PBIS World
Problem Behavior Questionnaire
It can be frustrating for a child and teacher alike when a problem behavior arises over and over in a classroom. Analyze when, where, and why the behavior is occurring with a questionnaire, in which educators mark the percent of the time...
Exploratorium
Exploring Pattern Blocks
Pattern blocks are one of the best math manipulatives ever invented. They are used quite extensively in the math lesson presented here. Youngsters use the pattern block to fill in shapes that are present on the worksheet embedded in the...
Exploratorium
Exploring Tessellations
Kindergarten through second graders explore tessellations. Pupils learn a little bit about the history of tessellations, then get to construct one of their own by using worksheets embedded in the plan. They use two shapes in their...
Curated OER
Physics on the Playground
Students investigate friction on a playground slide. In this force and energy lesson, students will predict, plan, and implement a scientific investigation to the problem; What materials will allow me to slide the fastest down a slide?
Curated OER
Motion of the Sun and Earth: Using a Playground Model to Explore Rotation and Revolution
Learners experience the rotation of the Earth and the Sun and the Earth's revolution around the Sun, using a playground mode.
Curated OER
Giving an Outdoor Plan
Students utilize their acting skills to put on an impromptu play based on a book. In this performance art lesson, students read Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina and discuss how the story could be told through human action. Students...
Center for Applied Linguistics
Practical Applications of Fractions, Percents, and Decimals
Young architects are prompted to design a playground in assigned groups. Using a 10 x 10 grid. Your fifth graders will apply their knowledge of fractions, percents, and decimals to the real-world task of designing a playground. Students...
Curated OER
Physical Activity and Energy
Does smiling take as much energy as running a lap around the track? Everything the body does requires energy. The more vigorous the activity, the more energy the body requires to perform the activity. Compare different low-energy...
Curated OER
Summer Body Activity: As Big as Me!
Learners explore things that are their size, literally. In this early childhood lesson plan, students use their bodies for measuring and comparing sizes as they work in pairs to complete the activity.
Curated OER
Ruminating on the Digestive System
Students compare the digestive systems of the buffalo and of the zebra, diagram their systems, and compare their lengths. In this digestive system lesson plan, students learn about their diets as well.
Curated OER
Hot Problem Solving
Students follow the steps of the engineering design process to meet the challenge of getting their entire class from one location on the playground to the sidewalk without touching the ground between. The class develops a well...
Curated OER
Weathering Rocks
Here is a geology lesson that is sure to get your charges excited. It's all about the process of weathering of rocks. Learners study natural events that can cause rocks to break apart. Some of these events are: ice wedging, plant...
National Park Service
It's Not Easy Being Grizz
Grizzly bears can be up to 600 pounds and require a great deal of food, especially to survive hibernation. Comprised of multiple games, the third lesson of five only uses one setup. Pupils run around a large field, sorting and collecting...
Geography 360°
Poetry Writing
Put the tips and tricks in this guide into practice in order to encourage your pupils to blossom into poets. A wonderful reference material for teachers, this packet includes definitions of poetic terms and forms as well as step-by-step...
Exploratorium
Exploring Tessellations
Tessellations are patterns of repeating shapes that don't overlap and don't have any gaps. Middle schoolers take this simple definition and engage in a lesson that combines visual art and mathematics. They cut out index cards using...
Curated OER
Problem-Solving Math 2
Young readers view the video "Problem-Soving: Math Episode 2." They discuss the strategies featured in the video. They brainstorm some school-based problems such as, trash on the playground, noise in the hallways, limited handicapped...
Curated OER
6th Grade Art
Sixth graders create "macquette" sculptures, which would be models for larger playground pieces.
Curated OER
Points on a Line
Get your learners up and moving, all while reviewing numbers on the number line! For this activity, learners are grouped in teams outdoors. The teacher will have already created number lines on the ground (with chalk, tape, etc.), and...
Curated OER
Insect Investigation
Investigation is a brilliant way to spark scientific inquiry. First graders will identify, research, and report what they have learned about a mysterious bug found on the playground. They will use multimedia resources for research and...
Curated OER
Erosion
Fifth graders engage in some activities that will help them to identify erosion and explain the causes of erosion. They also look into ways that humans can slow the process of erosion in some cases. After a teacher-led demonstration,...
Curated OER
"Polly"gon Pockets
Explore polygons with your elementary learners. Divide the class in 12 to configure the polygon puzzle before them. They list the attributes of each type of polygon they see, and if there's time, they jump on the interactive website...
Purdue University
The Represented World: Recreational STEM
How are forces and motion important to a swing set? Scholars explore the concepts of force and motion using swing sets. In preparation for their own STEM design project, individuals take surveys and data from peers, complete labs on...
Health Smart Virginia
Circle of Control with a Kiss
A presentation walks scholars through an exercise of self-control. Using Hershey Kisses, learners listen closely and follow directions, leading them to a worksheet that looks at what they can and can't control. Pupils discuss their...
Curated OER
Plan a Park
Students think about designing and, perhaps, creating their own public park or space. It helps students think about community needs, park design, and civic activism.