Island and evaluate its significance by writing answers to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Oily "Grail"

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students discover the quest for a balance between oil exploration and a concern for the environment in Alaska. They synthesize their knowledge by debating the current length of the oil-drilling season.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Wat-er We Good For?

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders investigate the use of water as a resource that needs to be conserved. They practice the skill of water conservation by taking a home survey of water usage and modify the use in order to decrease the wasting of water.
Lesson Plan
Discovery Education

Drive it Green

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Explore and brainstorm innovations for cars with a STEM lesson that asks scholars to weigh different options when considering when buying a car. They research the fuel efficiency and carbon emissions for various options, and then...
Lesson Plan
Channel Islands Film

Restoration Channel Islands Debate

For Teachers 4th - 12th
Introduce learners to the debate format with an activity that uses the National Park Service's controversial Channel Islands restoration program as a topic. Class members learn how to generate provocative debate questions, how to prepare...
Unit Plan
Department of Education (Ireland)

Understanding Influences

For Teachers 6th - 12th
"Understanding Influences," a richly detailed, carefully scaffolded unit, asks middle and high school scholars to examine how internal and external factors like friends, media, and society influence their attitudes and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

If You Mess With A Wetland, At Least Try to Make Amends!

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders examine the role of wetlands in an ecosystem. In groups, they use the internet to research how humans have disturbed and ruined the effectiveness of wetlands throughout the country. They pretend they are in charge of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Seeing Is Believing

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students research and describe the stories of Thomas Jefferson, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. They analyze historical sources from different points of view and present an analysis of two historical contexts.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Designing Babies

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students analyze current and emerging techniques used to select specific characteristics in offspring. They examine specific case studies and make ethical decisions based upon the Ethical Decision-Making Model.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Our Population and Its Impact on the Planet

For Teachers 11th - Higher Ed
Students explore environmental problems due to the growing worldwide human population and examine the growth rate. They also discuss possible ways to stabilize population growth and increase sustainable development.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Confident Commute: Increasing Safety for Teen Drivers

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students brainstorm possible causes for motor vehicle accidents involving teen drivers. In this biology lesson, students study national data regarding teen driving behaviors. They create awareness materials to help promote safe driving...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mosquito Bytes

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Students investigate mosquitoes. In this mosquito bytes lesson, students consider reasons why mosquitoes transfer disease and ways to combat them. Students read an article, discuss, and complete a quiz.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Whale Watcher Game Lesson

For Teachers 6th - 10th
Students participate in an online whale watching game. They identify the reasons for migration and describe the route. They make predictions on what would happen if the ways did not migrate.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Natural Inquirer

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students explore the research process. In this scientific method lesson, students analyze data from an article, write their own informational article and express what they have learned. Students create their own article using the given...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The World's Water Woes

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students discuss their community's water sources and assess the factors affecting the water availability and quality. They research water disputes around the world and explain common factors among them.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

SMOKING: A RISK WORTH TAKING OR JUST A DRAG?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers identify and state a tobacco-related decision problem/issue, viable options regarding the selected problem; research and discuss risks and benefits associated with the decision problem; and state a decision based upon...
Lesson Plan
Scholastic

Prescription Pain Medications

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students study different pain medications and their side effects.  In this drug usage lesson students read articles and complete a worksheet. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Blame It On El Nino

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Young scholars understand what the weather phenomenon El Nino is and what causes it. Students recognize how remote sensing technology can detect and predict El Nino. Young scholars discover how El Nino effects weather conditions...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Paper Dart Airplane

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Students create a paper dart airplane and measure its flight pattern. In this flight instructional activity, students follow the included directions to build their own paper airplane. The students change the aileron configurations to see...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Stream Table

For Teachers 3rd - Higher Ed
Students explore channelization, riparian habitats and soil erosion to find out about  the aquatic habitats in Iowa. In this aquatic habitats lesson, students define important terms and read an article about pollution. ...