Students watch a Reading Rainbow video about the book "Uncle Jed's Barbershop". They discuss the movie and book and then write a poem about a dream of their own.

Sixth graders write myths to show tolerance in creation. They read from both the Aztec and Mayan eras and develop an understanding of the similarities and differences of these two closely related cultures. They track the travels of...

Collaborate to create a visual version of a poem using video. Before class, choose a poem to pick apart. Read it aloud and then analyze it in detail as a class. Assign a line or short section to each student to expand upon using a...

Students examine mystery plays by reading a number of five-minute mysteries. They write and perform their own plays.

Eighth graders work together in groups to examine the earliest civilizations. After reading two stories, they compare and contrast the facts with those stories with other ones they have read. They discuss the different hypothesis on...

Students explore the concept of problem solving strategies. In this problem solving strategies lesson, students discuss methods for solving problems such as re-reading a problem, stating the facts, drawing a picture and so on. Students...

Students make a brochure for Flagstaff, Arizona. In this geography lesson, students look at a map of Arizona and the Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce sheet to find natural and human features of the city. They create a brochure describing...

Learners read about how dogs help people. In this language arts lesson, students select a topic and create a presentation about dogs. Learners choose the type of presentation to create.

Fifth graders listen to a read aloud of Patricia Polacco's, Thank You, Mr. Falker! students examine the use of voice in the book, discuss the writing and theme ideas. They write a thank you not to their hero.

Seventh graders are introduced to the concept of box-and-whisker plots. A step-by-step process for creating a box-and-whisker plot is provided. The goal of the lesson is that students study the components of a box-and-whisker plot and be...

Learners read the novel, Lord of the Flies, then write an essay analyzing the novel. They analyze, in small groups, characters, plot, setting, style, symbolism, theme, critical responses, and historical influences

Students produce iMovies to share their thoughts of friendship along with poetry creations in this technology-based lesson for the upper-elementary classroom. The lesson includes a link to a "create a poem" site and requires computers...

Fifth graders use scientific skills and processes to recognize how living things depend on one another and on the environment for survival and that the human use of natural resources impacts the environment. They research how Earth's...

Students view "Inkheart: Speak Your Mind" by Cornelia Funke. They read several letters to the editor of a local newspaper and underline the 'opinion' portions of the letters. They discover how a literary selection can expand personal...

Middle schoolers build their vocabulary skills by answering the question; "What do  need to bring?" In this ESL lesson, students create several different graphic organizers to help them categorize vocabulary concepts. Then they read...

Students research a South American Spanish speaking country, analyze and organize the information that they collect and present their findings to the class.

Young scholars discuss connotative language, hyperbole, allusion, and rhetorical question. In small groups, they read one section of the "Speech to the Virginia Convention" and analyze these devices. Groups present their results to the...

Learners study and discuss definitions of metaphor, simile, and personification. In small groups, they read a section of "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" and identify those devices. The group presents their examples with the class.

Fifth graders apply the ABC format to write books about various states. They identify important people, places, and events and include title. copyright, and dedication pages. They have items for all letters and createcovers and "about...

Sixth graders become members of the BSI in this research simulation. They apply for Biographical Scene Investigator membership, investigate an individual, keep an evidence notebook and write an investigator's report.

Twelfth graders brainstorm ideas for their own science fiction story. Using worksheets, they sketch the plot and setting for their story. They create appropriate characters and develop their interactions among each other. They share...

Students discover the history of Colonial America by creating a class presentation.  In this U.S. History lesson, students utilize the Internet to research one of 20 topics in which they will create a PowerPoint or other type of...

Students identify geography by analyzing a story in class. In this global culture lesson, students read the book Sitti's Secrets which is based upon a story set in the Middle East. Students compare the cultural characteristics mentioned...

Here's a fresh take on a mythology unit. Use the myths of the Mayan and Aztec peoples of Mesoamerica instead of the more traditional Greek and Roman stories. This abstract suggests possible approaches and resources that can be...