Curated OER
Defending Political Positions
Students read an article on a major issue and identify the position of the author. Individually, they use the article to support the author's position and critique it. They develop their own argument in support or against the author...
Curated OER
FDR-Hitler: Conflicting Political Systems
Students compare and contrast the governments of the United States and Germany during World War II. Using different media, they identify the actions of both countries during the war and their major mistakes. They write a short summary...
Curated OER
Nothing to Fear
Sixth graders read from the book, "Nothing to Fear," and discuss living in New York during the Great Depression. They write entries and summaries in their learning logs to share with the class. They work in groups to create a database...
Curated OER
Watermelon Crawl
Learners review "slap leather." They practice each of the individual steps they will need to perform the Watermelon Crawl. Students perform the Watermelon Crawl on their own and perform a peer or self assessment of the performance.
Curated OER
What's Up with Waste?
Fifth graders design a brochure that identifies types of solid waste that are often improperly disposed, explains the effects of this disposal and proposes a solution to the problem. The read humorous books, define vocabulary words and...
Curated OER
Meet the Experts, Who are They, Anyway?
Students are introduced to the interview as a means of gathering information. Each student interviews a local expert on the subject of their choice. They write interview questions once they complete their interview. Students summarize...
Curated OER
Recycling Garden Waste
Students experience how to make compost. This instructional activity is ongoing with periodic checks and maintenance. They select a piece of ground around the school or around their homes to establish a compost pile. Organic materials...
Curated OER
Written Report How Music Motivates
Middle schoolers examine the role of music in their lives. They listen to songs from the Civil Rights movement. They explain how music effects their thinking.
Curated OER
I Know I Can
Students explore the concept of philanthropy, and identify specific philanthropic agencies in their community. They participate in philanthropic opportunities, and develop persuasive arguments to encourage others to give of their own...
Curated OER
Lessons from History
Students review key vocabulary in history and review a specific website. They write a paragraph summarizing an event they read about on this website. They analyze the importance of studying and learning from history.
Better Lesson
Better Lesson: Text Feature Diagrams
At the end of this lesson, students will be able to identify and create diagrams associated with informational text. Included is a link to an eSpark video on diagrams, rules for group work, multiple examples of diagrams, and a...
Better Lesson
Better Lesson: College Project Wrap Up
What have students learned about college? What questions do they still have? Students work on wrapping up and reflecting on the College Project while tackling math problems. This lesson includes a detailed plan, printable worksheets,...
Better Lesson
Better Lesson: Covering and Filling: Surface Area & Volume of Rectangular Prisms
Students apply their knowledge of surface area and volume to solve some problems for a box company. This lesson contains a detailed lesson plan, video explanations, rubrics, group work guidelines, slides containing problems, and...
ReadWriteThink
Read Write Think: Scaffolding Comprehension Strategies Using Graphic Organizers
A three-part standards-based activity in which students will use collaborative strategic reading to apply four reading strategies: preview, click and clunk, get the gist, and wrap-up. They will work in cooperative groups while...