Curated OER
Working in Photographs
Students analyze illustrations of workers in the 19th and 20th centuries. In this social science lesson, students examine photographs of workers and identify the types of work that were available in the 19th century compared to the 20th...
Curated OER
2.2: Sedimentary Rocks
Second graders discuss the geologic rock cycle and work with their group to simulate creating a sedimentary rock. They conduct an experiment that demonstrates the sedimentary process and draw the steps of the rock cycle.
Curated OER
Dragonfly Anatomy: Dragonfly Magnet or Pin
Students build anatomically correct dragonflies of polymer clay, use vocabulary for body parts, and define the function of the body parts as adaptations for survival.
Curated OER
Kidding Around In The 1980s
Young scholars examine pop culture of the 1980s. In this historical time period lesson, students view a Smurfs cartoon from the 1980s and discuss its similarities and differences to cartoons today. Young scholars work in groups to...
Curated OER
Women In Aviation
In this aviation instructional activity, students take an electronic field trip to the Aviation Museum of Kentucjy. In the process the instructional activity looks at women in aviation history. The focus is upon how they could be...
Curated OER
Simulating the Spread of an Infectious Disease
In this health worksheet, learners identify various infectious diseases and explore the available options for stopping or preventing the spread of disease. They participate in a simulation experiment on how to measure and prevent. There...
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Islamic Art and Geometric Design
After an overview of Islamic traditions and art, young artists create their own geometric shapes and patterns using only a straightedge and a compass.
National Park Service
The Young Naturalist
Beginning with a brief history of our 26th president, Theodore Roosevelt, then followed by a discussion of his interest in nature, young scientists take to the outdoors to locate and observe local plants and insects. Scholars return to...
National Gallery of Art
Islamic Art and Culture
Provided by the National Gallery of Art in Washington, this resource for teachers examines Islamic art, including calligraphy, arabesques, and geometric designs. A recounting of the spread of the faith and the tumultuous political...
Theodore Roosevelt Association
Roosevelt's Legacy: Conservation
The legacy of Theodore Roosevelt carries through modern American politics, economics, foreign policy, and society. But his proudest and most profound efforts were in the world of conservation, and in preserving the natural beauty of...
Indian Land Tenure Foundation
A Sense of Belonging
In order to understand how the land changes over time because of the people who live there, learners interview an elderly person about the past. Children ask an older family member to describe what the local area was like when they were...
Social Studies School Service
“Duck and Cover” (Civil Defense)
Bert the Turtle models for viewers the 1950s Civil Defense Duck and Cover strategy that was supposed to protect citizens from a nuclear blast. After viewing the video, watchers are asked to consider the motivations of the producers of...
American Museum of Natural History
Journey to the Stars
Fifteen detailed pictures and informative captions delve deep into the exploration of stars—their life cycle and importance in the universe.
Curated OER
Geologic Time Scale
Young scholars research the geologic time scale. They create and recognize the importance of a geologic time line.
Curated OER
Interdisciplinary Web Quest: Flower Symbolism
Students identify flowers and their symbolism in art, literature, and design as they appeared in Victorian times from 1850 to 1900, as exemplified in furniture, quilt, paperweight, embroidery, and other designs. They create a simplified...
Curated OER
Plant Adaptations
Students identify parts of prairie plants. They sketch the plants indicating its adaptive parts and write brief descriptions of them. They present their findings to the class.
Curated OER
Exploring Uses of Rocks and Minerals
Young scholars explore the uses of rocks and minerals. They make observations to identify objects from the present and past are made out of rocks.
Curated OER
Rocks and Minerals- Uses Past and Present
Students investigate the use of rocks in past and present societies. They examine how important rocks are.
Curated OER
Sorting Rocks
Students devise a rock word web and sort rocks by applying the categories they discuss.
Curated OER
Ride the Rock Cycle
Students examine the steps of the rock cycle. They describe what happens to the rocks in each of the stages. They participate in a rock cycle game to help them with the steps.
Curated OER
Mighty Minerals
Students investigate the physical and chemical characteristics of minerals. They make a list of the uses of minerals found in Illinois. They write a report individually based on their observations.
Curated OER
Illnois River and Lake Mussel Habitat Diorama Activity
Students identify the environmental elements of river and lake mussels. They compare the elements to the time before settlement and during industrialization. They also participate in a field trip to a mussel exhibit.
Curated OER
Mussel Anatomy Lesson Plan
Students identify the parts and functions of a mussel. They explain how its physical adaptations help it survive in its habitat. They label the parts as a quiz to complete the lesson.
Curated OER
Forest Activity: Forest Layers
Learners examine the forest layers and types of forests. They explore a website, read content on forest layers and the effects of environmental conditions, sumarize the characteristics of a forest type and present the information to the...