Students study a social issue involving gorillas, and work in groups to develop strategies to increase awareness of and problem solve a solution for the issue. They collect data using handheld computers and write a report.

Students explore creating a self-assessment tool in a model classroom. Through the use of a video, students are observed engaging in peer assessment activities to generate a checklist. Students discuss the use of strategies a teacher can...

Middle schoolers listen to several Japanese stories and write their own Japanese-style stories, which they share with the class.

Students write a biopoem. In this literature and poetry writing lesson, students write a biopoem about the characters in A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry following a specific given format. Examples and format are included.

Young scholars complete a pre-test on the relationship between heredity and the environment. As a class, they write down descriptions of themselves and identify which traits can be changed and not changed. In groups, they determine...

Here’s a catchy way to study characterization. Readers of The Catcher in the Rye select a character from Salinger’s classic tale to use as the subject of a biopoem. A teacher sample is provided.

Students investigate the character trait of perseverance and how it is used to help a girl gain independence in a fictional story. The story also has them think about the value of relationships and then write reflectively about...

Sixth graders identify personal strengths and the importance of highlighting their talents when writing a resume. They write a reflection narrative on "Cool Stuff I Can Do." They generate the information for the narrative from class...

This resource on personification provides three different approaches aimed at different levels. The first, appropriate for upper elementary, provides examples of personification, followed by an exercise that requires replacing a word in...

Over the course of a week, class groups interview one another, search for similarities and differences within the group, and then prepare a PowerPoint introduction of their group for the entire class. An interesting way to incorporate...

Sixth graders study the culture of China by comparing it to that of the United States. They write all questions and notes in a journal. The students access the internet to obtain the information and internet sites are suggested in the...

A game is a great way to learn. Study what makes an integers, their traits, and characteristics. This lesson includes 3 separate activities intended to promote an understanding of integers, whole numbers, and opposites. The class is...

Middle schoolers view pictures of Amelia Earhart and discuss the social and historical context of her life. They read excerpts of Earhart's autobiography "The Fun of It" and analyze her purpose in writing it.

Students complete a T-chart graphic organizer to synthesize and separate information which they have collected.

Students put themselves in the shoes of American Civil War soldiers. In this Civil War activity, students compose letters to their families from the the perspective of soldiers in the war. 

Sixth graders write descriptive narratives about animals. For this descriptive writing lesson, the teacher models how to write a paragraph with interesting sensory words and exciting verbs. Students choose a picture of an animal they...

Fourth graders read and analyze the novel, Robin Hood. They create a vocabulary word map, complete a Venn diagram comparing Robin Hood and Little John, act out a chapter, create a wedding announcement, and write a new epitaph for Robin...

First graders practice and reinforce phonics and/or math skills by creating Bingo! game using computer spreadsheet. Students incorporate phonics or math skills class has been practicing onto Bingo! cards, which can be printed and made...

Young scholars imagine and create their dream house.  In this comprehension and interpretation lesson, students read The Big Orange Splot, answer comprehension questions about the story and  complete a character traits...

Students compare and contrast two characters from the play The Diary of Anne Frank on a Venn diagram and write a paragraph showing similarities and differences.

Students plant seeds in order to investigate and explore the questions: "How do seed companies develop varieties of plants?" and "What is the ideal plant?" Students will study related vocabulary and sketch seeds as they emerge. Students...

Can you name a type of reproduction that produces no variation in the offspring? The multimedia lesson covers both sexual and asexual reproduction through videos and discussions. It includes topics such as genetic modification, meiosis,...

Eighth graders explore writing in voice. They read and discuss A Christmas Carol and the trait of voice in writing. They write a bio poem about one of the characters and his traits, feelings, attitudes and reactions. They write their...

Seventh graders identify some key concepts, ideas, and facts about Japan. Students identify shared traits and differences of Japan as compared to other asian countries. Students identify how geography can affect the culture of a place....