Curated OER
Stellar Navigation
Middle schoolers are introduced to the concept of stellar navigation. Inside a portable digital planetarium they identify various stars that were used as a navigational tool. They go through several activities in which they attempt to...
Curated OER
Drake's West Indian Voyage 1588-1589
Students investigate several maps detailing Sir Francis Drake's voyages. In this geography lesson plan, students practice reading maps and locating the precise locations of where Sir Francis Drake visited. Students create an...
Curated OER
Investigating Pot Sherds
Sixth graders measure pot sherds and use their knowledge of Pi to infer possible uses of pottery. They also infer possible functions of ancient ceramics. After tracing rounded pottery pieces onto paper, 6th graders use compasses to...
Curated OER
You Are Here
Students simulate a course with and without a guide as if they were an airplane with and without air traffic control. They read and discuss the article "For Airlines, Hands-On Air Traffic Control". They discuss challenges that air...
Curated OER
How Did This Happen?
Students use websites and discussion to investigate the 2004 Asian Tsunami. Students identify the Indian Ocean coastline's physical, political and human geography features and consider how they affected loss of life and property in those...
Curated OER
Visual Arts
Fourth graders study the stained glass produced for the Gothic cathedrals, needlework, castles, and tapestry of the Middle Ages.
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Outdoor Education
Students participate in various outdoor activities to teach them about the environment. In this outdoor education lesson plan, students participate in activities such as compass direction, conservation, forestry, wildlife, and...
Curated OER
Mapping a Site Using a Coordinate Plane
Learners map their playground as if it were an archeological site. They locate objects on the playground and determine their location using coordinate points. A related lesson is Coordinate Grid: Mapping an Archeological Site.
EngageNY
Square Roots
Investigate the relationship between irrational roots and a number line with a resource that asks learners to put together a number line using radical intervals rather than integers. A great progression, they build on their understanding...
Mascil Project
Parachute Food Drop
Drop a perfect project into your lesson plans. Groups use different building materials to create models of parachutes for food drops. After testing out their prototypes, they make improvements to their designs.
Curated OER
Solar Kit Lesson #6: Solar-Powered Battery Charger
In a previous lesson, learners build an ammeter. That ammeter, or a pre-made one, is required in order to carry out this lesson. The objective is for lab groups to design a way to connect solar cells that can recharge a battery. Basic...
Curated OER
Investigation of Pot Sherds
Fourth graders review their prior knowledge on the concept of pi. Using broken pieces of pottery, they calculate the circumference from a section of the circle. In teams, they compete against one another to get the most accurate...
Curated OER
Making a Mountain Out of a Snow Hill: Skiing, Winter Sports, Economics, Business, Problem Solving
High schoolers explore how to select among choices of variables and analyze the cost-benefit ratio of their short and long term planning in a team activity as they consider the planning and operation of a ski slope.
Curated OER
Migrating to Texas
Fourth graders explore the migration to Texas from other parts of the United States. Through journal entries they write about the trip as if they were the settlers coming to a new and foreign country. Working in small groups, 4th graders...
Curated OER
Relating Algebra to Geometry
Learners investigate the connection that exists between Algebra and Geometry. They classify two and three-dimensional figures. Pupils use formulas to solve problems in geometry and use appropriate measuring devices in the right contexts.
Curated OER
Mapmaking
Students examine the craft of cartography and how the Lewis and Clark expedition created and used maps. They analyze maps, read a handout, create a map, participate in a mini expedition and map out a route based on travel directions,...
Curated OER
Mandalas, Polygons and Symmetry
Students create a geometric pattern using mandalas, polygons and symmetry. In this geometry lesson plan, students analyze the mathematics involved in making the mandalas, including the shapes and symmetry. Students create their own...
Curated OER
Stories That Really Add Up
Students, in groups, develop math lessons for younger students that each stems from a popular student story. Group members individually develop lessons for other subject areas based on their group's story, creating interdisciplinary units.
Curated OER
Chinese Inventions
Young scholars identify inventions as coming from China. In this Chinese inventions lesson, students are given a list of common items such as cast iron, a wheelbarrow, and the decimal system, then conduct research to identify where they...
Curated OER
Ecotourism in National Parks and Wilderness
Students develop a plan for ecotourism after researching a nearby national park or wild area.
Curated OER
Public Land
Students examine the needs of their community for public space and determine the solutions to math problems related to planning landscape designs. They read and discuss an article from the New York Times, create their own designs for a...
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The Overlooked Regular Pentagon
Tenth graders discuss the history of geometry as it relates to pentagons. In this geometry instructional activity, 10th graders solve problems of a pentagon inscribed inside of a circle using ratio. They review other properties for...
Curated OER
Digital Values: Internet Safety
Students explore digital communication by participating in a critical thinking activity. In this Internet safety lesson, students discuss ways to protect their identity on the Internet as well as preserving friendships. Students complete...
Curated OER
Causation-Exploration and World Trade
Learners investigate spice trade. In this world history lesson, students identify various spices in jars and their places of origin. Learners listen to a lecture on how spices came to countries in Europe. Students complete a source...