Missouri Department of Elementary
The Quest for Magic Minutes
A "Magic Minute" activity asks class groups to develop a commercial to advertise a way to turn a time-waster into a time-saver. Ad groups begin by brainstorming time-wasters and then problem-solve was to turn them into time-savers. After...
Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media
The Articles of Confederation
Have you ever started a project only to realize you need to scrap it and start over? Scholars analyze the issues leading to the fall of the Articles of Confederation. A group investigation into Articles II, III, and VIII unveil the...
Center for Learning in Action
Investigating Physical and Chemical Changes
Super scientists visit ten stations to predict, observe, and draw conclusions about the physical and chemical changes that occur when different states of matter—liquid, solid, and gas—are placed under a variety of conditions. To...
University of Wisconsin
Follow the Drop
Young surveyors look for patterns in water flow around campus. Using a map of the school (that you will need to create), they mark the direction of the path of water. They also perform calculations for the volume that becomes runoff. The...
Serendip
Soap Opera Genetics – Genetics to Resolve Family Arguments
Did she cheat on her husband? Did the hospital switch the babies? Should they have children? As much as this sounds like the plot for a soap opera, all of these questions fit into a single lesson on genetics. Scholars read about three...
Facing History and Ourselves
Finding Your Voice
To begin a study of what it means to be American, high schoolers first consider their own identities. They draw a picture of what they think an American looks like and share their images. Next, they examine an image of the "Flag of...
PBS
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘I Have a Dream’ Speech as a Work of Literature
To appreciate the oratory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, scholars examine the rhetorical devices and influences that make the speech so famous. They examine background information, conduct a close reading of the...
Illustrative Mathematics
Sort and Count
Young mathematicians are on their feet and moving around in this primary grade sorting activity. After giving each child an object or picture card, they then sort themselves into groups, counting to see which has the most or least...
Curated OER
Our Classroom Is a Community
Students discuss how their classroom is a community. For this philanthropy lesson, students discuss the concept of philanthropy and how trust, sharing, and good deeds create a classroom community.
Curated OER
People Making a Difference
Learners research the idea of basic needs, study philanthropists in their community, and think about ways to help others receive basic needs. In this needs and philanthropy lesson, students brainstorm about basic needs. Learners use...
Curated OER
Kindness Certificate
Students demonstrate that gifts don't need to be bought. In this philanthropy lesson, students list types of gifts and create homemade gifts for family and friends from various materials.
Curated OER
Climate Change Challenge: Earth Day
Students explore the concept of philanthropy. In this environmental stewardship lesson, students watch a video about state policies pertaining to greenhouse gas emissions. Students plan and carry out an Earth Day service project...
Curated OER
A Grand Showing
High schoolers promote philanthropy. In this service learning lesson, students create video documentaries based on service learning projects they completed and then share the video with their peers and community.
Curated OER
I Am Who We Are
Students explore the concept of philanthropy and identify specific acts of philanthropy that have affected them personally. They plan and carry out acts of philanthropy focusing on giving back to their community.
Curated OER
Making Good Money Choices
Student explore an economic-decision making model to decide where to donate money they have collected. In this philanthropic money instructional activity, students develop a plan for raising money and then decide how to best spend it for...
Curated OER
Seashore Sweep
Students gather information about sea animals. In this ocean lesson, students read a story about the ocean and seashore. They discuss the needs of seashore animals and create a Mystery Ocean Animal riddle book. Students also discuss...
Curated OER
Big Words
Students discover philanthropy. In this philanthropic instructional activity, students read Martin's Big Words and explore voluntarily being nice to people. Students discover how they may perform acts of service for others. Extension...
Curated OER
Civil Rights Leaders; Past and Present
Learners explore the concept of social justice. In this Civil Rights lesson, students fulfill the Rubric for Historical Research requirements as they conduct research on a Civil Rights or Anti-Apartheid Movements leader.
Curated OER
Acting it Out
Young scholars explore responsible behavior. In this character education activity, students work in groups to act out scenarios using or disregarding responsible behavior. Young scholars discuss personal feelings and consequences of each...
Curated OER
Circle of Caring
Middle schoolers explore the concept of philanthropy. In this service learning activity, students study the works of well-known philanthropists and write an acrostic poem using the word CARING.
Curated OER
I'm in a Tizzy! How Can I Help?
Students examine acts of kindness. For this service learning lesson, students read Miss Tizzy and uncover the good deeds that take place in the story. Students participate in activities that enable them to reflect on the lesson.
Curated OER
Act of Honesty
Learners analyze examples of honesty. In this character education lesson, students role play various situations and decide if they should engage in honest or dishonest behaviors.
Curated OER
Tolerance and Non-Violence in Civil Society
Students explore the concept of philanthropy. For this Oklahoma City bombing lesson, students submit public responses to the event in order to consider how the tragedy prompted a positive reaction. Extension activities are included.
Curated OER
Flowers and a Beautiful World: Earth Day (1st)
First graders discuss Earth Day and making the world more beautiful. In this world beautification lesson, 1st graders participate in an interactive read aloud of Barbara Clooney's, Miss Rumphius. They talk about how making the world a...