American Chemical Society
Mysterious M&M's
The first in a six-lesson mini unit, all using M&Ms® candies, this physical science activity gets kids to observe a single piece and discover what happens when it is placed in a plate of water. The activity can be used to...
National Math + Science Initative
Introduction to Decimals
Three activities make up an introductory lesson plan designed to create a strong foundation in comparing fractions to decimals and exploring and building decimal models. Pupils brainstorm and complete a Venn diagram to show how decimals...
Curated OER
Artistic License
Students consider the venues in which they prefer to view art. They research art institutions' efforts to stimulate and fulfill the public's appetite for art, then compare them with similar efforts by commercial venues.
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Elements of A Story
Eighth graders read stories and identify the six elements of a story. As a group activity, they illustrate random examples of Frankinstein stories, identify the element illustrated, and post the picture in the appropriate station in the...
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Determining Acids and Bases
Students test various liquids and identify as acids or bases. In this chemistry and pH lesson, the students use purple cabbage indicator to test a variety of teacher-provided substances, then bring in liquids from home to test acidity....
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Plagued by Warfare
Students define "biological weapon" and explore why these types of weapons are so dangerous. They also explore the covert shift of American grant research money to an organization that once directed the Soviet Union's germ warfare...
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Springbreak Trip
Twelfth graders plan and calculate the cost of taking a specific Spring Break trip, with a certain budget and given set costs. they determine miles traveled, gas costs, hotel expenses, etc.
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Do You Know Your Health IQ?
Students define common medical terms. they prepare quizzes on health-related topics to administer to both peers and adults. They write analysis papers based on their findings.
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What's All the Buzz About
Students participate in a game of charades to examine different animal behaviors. After reading an article, they discuss why bees waggle and how that behavior applies to humans. They research the behaviors of an animal of interest to...
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The Reel World
Students explore the ways in which the New York Times column 'Taking the Kids' analyzes whether or not current movies are appropriate for different ages of Students. They explore past articles from the column and create movie posters.
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Translating Between Verbal and Algebraic Expressions
Students translate between verbal and algebraic expressions. After folding paper into four sections (multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction), students list code words under the appropriate section title. Next, they...
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Encapsulating Moments in Time
Students look back at this year in history and evaluate important events, discoveries and people from 1998. They, in groups, create 1998: Year in Review. While 1998 has come and gone, the idea and intent for this lesson can be used now.
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Unraveling the Web
Students consider how a message might be traced along a complex network, then explore backbone maps as a basis for understanding the purpose and structure of the Internet.
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Press-ing Freedom
Students consider how free speech applies to journalistic practices in light of a legal case involving two reporters. They participate in a fishbowl discussion about journalism codes of ethics and write response papers.
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Declarations of Independence
Students examine what they know about American Indians past and present, then research key issues facing American Indian tribes today. To synthesize their learning, students write letters taking the perspective of an American Indian.
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Up in Smoke
Students consider their beliefs about anti-smoking laws before and after examining total smoking bans in various countries and the rationales behind them. They write position papers supporting or opposing the institution of a total...
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The Wright Stuff
In this lesson, students design an exhibition on the history of aviation for a science museum. For homework, they write short stories envisioning the future of flight in the year 2014.
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Major Intervals
Learners listen to a recording of "Happy Birthday" and practice playing the first two notes of the song on the keyboard discovering that the two notes make up a major 2nd interval. They listen to "Mary Had a Little Lamb" to explain the...
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Clouds
Students explore basic cloud types and the weather associated with each one. In this earth science instructional activity, students participate in numerous activities including going outside to observe the clouds they see,...
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Print-Making Card Designs
Students explore print making. In this art and print making lesson, students listen to biographical information about Leonardo da Vinci, then define "mirror image" as a technique used by this artist. Students cut out magazine pictures...
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Making the Personal Political
Students identify controversial topics on which they have strong opinions and model their own persuasive opinion pieces after the featured article. They compose persuasive essays on controversial issues that "hit home" for them.
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Food Wars
Students investigate the debate whether schools should regulate the amount or type of food and drink students consume. They write and present position papers after reading an online NY Times article.
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TE Activity: Heavy Helicopters
Learners study the concepts of weight and drag while making paper helicopters. They measure how adding more weight to the helicopter changes the time for the helicopter to fall to the ground. They apply what they examine to the work of...
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Irregularly Scheduled Programming
Students examine their favorite holidays and how they are celebrated. After reading an article, they discuss the length of television programming for the Super Bowl. In groups, they create their own television programming relating to...