Lesson Plan of the Day
View a selection from our Lesson Plans of the Day featture below. Or, if you are interested in viewing lessons by subject, click on one of the following pages:
The Arts
Health and Safety
History
Language Arts and Reading
Math
Physical Education
Science
Social Sciences
Technology
LESSON PLAN OF THE DAY ARCHIVE
Balloon Volleyball
Stuck indoors? Set up a net, blow up a balloon, and play balloon volleyball. (Grades 3-12) 12/03/2010
Guide Word Game 
Students locate dictionary guide words in this timed team game. (Grades 3-8) 12/02/2010
Bury Those Negative Thoughts
This powerful activity will help bury students I cant thoughts and build perseverance. (Grades K-12)
Biograph Chat
Conduct interviews with historic figures in a TV talk-show format. (Grades 3-12) 11/30/2010
Getting Started With Essays
Reading an essay about teen issues inspires reflective writing about ones own life. (Grades 6-12) 11/29/2010
Rosa Parks Changed The Rules
Recognize the anniversary of Rosa Parks historic bus ride (December 1) by completing a diagram of the bus. (Grades K-5) 11/24/2010
Synonym Match Game
Challenge students to find the matching synonyms. Synonym list included. (Grades 3-12) 11/23/2010
5-Minute Mug Cake (An Easy Chocolate Gift)
An easy recipe makes a great holiday gift for kids to give. (Grades K-12)11/22/2010
Thanksgiving Placemats: A Community-Service Project
Make Thanksgiving placemats as a community service project. (Grades PK-12) 11/19/2010
Where in the World?
Find the country names that match the latitude and longitude points, solve the riddle. (Grades 3-12) 11/18/2010
You Are the Historian: Investigating the First Thanksgiving
Learn the truth about the First Thanksgiving. (Grades 3-8) 11/17/2010
Penny Power
Pennies can be used for everything from teaching probability to challenging students creativity. (Grades 3-12) 11/16/2010
Design a Navajo Rug -- A Lesson in Symmetry
Create a Navajo rug; a lesson in symmetry. (Grades 3-8)11/15/2010
Anti-Smoking Letter Writing Campaign
Celebrate the Great American Smokeout (November 18) by having students write a letter to encourage a friend not to smoke. (Grades 3-12) 11/12/2010
Speed State-ing
Tons of fun resources for teaching students U.S. states names and locations. (Grades K-12) 11/11/2010
Lewis and Clark's Journey West: A Timeline Activity
Recognize the anniversary (November 18) of Lewis & Clark reaching the Pacific. (Grades 3-12) 11/10/2010
Riddle BINGO
Play a fun thinking game, Riddle BINGO. A great reward activity! (Grades 3-8) 11/9/2010
Smoking Danger Demonstration
Recognize the Great American Smokeout (November 18) by demonstrating the dangers of smoking. (Grades K-12) 11/8/2010
How Did Civil War Soldiers Battle Boredom?
Battling boredom in Civil War days; a Venn diagram activity. (Grades 3-8) 10/29/2010
Parachute Drop
Follow directions to create parachutes that safely carry paperclip passengers. (Grades K-4) 10/28/2010
The Story of Louis Braille
Learn about Louis Braille's system for the blind. Use an online Braille translator. (Grades 3-8) 10/27/2010
Where Are They Today?
Explore the history of native peoples of the United States. (Grades 3-8) 10/26/2010
Taking Stock in the Stock Market
Track the ups and downs of the stock market -- and the reasons for those fluctuations too. (Grades 4-12) 10/25/2010
Fun With Origami!
Hands-on activities teach about origami, an Asian paper-folding art form. (Grades 3-12) 10/22/2010
"War of the Worlds": A Broadcast Re-Creation
Relive -- and re-create -- the panic-causing 1938 radio broadcast of "War of the Worlds." (Grades 6-12) 10/21/2010
What Is Your B-estimate? (Making Best Estimates)
Estimate the number of kernels on an ear of corn. Plus more estimating challenges! (Grades 2-12) 10/20/2010
Going Batty
Use maps to find the answers to questions about bat habitats in the United States. (Grades 3-12) 10/19/2010
Capital Ideas (for Teaching State Capitals)
Ideas and resources for teaching state capital names and locations. (Grades K-12) 10/18/2010
Autumn Colors Shine Through
Let autumn shine through with colorful window decorations. (Grades K-5) 10/15/2010
Im Not Good at
A powerful activity to help bury students' "I'm not good at" and "I can't" thoughts. (Grades K-12) 10/14/2010
Riddle BINGO
A fun game for exercising students higher-level thinking skills. (Grades 3-8) 10/13/2010
Halloween Party Alternatives from UNICEF
Replace your Halloween party with a valuable service-learning project. (Grades PreK-12) 10/12/2010
Math on the Move
Reinforce any math skill. Get kids moving with this math active-ity. (Grades K-12) 10/11/2010
Im Not Good at
A powerful activity to help bury students Im not good at and I cant thoughts. (Grades K-12) 10/08/2010
Celebrate Character Counts! Week In October
Ten ideas for celebrating Character Counts Week (October 17-23). (Grades PreK-12) 10/07/2010
The Pumpkin in the Jar -- A Riddle Story from the Philippines
Solve the riddle in this cause-and-effect folktale from the Philippines. (Grades 3-8) 10/06/2010
Facing Fire Facts
Read graphs about fire safety statistics; answer questions about them.(Grades 3-8) 10/05/2010
Sybil Ludington: The Other Paul Revere
Learn about Sybil Ludington, a young girl who is often called the other Paul Revere. (Grades 3-8) 10/04/2010
Celebrate Character Counts! Week In October
Ten ideas for celebrating Character Counts Week (October 17-23). (Grades PreK-12) 10/01/2010
Im Not Good at
A powerful activity to help bury students Im not good at and I cant thoughts. (Grades K-12) 09/30/2010
Oink! -- A Math Game
Students aim to hog all the cards as they practice math skills. (Grades K-12) 09/29/2010
Facing Fire Facts
Read graphs about fire safety statistics; answer questions about them.(Grades 3-8)
Wednesdays Lesson Plan of the Day 09/28/2010
Parts of Speech Game
Students win this game by matching words on the teachers list. (Grades 2-12) 09/27/2010
Read-a-Thon
Read books to raise funds for the school library. (Grades K-12) 09/24/2010
P Is for Poetry
Young students, ESL students build vocab as they create simple ABC poems. (Grades K-12) 09/23/2010
Think Twice for Rice: A Grammar and Vocabulary Game
This game offers fun and learning as it helps to feed hungry people around the world. (Grades 3-12) 09/22/2010
Earn Spelling Points!
More than 20 activities for spicing up your weekly spelling lessons. (Grades K-12) 09/21/2010
Nouns Around the World
Use online translators to explore nouns and foreign languages. (Grades 3-8) 09/20/2010
The Week That Was
A weekly writing assignment results in a year-end volume of work that documents students' writing progress. (Grades K-12) 09/17/2010
Then and Now
Compare, contrast current and historical maps of your community. (Grades 3-12) 09/16/2010
Sum of the Square
Practice adding a column of numbers. (Grades 3-5) 09/15/2010
Read a Fall Foliage Map
Use a color key to read a fall foliage map. Printable work sheet included. (Grades 3-8) 09/14/2010
High and Low Temperatures (A Monthly Bulletin Board)
Plot daily high/low temps on this bulletin board. Follow-up activities included. (Grades K-12) 09/13/2010
Graph the Results: Applesauce Taste Test
Make three kinds of applesauce, hold an applesauce taste test. (Grades PreK-8) 09/10/2010
Fall-Leaf Sun Catchers
Use pipe cleaners and tissue paper to make eye-catching fall leaf sun catchers. (Grades K-8) 09/09/2010
Did You Know...
Take a true-false quiz about Hispanic history. (Grades 6-8) 09/08/2010
5-Minute Writing: A Daily Activity
Use a daily 5-Minute Writing period to help build better writers. (Grades 3-12) 09/07/2010
How Well Do You Follow Directions?
Teach valuable lessons about listening and following directions. (Grades K-12) 09/06/2010
Tracking Falls Falling Temperatures
Reinforce many skills by tracking falling temperatures this fall. (Grades 3-12) 09/03/2010
Heads Up for Open House
Create a fun display for Open House Night. (Grades K-8) 09/02/2010
Pinwheels for Peace
Create "pinwheels for peace" to celebrate International World Peace Day September 21. (Grades K-12) 09/01/2010
Lesson of the Day
Five quick games build reading skills. (Grades K-8) 08/31/2010
Lesson of the Day
Use tiny pieces of state maps as clues to figuring out the state. (Grades 3-12) 08/30/2010
Where Do Words Come From?
Discover the foreign-language roots of English words. (Grades 6-12) 08/27/2010
Heads Up for Headlines!
Write headlines that express the main ideas of news stories. (Grades K-12) 08/26/2010
A "Typical Day Then and Now
Celebrate Grandparents Day (Sept. 12). Students compare their "typical day" to a grandparent's childhood. (Grades K-8) 08/25/2010
Goldilocks: The Sequel
Write a sequel to the classic story "Goldilocks and the Three Bears." (Grades 3-8) 08/24/2010
President Jefferson's Cipher: Cracking the Code
Crack the code President Jefferson used to communicate with Lewis & Clark. (Grades 3-12) 08/23/2010
Where Do Words Come From?
Discover the foreign-language roots of English words. (Grades 6-12) 08/20/2010
Heads Up for Headlines!
Write headlines that express the main ideas of news stories. (Grades K-12) 08/19/2010
A "Typical Day Then and Now
Celebrate Grandparents Day (Sept. 12). Students compare their "typical day" to a grandparent's childhood. (Grades K-8) 08/18/2010
Goldilocks: The Sequel
Write a sequel to the classic story "Goldilocks and the Three Bears." (Grades 3-8) 08/17/2010
President Jefferson's Cipher: Cracking the Code
Crack the code President Jefferson used to communicate with Lewis & Clark. (Grades 3-12) 08/16/2010
Experiencing Slavery and Imagining Freedom
Read slaves personal accounts of slavery; write a slave's account of freed
(Grades 3-12) 08/13/2010
Stage a Debate: A Primer for Teachers (Lincoln-Douglas Debate Format)
Ten strategies for creating lively debates in the classroom. (Grades 3-12) 08/12/2010
Guess-timating Fun
Fun activity reinforces estimation, number lines, mean, median, more. (Grades K-12) 08/11/2010
Create a Word
Have fun making up new words, writing definitions for them. (Grades 3-12) 08/10/2010
Puzzle Race Builds Cooperative-Group Skills
A puzzle race builds cooperative group work skills. (Grades K-8) 08/09/2010
Getting-to-Know-You Crossword Puzzle
A class crossword puzzle makes a great back-to-school activity or bulletin board. (Grades K-12) 08/06/2010
Presidential Timeline
Create a Presidents of the United States timeline. (Grades 3-12) 08/05/2010
Got the Time? (Math Word Problems)
Word problems put students' time-telling skills to practical use. (Grades 3-8) 08/04/2010
Kudos by Kiddos
Students design and award medals for their favorite children's books. (Grades 3-12) 08/03/2010
Simon Says "Who Are You?"
This Simon Says game highlights students similarities, differences. (Grades K-5) 08/02/2010
Copy-Paper Scrap Projects
Turn scrap paper into a lesson in following directions. (Grades 3-8) 07/30/2010
Rockin' Rhythm Band
Create rhythms from ordinary objects. (Grades K-12) 07/29/2010
Graphing Greenery
Plot on graph paper the coordinates for the shape of a leaf. (Grades 3-8) 07/28/2010
Fabulous Firsts in African-American History
Learn about famous firsts in African-American history. (Grades 3-12 07/27/2010
Spelling BINGO
Review spelling words by playing Spelling BINGO. (Grades K-12) 07/26/2010
Puzzles With Partners
A fun reward activity involves puzzles and cooperative groups. (Grades K-12) 07/23/2010
Headline News
Create simple stories using words cut from newspaper headlines. (Grades 3-12) 07/22/2010
Be on the Lookout!
Create Wanted posters for destructive bugs. (Grades 3-8) 07/21/2010
Honor Your School and Community Heroes
Students create special event or award to honor a community hero. (Grades K-12) 07/20/2010
Magic Sum
Learn a "magic" trick as you practice two-digit addition. (Grades 3-8) 07/19/2010
The Mail Race
Students write friendly letters to random schools; track responses on a map. (Grades 3-8) 07/16/2010
Five Spelling Games
Spice up spelling routines with these five activities. (Grades K-8) 07/15/2010
Working on the Slant
Learn about slant by comparing how several newspapers cover a story. (Grades 3-12) 07/14/2010
Globe Game
Challenging Globe Game develops geography skills. (Grades K-12) 07/13/2010
Lewis and Clark and the Native Americans
Learn how the Lewis & Clark expedition impacted Native tribes. (Grades 6-12) 07/12/2010
Do the Hokey Pokey in Many Languages
Do the hokey pokey -- in many languages! (Grades K-8) 07/09/2010
How Long Does Trash Last? (A Cooperative Learning Activity)
In this cooperative activity, learn how long trash lasts. (Grades 3-8) 07/08/2010
"Place the State" Game
Can students correctly place all 50 states on a U.S. map? (Grades 3-8) 07/07/2010
Popcorn Math
Use popcorn to teach a wide range of math concepts. (Grades K-8) 07/06/2010
Breaking the Code
Learn about the importance of cryptography during WWII. (Grades 6-12) 07/05/2010
Fun With Numbers
Use Lakota Indian number words to solve math problems. (Grades 3-5) 07/02/2010
Around-the-Room Review
The around the room review game engages everyone. (Grades K-12) 07/01/2010
Where in the World?
Locate famous landmarks around the world; develop research skills. (Grades 3-8) 06/30/2010
"We Love to READ" Bulletin Board
Bulletin board makes perfect backdrop for mini book reports. (Grades K-5) 06/29/2010
The Presidential Campaign Game
Experience the presidential campaign process. (Grades 8-12) 06/28/2010
Editorial Cartoons
Study editorial cartoons; create your own. (Grades 9-12) 06/25/2010
Just a Minute!
This activity helps students put one minute in perspective. (Grades K-12) 06/24/2010
Book Report BINGO
Book Report BINGO offers a variety of book report approaches. (Grades 3-12) 06/23/2010
Money Math Match
Hunt for the classmate who holds a bag of coins of equal value to yours. (Grades K-5) 06/22/2010
Lewis and Clark: Equipping the Expedition
Learn about preparations Lewis & Clark made to equip their expedition. (Grades 3-12) 06/21/2010
"Carousel Brainstorm" Book Report
A fun way to review a book the whole class has read. (Grades K-12) 06/18/2010
Write a Caption!
Write captions for amusing photos. (Grades 4-12) 06/17/2010
Retablo-Style Self-Portraits
Celebrate Frida Kahlos birthday (July 6). Create self-portraits in the style of her art. (Grades 3-12) 06/16/2010
Australia: Lessons About the 'Land Down Under'
Learn about Australias culture, geography, language (Grades K-12) 06/15/2010
Proverbs of One World
Create a book of proverbs that offer lessons of tolerance and respect. (Grades 3-12) 06/14/2010
Popcorn Science
Five simple science experiments explain what makes popcorn pop. (Grades K-12) 06/11/2010
World War I Art and Artists
Learn about the artists behind paintings of World War I. (Grades 9-12) 06/10/2010
Huey and Louie Meet Dewey
Use this work sheet and resources to teach about the Dewey Decimal System. (Grades 3-8) 06/09/2010
Student Learning-Strengths Inventory
Take an inventory of your students learning strengths. (Grades K-12) 06/08/2010
Holiday Greeting Cards: A Graphing Activity
Create a graph to show the holidays that account for the most greeting-card sales. (Grades 3-12) 06/07/2010
Folktale Writing
Author helps students write folktales of their own. (Grades 3-8) 06/04/2010
You Can Count on Spelling
Scrabble spelling offers spelling and math practice. (Grades K-12) 06/03/2010
Civil War Photos Tell a Story
Write a story about one of Matthew Bradys Civil War photographs. (Grades 5-12) 06/02/2010
20 Field Day Activities Any Kid Can Do (And Do Well!)
Twenty PE activities any student will enjoy. (Grades K-8) 06/01/2010
Soccer Spelling
Capitalize on World Cup excitement. Combine spelling and soccer in this fun game. (Grades K-5) 05/28/2010
Roman Numeral Math
Solve simple math problems using Roman numerals. (Grades 3-12) 05/27/2010
Hang a Flag Mural
Greet school visitors with a student-created flag mural. (Grades K-12) 05/26/2010
Pet Pellets
Create an advertising campaign for a new pet food. (Grades 3-12) 05/25/2010
Round-Robin Reading Quiz
A cooperative reading strategy that works. (Grades K-12) 05/24/2010
Teaching About Tolerance Through Music
Analyze Peter, Paul and Mary lyrics with themes of tolerance. (Grades 3-12) 05/21/2010
Those Tear-Me-Apart, Put-Me-Back-Together, Never-Be-the-Same-Again Blues
This powerful activity illustrates how words can hurt -- or heal. (Grades PK 8) 05/20/2010
Mysteries in the Bag
Build a mystery story around a bag of evidence. (Grades K-12) 05/19/2010
"Photograph Math" Word Problems
Students write their own problems and stage photos to illustrate them. (Grades K-12) 05/18/2010
Global Economy: A Simple Activity
Explore where in the world things we use come from. (Grades 3-12) 05/17/2010
Make a Music Video
Create a short music video for a familiar children's song. (Grades K-12) 05/14/2010
Mapping the Most Common U.S. City Names
Map locations of the most common U.S. city names. (Grades 4-12) 05/13/2010
Five-O
Use logic and deductive reasoning to guess a vocab word in this team game. (Grades 3-12) 05/12/2010
"Mind Reader" Math Trick
A math-based card trick to convince their friends that they can read minds. (Grades 3-12) 05/11/2010
Wind and Wings
Experiments help students understand the principles of flight. (Grades K-8) 05/10/2010
Map Projections: The Grapefruit Activity
Hands-on activity teaches about different map projections. (Grades 6-12) 05/07/2010
The Wall Inspires Letters to Veterans
In, time for Memorial Day, inspire students to write letters to veterans at local hospitals. (Grades K-12) 05/06/2010
Candy Colors: Figuring the Mean, Median, and Mode
Count candies by color; then calculate mean, median, and mode. (Grades 3-12) 05/05/2010
Rock My World
Hands-on activity demonstrates how continents, oceans formed. (Grades 6-8) 05/04/2010
Four Corner Fun: A Review Game
Multiple-choice questions are center stage in this review activity. (Grades PK12) 05/03/2010
Spelling Takes a Hit!
This game puts the active in spelling active-ity! (Grades K-5) 04/30/2010
What Did It Cost 100 Years Ago?
Compare prices of goods today and 100 years ago. (Grades 3-12) 04/29/2010
Civil War Photos Tell a Story
Write a story about one of Matthew Bradys Civil War photographs. (Grades 5-12) 04/28/2010
Math Madness: A Game for Small Groups
Adapt this active game for any math skill you are teaching. (Grades K-12) 04/27/2010
Earth at Night
Identify 10 cities on an Earth at Night map. (Grades 3-12) 04/26/2010
A 'Teacher Appreciation Week' Card For the Teacher
A nice project for art class; every student creates a different card for the teacher. (Grades K-8) 04/23/2010
Crazy Laws: There Must Have Been a Good Reason?
Investigate some crazy laws on Law Day, May 1. (Grades 5-12) 04/22/2010
Write a Teacher-Appreciation Letter
Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week by having students write a letter to a former teacher. (Grades 3-12) 04/21/2010
Fifty States Field Day
Fifty States Field Day exercises geography skills. (Grades PK 12) 04/20/2010
Lesson of the Day
Read and reflect on the letters of President Harry Truman, whose birthday is May 8. (Grades 6-12) 04/19/2010
Using Graphic Organizers to Generate Genre Definitions
Use a graphic organizer to form definitions of a variety of literary genres. (Grades 3-12) 04/16/2010
Draw Like an Egyptian
Learn how to draw like an Egyptian. (Grades K-12) 04/15/2010
Create a Graph Online
Students create beautiful graphs with an easy-to-use online tool. (Grades K-12)04/14/2010
Civil War Slang
Explore slang words and phrases used during the Civil War. (Grades 6-12) 04/13/2010
Arbor Day Across the United States -- A Color-Key Map Activity
Use a color key map to learn about planting times in the U.S. (Grades 3-8) 04/12/2010
"Giggle Poetry" Theater
Perform silly poems as theater during Poetry Month. Scripts provided. (Grades 3-8) 04/09/2010
The San Francisco Earthquake of 1906
Recognize the anniversary of the San Francisco earthquake (April 18) with this comprehension activity. (Grades 4-12) 04/08/2010
Earth Day Jeopardy
Play this Jeopardy-like game on Earth Day, or anytime. (Grades 3-12) 04/07/2010
Water Use Around the World
Compare your water use with water use in other places around the world. (Grades 3-12) 04/06/2010
You Be the Editor
Student-editors work in teams to correct errors in this fast-paced activity. (Grades K-12) 04/05/2010
Postmark U.S.A.
Collect postmarks; track them on a classroom map. (Grades K-8) 04/02/2010
Overflowing the Banks
Hands-on activity teaches how floods happen. (Grades 3-8) 04/01/2010
Postmark U.S.A.
Collect postmarks; track them on a classroom map. (Grades K-8) 03/31/2010
Overflowing the Banks
Hands-on activity teaches how floods happen. (Grades 3-8) 03/30/2010
Vegetable Rock Garden
Grow vegetable sections without soil. (Grades K-5) 03/30/2010
Kids Bullying Kids
Survey, discuss data about bullying in your school. (Grades 3-8) 03/30/2010
Spelling Counts!
Create and solve codes based on the numerical values of spelling list words. (Grades 3-8) 03/29/2010
The Case of the Disappearing Frogs
Students work to solve The Case of the Disappearing Frogs. (Grades 3-8) 03/26/2010
Weekly Math Challenge
Set up a Math Challenge Center in your classroom. (Grades 3-12) 03/25/2010
Students' Favorite Reading Topics
During National Library Week (April 11-17), have students survey classmates reading preferences. (Grades K-8) 03/24/2010
Up-to-Date Aesop
Rewrite an Aesop fable in modern language and a modern setting. (Grades K-12) 03/23/2010
Think About It!
Creative-thinking problems. Perfect for April Fools day fun. (Grades 3-8) 03/22/2010
Let Your Fingers Do the Estimating
Estimate the number of phone listings in you local telephone directory. (Grades 3-12) 03/19/2010
In Your Opinion: Are Athletes Heroes?
Stage a classroom debate of the question Are athletes heroes? (Grades 6-12) 03/18/2010
Backwards Day
Plan a "Backwards Day" on April Fool's Day or for a fun reward. (Grades PK - 8) 03/17/2010
"Two Diamond Baseball" Review Game
This "baseball" game can be used to reinforce skills in any subject. (Grades K-12) 03/16/2010
Bug Me While I'm Eating!
Its Nutrition Month -- compare the nutritional values of insects and your favorite foods. (Grades 3-12) 03/15/2010
Best-Selling Books Bar Graph
Create a graph of the best-selling childrens books of all time. (Grades K-5) 03/12/2010
Art Imitating Life
Explore role of women by examining art through history. (Grades 6-12) 03/11/2010
Egg Hunt Reinforces Math, Language Skills
Do it indoors, or take kids outdoors for a fun learning activity and a little exercise. (Grades K-8) 03/10/2010
String Eggs
Decorate the classroom with beautiful string eggs for Easter, which is April 4. (Grades 3-8) 03/09/2010
Graphing Our Snacks
During Nutrition Month, graph the fat content of favorite snack foods. (Grades 3-12) 03/08/2010
What Happened?
Explore legends surrounding volcanoes, write your own legend. (Grades 3-12) 03/05/2010
Create a BIG Book
Create a big book edition of a favorite story. (Grades K-2) 03/04/2010
Eating Up Idioms
During Nutrition Month (March), feed your students a diet of food idioms. (Grades 3-12) 03/03/2010
Word-zles
Wordzle puzzles make fun thinking activities. (Grades 3-12) 03/02/2010
Grow a Great Spring Bulletin Board: Eggshell Flowers
Create a colorful spring bulletin board using this fun art project. (Grades K-5) 03/01/2010
Chain Together a Book Report
Students work in small groups to put together Chain Book Reports. (Grades K-12) 02/26/2010
Women's Words of Wisdom
Create a bulletin board of inspiring quotes by famous women. (Grades 4-12) 02/25/2010
Immigrants Who Built America
Explore the lives of ten immigrants who helped make American strong. (Grades 5-12) 02/24/2010
Multiple Meanings Game
Hunt for the classmate whose definition card leads to the same word as yours. (Grades 2-8) 02/23/2010
Fun Food Quiz: True or False?
During Nutrition Month (March), use this fun food quiz to test students knowledge of vegetables, fruits. (Grades 3-8) 02/22/2010
Black History Rap
Write a rap lyric about a famous African-American. (Grades 3-12) 02/19/2010
Visual Fractions Game
Create a classroom fractions competition using a Web-based game. (Grades 3-8) 02/18/2010
Plan a Read-All_Day Day
Celebrate Read Across America/World Book Day on March 2. (Grades K-12) 02/17/2010
Three-Way Match: Famous Black Americans
A unique three-way matching activity teaches about famous African Americans. (Grades 4-12) 02/16/2010
Who Wrote That?
Students have fun identifying which classmate wrote each response to a writing prompt. (Grades K-12) 02/15/2010
365 Days of African-American History
During Black History Month, create a 365-day calendar of African-American history. (Grades 6-12) 02/12/2010
George Washington Teaches Map Directions
George Washington teaches math, directions. (Grades 3-8) 02/11/2010
Word Processing Can Be Lots of Font
Fun poem activity reinforces basic word processing skills. (Grades 3-8) 02/10/2010
Langston Hughes Was a Dreamer Too
Learn how Langston Hughes expressed his dreams through poetry. (Grades 2-12) 02/09/2010
Meet Our Presidents Bulletin Board
Research and create a "Meet Our Presidents" bulletin board display. (Grades K-12) 02/08/2010
Follow the Drinking Gourd
Create an art project based on a song used to guide slaves to freedom. (Grades K-2) 02/05/2010
Secrets of the Presidents
Learn secrets of the presidents with this printable activity. (Grades 3-8) 02/04/2010
Multiple Meanings Game
Hunt for the classmate whose definition card leads to the same word as yours. (Grades 2-8) 02/03/2010
Fabulous Firsts in African-American History
During Black History Month, learn about famous firsts in African-American history. (Grades 3-12) 02/02/2010
Graph the Presidents At Inauguration: How Old Were They?
For Presidents Day, graph the presidents' ages at inauguration. (Grades K-8) 02/01/2010
Candy Heart Stories
Use the text on candy hearts to write a story. (Grades 1-8) 01/29/2010
How Tolerant Are Kids in Your School?
Graph results of a survey about attitudes and tolerance in your school. (Grades 6-12) 01/28/2010
Broken-Heart Matching Game
Reinforce skills with this Valentines Day matching game. (Grades PK-12) 01/27/2010
Coin Count & Classification
Celebrate Abe Lincoln by making penny predictions. (Grades 3-12) 01/26/2010
The Recycle Games
You know the Olympic Games. How about the Recycle Games? (Grades K-12) 01/25/2010
Everybody Is Unique: A Lesson in Respect for Others
Art activity teaches about respect for others unique qualities. (Grades K-8) 01/22/2009
The Magician's Apprentice
Performing magic tricks teaches the importance of following directions. (Grades 3-8) 01/21/2009
Pictures Tell a Story: A Lesson in Sequencing
Students illustrate sequential events in a story or in history. (Grades K-8)01/20/2009
Hoot, the Movie And Classroom Activities Too
Teaching activities to accompany the book Hoot.. (Grades 5-8) 01/19/2009
Dictionary Detective
Build students' dictionary skills with this fun activity. (Grades 3-12) 01/18/2009
Comparing Composers: Beethoven and Mozart
Celebrate Mozart (January 27) by comparing Beethoven and Mozart. (Grades 3-12) 01/15/2010
Anticipation Guides Improve Reading Comprehension
Use anticipation guides to help your students focus on content-area reading assignments. (Grades K-12) 01/14/2010
Map Projections: The Grapefruit Activity
Hands-on activity teaches about different map projections. (Grades 6-12) 01/13/2010
How Do Clouds Form?
A hands-on experiment illustrates how clouds form. (Grades K-5) 01/12/2010
Chinese New Year: A Simple Lesson in Debt, Percent, and Loan Interest
A Chinese New Year (February 14) lesson in percent and loan interest. (Grades 5-12) 01/11/2010
Tissue, Please!
Teach cold-season manners with a read-aloud story, art project. (Grades PK -2) 01/08/2010
Power Problem
Calculate losses caused by a snowstorm. (Grades 3-8) 01/07/2010
Snow Paintings
Use food-coloring mixtures to paint on snow. Fun winter art activity. (Grades PK-5) 01/06/2010
Martin Luther King Jr.: Pre- and Post-Reading Activity
A pre- and post-reading exercise about the life of Dr. King. (Grades 3-8) 01/05/2010
Lewis and Clark: Equipping the Expedition
Prep along with Lewis & Clark for their 1803 expedition. (Grades 3-12) 01/04/2010
Speedy Spelling Bee
Teams of students work together in this spelling bee with a twist. (Grades K-12) 12/17/2009
Following Directions
This lesson proves that frequent practice can improve skills. (Grades 5-8) 12/16/2009
Use Literature to Teach Tolerance
Use popular literature to teach tolerance. (Grades PK 12) 12/15/2009
Hieroglyphics: It's Not Greek to Me! (It's Egyptian!)
Use hieroglyphic characters, an online hieroglyphic translator too. (Grades 3-12) 12/14/2009
The Betsy Ross Story: Truth or Legend?
Just in time for Betsy Ross Day (January 1): the Betsy Ross story -- truth or legend? (Grades 3-12) 12/11/2009
H2O to Go
Sponge relay race offers a fun way to learn math (measurement) skills. (Grades K-8) 12/10/2009
100 Years Ago in History
Start the new year by investigating events that happened 100 years ago this year. (Grades 5-12) 12/09/2009
Fact-O!
Practice math facts with this game of skill and chance. (Grades K-12) 12/08/2009
Sunrise, Sunset: Quickly Go the Days
Why does Alaska have less daylight than your state has? (Grades 3-12) 12/07/2009
Holiday Wreath Ornament
Fun holiday project: create a holiday wreath ornament. (Grades K-5) 12/04/2009
How the Kangaroo Got Its Pouch
Create a play based on an Australian kangaroo legend. (Grades 3-5) 12/03/2009
Seasonal Notepad Gift
In this simple technology lesson, students create a seasonal notepad gift. (Grades K-12) 12/02/2009
Planet X
Celebrate the Bill of Rights anniversary (December 15) by writing a Bill of Rights for a colony you are founding on a distant planet. (Grades 4-8) 12/01/2009
A Musical Holiday Gift
A CD song collection by your students makes a great gift for any holiday. (Grades PreK-12) 11/25/2009
Teaching Students to Tell Time: Three Resources for Busy Teachers
Three activity sheets develop, reinforce time-telling skills. (Grades K-5) Math 11/24/2009
A Math Game for Reinforcing Computation Skills
This dice-and-math game provides practice in many math skills. (Grades K-12) 11/23/2009
Geography Twister
Students exercise while they play this fun geography game based on Twister. (Grades K-12) 11/20/09
Rosa Parks Changed The Rules
Recognize the anniversary of Rosa Parks historic bus ride (December 1) by completing a diagram of the bus. (Grades K-5) 11/19/09
Bowling Math
Keeping score of a bowling match is a fun way to learn math. (Grades 3-8) 11/18/09
"Book Report Gallery Bulletin Board
A camera is all you need to create this fun bulletin board for Book Week or anytime. (Grades PK-8) 11/17/09
May I Take Your Order, Please? (A Sequencing Activity)
Adapt this "sequencing" reading lesson to all subjects. (Grades 3-12) 11/16/09
You Are the Historian: Investigating the First Thanksgiving
Learn the truth about the First Thanksgiving. (Grades 3-8) 11/13/2009
Thanksgiving Feast (Read the Charts)
Learn about where some Thanksgiving foods are grown. (Grades 3-8) 11/12/2009
Graphing the Annual Food Drive
Graph the amount of food that comes in during the annual food drive. (Grades K-12) 11/11/2009
Thanksgiving Placemats: A Community- Service Project
Make Thanksgiving placemats as a community service project. (Grades PK-12) 11/10/2009
Anti-Smoking Letter Writing Campaign
Celebrate the Great American Smokeout (November 19) by having students write a letter to encourage a friend not to smoke. (Grades 3-12) 11/09/2009
Drafting the Gettysburg Address
Recognize the anniversary of Lincolns Gettysburg Address (November 19) by comparing its draft to the final version. (Grades 6-12) 11/06/2009
Turkeys Gobble Up Bulletin Board Space
Two fun ways for turkeys to gobble up bulletin board space. (Grades K-5) 11/05/2009
Lewis and Clark's Journey West: A Timeline Activity
Recognize the anniversary (November 18) of Lewis & Clark reaching the Pacific. (Grades 3-12) 11/04/2009
Design a Navajo Rug -- A Lesson in Symmetry
Create a Navajo rug; a lesson in symmetry. (Grades 3-8) 11/03/2009
Smoking Danger Demonstration
Recognize the Great American Smokeout (November 19) by demonstrating the dangers of smoking. (Grades K-12) 11/02/2009
Native American Misconceptions
Blast students stereotypes about Native Americans. (Grades K-5) 10/30/09
Wacky Word Play
Combine students' love of word games and drawing. (Grades 3-12) 10/29/09
What a Pair! A Cross-Grade Writing Activity
Young students role play being President of the United States. (Grades K-3) 10/28/09
Stage a Poetry Slam!
Stage a classroom or school-wide poetry slam. (Grades 3-12) 10/27/09
Every Day Is Presidents' Day At the White House
Older and younger students team up in this cross-grade writing activity. (Grades K-12) 10/26/09
Huey and Louie Meet Dewey
Use this work sheet and resources to teach about the Dewey Decimal System. (Grades 3-8) 10/23/2009
365 Days of African-American History
Create a 365-day calendar of African-American history. (Grades 6-12) 10/22/2009
Help Wanted: President of the United States
Learn about the Presidents responsibilities; write a want ad for the position. (Grades 3-12) 10/21/2009
The Wall Inspires Letters to Veterans
Inspire students to write letters to veterans at local hospitals. (Grades K-12) 10/20/2009
Dead Word Wall Kills Overused Words
Create a Dead Word Wall to kill words overused in student writing. (Grades K-12) 10/19/2009
The Top Ten Reasons for Going Into Space
Consider the validity of the top ten reasons for going into space. (Grades 6-12) 10/16/2009
Bueno Brothers' Bean Dip
How many words can be formed from a scoop of lima bean letters? (Grades K-8) 10/15/2009
"War of the Worlds: A Broadcast Re-Creation
Relive -- and re-create -- the panic-causing 1938 radio broadcast of "War of the Worlds." (Grades 6-12) 10/14/2009
Tabloid Tales
Write a story for one of these unbelievable tabloid news headlines. (Grades 3-12) 10/13/2009
Postmark U.S.A.
Collect postmarks; track them on a classroom map. (Grades K-8) 10/12/2009
Report on a Reporter
Invite a news reporter to visit class; write news reports about the visit. (Grades 3-12) 10/09/2009
Rescuers: Those Who Risked Their Lives to Save Others
Read Holocaust rescue accounts, write reflective essays. (Grades 6-12) 10/08/2009
The Alphabet Game
Use alphabet cards to play a small-group spelling game. (Grades K-8) 10/07/2009
Saying No!
Celebrate Red Ribbon Week (October 18-26) by presenting plays about saying no to drugs. (Grades 3-12) 10/06/2009
Students' Favorite Reading Topics
Students survey their classmates reading preferences. (Grades K-8) 10/05/2009
Celebrate Character Counts! Week In October
Ten ideas for celebrating Character Counts Week (October 19-25). (Grades PreK-12) 10/02/2009
Halloween Party Alternatives from UNICEF
Replace your Halloween party with a valuable service-learning project. (Grades PreK-12) 10/01/2009
Where Did Foods Originate? (Foods of the New World and Old World)
Explore how New World explorers changed the Old World's diet. (Grades K-12) 09/30/2009
Space Tourism Brochure
Create travel brochures to sell tourists on the concept of space travel. (Grades 6-12) 09/29/2009
Go West With Columbus
Go West With Columbus game teaches map skills. (Grades K-5) 09/28/2009
Create a Globe
Make globes from balloons and a paper-paste mixture. (Grades 3-5) 09/25/2009
Fire Safety Songs (and Poems Too)
Songs, poems for Fire Safety Week, October 4-10. (Grades PreK-2) 09/24/2009
Catchy Captions
A lesson in newspaper photo captions and caption writing. (Grades K-5) 09/23/2009
The Million $ Mission
Calculate the quickest way to earn $1 million in one month. (Grades 3-12) 09/22/2009
The Great Chicago Fire: Did Mrs. OLearys Cow Really Cause It?
Investigate the cause of the Great Chicago Fire (October 8, 1871). (Grades 6-12) 09/21/2009
An Immigration Graph
Create a graph to show the number of immigrants by country of origin. (Grades 3-8) 09/18/2009
Graph the Results: Applesauce Taste Test
Make three kinds of applesauce, hold an applesauce taste test. (Grades PreK-8) 09/17/2009
Where Am I?
Use latitude and longitude to identify volcano locations. (Grades 6-12) 09/16/2009
Did You Know...
Take a true-false quiz about Hispanic history. (Grades 6-8) 09/15/2009
Autumn Colors Shine Through
Let autumn shine through with colorful window decorations. (Grades K-5) 09/14/2009
Bark Art
Learn about Australias Aborigines, create Aboriginal bark art. (Grades K-5) 09/11/2009
Read a Fall Foliage Map
Use a color key to read a fall foliage map. Printable work sheet included. (Grades 3-8) 09/10/2009
Tracking Falls Falling Temperatures
Reinforce many skills by tracking falling temperatures this fall. (Grades 3-12) 09/08/2009
Pinwheels for Peace
Create "pinwheels for peace" to celebrate International World Peace Day September 21. (Grades K-12) 09/07/2009
How Well Do You Follow Directions?
Teach valuable lessons about listening and following directions. (Grades K-12) 09/4/2009
Five-O
Use logic and deductive reasoning to guess a vocab word in this team game. (Grades 3-12) 09/3/2009
Civil War Slang
Explore slang words and phrases used during the Civil War. (Grades 6-12) 09/2/2009
The Week That Was
A weekly writing assignment results in a year-end volume of work that documents students' writing progress. (Grades K-12) 09/1/2009
Geography Bee
Hold a classroom Geography Bee. (Grades 3-12) 08/31/2009
Ball and Triangle Game
Create a modern version of an old Native American childrens game. (Grades K-8) 08/28/2009
Create a New Amendment
Recognize Constitution Day (September 17). Work in groups to propose a new amendment to the Constitution. (Grades 6-12) 08/27/2009
Bing!
This game combines spelling words and chance. (Grades K-12) 08/26/2009
Who Are Your Heroes?
Work sheet helps students organize their Who is my hero? thinking. (Grades 3-8) 08/25/2009
Map Your Favorite Sports Team's Next Road Trip
Use maps to chart a favorite sports teams next road trip. (Grades 3-12) 08/24/2009
Memorable Maps
Memorable maps lesson shows a year of geography skill growth. (Grades K-12) 08/21/2009
A "Typical Day Then and Now
Celebrate Grandparents Day (Sept. 13). Students compare their "typical day" to a grandparent's childhood. (Grades K-8) 08/20/2009
Getting-to-Know-You Crossword Puzzle
A class crossword puzzle makes a great back-to-school activity or bulletin board. (Grades K-12) 08/19/2009
I Think, Therefore
Use logic to complete a statement by Charles Darwin. (Grades 9-12) 08/18/2009
What's in a Name?
Use clues to identify U.S. cities with unusual names. (Grades 3-12) 08/17/2009
World War I Art and Artists
Learn about the artists behind paintings of World War I. (Grades 9-12) 08/14/2009
Drafting the Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence: compare Jeffersons draft with the final version. (Grades 6-12) 08/13/2009
Simon Says "Who Are You?"
This Simon Says game highlights students similarities, differences. (Grades K-5) 08/12/2009
Puzzle Race Builds Cooperative-Group Skills
A puzzle race builds cooperative group work skills. (Grades K-8) 08/11/2009
Cutting Costs With Coupons
Clip newspaper food coupons, add up the savings. (Grades 3-8) 08/10/2009
Germs Experiment 2
Use glitter to demonstrate how germs travel. (Grades K-5) 08/07/2009
Understanding Needs and Feelings
Complete this story to show how different people deal with needs, feelings. (Grades 3-5) 08/06/2009
The World Of Anne Frank
Ideas for teaching about the life and diary of Anne Frank. (Grades 6-12) 08/05/2009
Civil War Recipes
Prepare foods Civil War soldiers might have eaten. (Grades K-12) 08/04/2009
The Human Body: A Life-Size Model on Paper
Create life-size diagram of the human body. (Grades K-12) 08/03/2009
Germs Experiment
Observe the growth of germs on three germ-covered potato slices. (Grades K-8) 07/31/2009
Guide Word Sentences
Creative writing: write sentences using guide words on a dictionary page. (Grades 3-8) 07/30/2009
Triangles Are Not Bad!
Perform a play about prejudice, tolerance. (Grades K-4) 07/29/2009
The Anger Suit
An old suit helps students explore the feeling of anger. (Grades K-2) 07/28/2009
'Targets'
Examine the real messages behind advertising. (Grades 6-12) 07/7/2009
Yellow Pages Ad-dition
Real math: Figure out how much those Yellow Pages ads cost. (Grades 3-12) 07/24/2009
My Own Picture Dictionary
Students create personal picture dictionaries. (Grades K-2) 07/23/2009
Daily Language Practice Builds Skills, Test Scores
Turn daily language practice into a game, build test scores too. (Grades 3-12) 07/22/2009
Map a World of Facts
On a map mark ten places associated with these fun facts. (Grades 4-8) 07/21/2009
Around the World
A simple and fun game for reviewing math facts. (Grades 1-6) 07/20/2009
The Gods of Ancient Greece, Egypt, and Rome
Create a diary or postcard to share knowledge of ancient gods. (Grades 3-12) 07/17/2009
Popcorn Nutrition
How nutritious are the snack foods you eat? (Grades 3-8) 07/16/2009
Bubble Blast
Bubbles inspire learning, fun -- and they clean desks too. (Grades K-8) 07/15/2009
Incredible Shrinking Notes
A fun 3-step process helps students "boil down" note taking. (Grades 3-12) 07/1342009
Friendly Feud
Play the Friendly Feud game when reviewing for a test. (Grades K-12) 07/13/2009
Music Math: Create a Clapping Symphony (Plus Fraction Math)
Use fractions as you create a clapping symphony. (Grades 3-12) 07/10/09
Using Fairy Tales to Debate Ethics
Use fairy tales to debate ethics in the classroom. (Grades K-8) 07/09/09
Leaf Weight-Loss Plan
Weigh a container of leaves daily; how quickly does it grow lighter? (Grades 3-8) 07/08/09
Ten Characters from American Folklore
Learn about 10 characters from American folklore. (Grades 3-12) 07/07/09
15 Relays for Field Days
Fifteen fun relays for anytime PE fun. (Grades K-8) 07/06/09
Detective Spellcheck Game
Hunt for spelling errors in this game of skill and quick reaction. (Grades K-8) 07/02/09
Retablo-Style Self-Portraits
Celebrate Frida Kahlos (July 6) birthday. Create self-portraits in the style of her art. (Grades 3-12) 07/01/09
Nuts for Peanuts: Peanut Plants, Peanut Timeline, and Peanut-s-timation!
Peanuts spur activities across the curriculum and across the grades. (Grades K-5) 06/30/09
Reporting Live from the 20th Century
Report live from one of the top news stories of the 20th century. (Grades 3-12) 06/29/09
A Monument, Please, For the Big Cheese
Choose one president; design a monument that reflects his achievements. (Grades 3-12) 06/26/09
A Unique Drawing Experience
With one set of directions, everyone creates a unique work of art. (Grades K-12) 06/25/09
Design a Poet-T
Transform a plain white T-shirt into a Poet-T. (Grades 3-12) 06/24/09
Invent a Great New Game!
Given four items of equipment, students invent a game that can be played. (Grades K-12) 06/23/09
Write a Round-Robin Story
In groups of five, every student takes part in writing a round-robin story. (Grades 3-12) 06/22/09
Math Magic
Students impress others by calculating a persons age. (Grades 3-12) 06/19/09
This Is America! Flag Collage
For Fourth of July, make a flag collage from cut-up magazine photos. (Grades K-12) 06/18/09
Build an Oxygen Plant
Understand the human circulatory system. (Grades 6-12) 06/17/09
Put a Woman on a Stamp
Nominate a woman to be honored on a new commemorative stamp. (Grades 6-12) 06/16/09
Eggshell People
Create eggshell people; write eggshell people diaries, poems. (Grades K-5) 06/15/09
'Indescribably' Excellent Descriptions
Engage students in writing indescribably excellent descriptions. (Grades K-12) 06/12/09
Native American Glossary
Create a glossary of words with Native American origins. (Grades 3-8) 06/11/09
Heroes in History ABC Book
Create a Heroes in History ABC book. (Grades 3-12) 06/10/09
A Moth Is Not a Butterfly
Students create a Venn diagram comparing moths and butterflies. (Grades K-5) 06/09/09
Art Imitates Life
Study postcards of World War I; create postcards that reflect your life. (Grades 3-12) 06/08/09
Do You See What I See?
Reproduce a work of art by following oral directions. (Grades 6-12) 06/05/09
Soccer Spelling
Capitalize on World Cup excitement. Combine spelling and soccer in this fun game. (Grades K-5) 06/04/09
Boomerang Fun
Learn about boomerangs, create them in different styles. (Grades 3-5) 06/03/09
Sound It Out
Introduce phonetic spellings with this activity. (Grades 3-8) 06/02/09
Hang a Flag Mural
Greet school visitors with a student-created flag mural. (Grades K-12) 06/01/09
ZIP Code Math
Students add or subtract to solve ZIP Code math word problems. (Grades 3-12) 05/29/09
Passport to Stories Around the World
Students fill out a passport as they read tales from each continent. (Grades K-12) 05/28/09
What's Inside My Computer?
Draw a picture of what a computer might look like inside. Then explore more. (Grades 3-12) 05/27/09
"Bursting" Stereotypes
Burst stereotypes in this fun balloon activity. (Grades 3-12) 05/26/09
Hang a Flag Mural
Greet school visitors with a student-created flag mural. (Grades K-12) 05/25/09
Design a Coin
Design and mint a quarter for your state or another one. (Grades K-12) 05/22/09
Inner Circle/Outer Circle Debate Strategy
Inner/outer circle debate strategy emphasizes listening to others' views. (Grades 3-12) 05/21/09
Pet Perspective
Explore the world from the point of view of a favorite pet. (Grades K-12) 05/20/09
Fingered Felons
Analyze fingerprint evidence to solve a classroom crime. (Grades 3-8) 05/19/09
The Following-Directions Follies
A challenging following directions activity for all ages. (Grades K-12) 05/18/09
Step and Spell
This spelling "active-ity" reinforces students' awareness of the computer keyboard. (Grades K-4) 05/15/2009
How Many Blades of Grass In a Football Field? (An Estimating Activity)
How many blades of grass on a football field? (Grades 4-12) 05/14/2009
Team Up for Telling Time
Use a fun online tool for a class telling-time competition. (Grades K-3) 05/13/2009
Poetry of War and Peace
Use In Flanders Fields to inspire poetry writing. (Grades 6-12) 05/12/2009
Charting Historical Gas Prices
Does gasoline eat up more of a person's paycheck today than it did years ago? (Grades 6-12) 05/11/2009
Making Predictions: "The King's Choice"
A fairy tale and follow-up activities teach the skill of making predictions. (Grades K-8) 05/08/2009
A Lesson in "Comma Sense"
Have fun with this lesson in comma sense. (Grades 6-12) 05/07/2009
Understanding Idioms Is a Piece of Cake
Teaching about idioms can be great fun. Included: Idiom resources. (Grades 3-12) 05/06/2009
Creating Energy From Water
Learn about hydroelectricity, make a model water turbine. (Grades 3-8) 05/05/2009
The Wall Inspires Letters to Veterans
In, time for Memorial Day, inspire students to write letters to veterans at local hospitals. (Grades K-12) 05/04/2009
If the World Were a Village...
A popular picture book leads to lessons in multicultural awareness, graph-making, more. (Grades K-12) 05/01/2009
And You Thought Gasoline Was Expensive!
Compare the cost of a gallon of gas to a gallon of other liquids. (Grades 3-12) 04/30/2009
"Concentration" Review Game
Create a Concentration-style review game for any subject. (Grades K-12) 04/29/2009
Try a Money Bee for a "Change"
Adapt the spelling bee format and hold a money bee for a "change!" (Grades K-12) 04/28/2009
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, Who Needs Math in Life at All?
A fun bulletin board helps students explore how they use math in their lives. (Grades PK-12) 04/27/2009
Cafeteria Compost
Use lunchroom food scraps and yard clippings to create a compost pile. 04/24/2009
Surname Survey
Use a local phone book to learn if your community reflects U.S. surname data. (Grades 3-12) 04/23/2009
Create Your Own Homophone Work Sheets
Everything you need for a great homonym activity. (Grades K-12) 04/22/2009
Save the Library!
Students write letters to save a library from closure. (Grades 3-8) 04/21/2009
Junk Mail Overload!
Students track, graph the amount of junk mail their families receive. (Grades 3-12) 04/20/2009
Earth from Space Maps
Use maps from space to create large local, U.S., or world maps. (Grades 3-12) 04/17/2009
Persuade the Aliens!
Be an alien. Persuade your master to adopt a custom you witnessed on Earth. (Grades K-12) 04/16/2009
Using Primary Sources: Letters from the Presidents
Learn about the U.S. presidents through actual letters they wrote. (Grades 6-12) 04/15/2009
Ten Prompts For Student Writing
Ten prompts for engaging writing assignments. Take your pick! (Grades 3-8) 04/14/2009
Act It Out: Dramatizing Stories from Asian American Cultures
Act out folktales, fairy tales, or myths from Asian American cultures. (Grades K-12) 04/13/2009
A Letter to Sarah, Plain and Tall
Sarah, Plain and Tall inspires students as they write friendly letters. (Grades 3-8) 04/10/2009
Who Said That?
Complete a tutorial on Web literacy; use what you learn to evaluate a Web site. (Grades K-5) 04/09/2009
How Much Water Do Plants Need?
Study effects of varying amounts of water on plants. (Grades K-8) 04/08/2009
Run the Circulatory System Relay
Students participate in a circulatory-system relay race. (Grades 6-12) 04/07/2009
Write a Song About American History
Songs about events in history inspire students to write their own song lyrics. (Grades 5-12) 04/06/2009
True Grid
Explore probability; predict the occurrence of each M&M color. (Grades 3-8) 04/03/2009
A Month of Mapping Literature
Use literature to take your students on a world tour. (Grades 3-12) 04/02/2009
Native American Recipes
Make journey cakes and other Native American foods. (Grades K-12) 04/01/2009
Human Body Simon Says Game
Play a fun human-body Simon Says game. (Grades K-12) 03/31/2009
By the Numbers
Use a chart to answer questions about Native populations in U.S. states. (Grades 3-8) 03/30/2009
Surprising Facts About Life 50 Years Ago
Compile interesting facts about life in another time. (Grades 5-12) 03/27/2009
"Two Diamond Baseball" Review Game
This "baseball" game can be used to reinforce skills in any subject. (Grades K-12) 03/26/2009
The Cost of War
Study a chart of Civil War deaths, answer the questions. (Grades 3-8) 03/25/2009
Busted!
This game can be adapted to reinforce math skills, vocabulary, much more. (Grades K-12) 03/24/2009
Critical Thinking With Fables New and Old
Powerful modern-day fable leads to exploring Aesop's fables, writing your own. (Grades 3-12) 03/23/2009
Think About It!
Creative-thinking problems. Perfect for April Fools Day (or anytime) fun. (Grades 3-8) 03/20/2009
String Eggs
Decorate the classroom with beautiful string eggs for Easter, which is April 12. (Grades 3-8) 03/19/2009
Tom's Tempting Tongue Twister Truly Tangled My Tongue
Create challenging tongue twisters that truly tangle the tongue. (Grades 3-12) 03/18/2009
Bug Me While I'm Eating!
Its Nutrition Month -- compare the nutritional values of insects and your favorite foods. (Grades 3-12) 03/17/2009
Backwards Day
Plan a "Backwards Day" on April Fool's Day or for a fun reward. (Grades PK - 8) 03/16/2009
Egg Hunt Reinforces Math, Language Skills
Do it indoors, or take kids outdoors for a fun learning activity and a little exercise. (Grades K-8) 03/13/2009
1-800-MATHFUN
Combine numbers, letters to form creative 1-800 numbers for local businesses. (Grades 3-8) 03/12/2009
Eating Up Idioms
During Nutrition Month (March), feed your students a diet of food idioms. (Grades 3-12) 03/11/2009
Math Bingo
Adapt the game of BINGO for reviewing math facts. (Grades K-12) 03/10/2009
Graphing Our Snacks
During Nutrition Month, graph the fat content of favorite snack foods. (Grades 3-12) 03/09/2009
Cells are 3-D
Students make 3-dimensional models of plant and animal cells. (Grades 6-12) 03/06/2009
Grow a Great Spring Bulletin Board: Eggshell Flowers
Create a colorful spring bulletin board using this fun art project. (Grades K-5) 03/05/2009
Women's Words of Wisdom
Create a bulletin board of inspiring quotes by famous women. (Grades 4-12) 03/04/2009
Fun Food Quiz: True or False?
During Nutrition Month (March), use this fun food quiz to test students knowledge of vegetables, fruits. (Grades 3-8) 03/03/2009
"Greenhouse" Sprouts Garden
Grow sprouts from seeds using soil in clear plastic bags. (Grades K-8) 03/02/2009
Made in...
Plot the sources of students clothing on a world map. (Grades 3-5) 02/27/2009
P Is for Poetry
Young students, ESL students build vocab as they create simple ABC poems. (Grades K-12) 02/26/2009
Fun Food Quiz: True or False?
During Nutrition Month (March), use this fun food quiz to test students knowledge of vegetables, fruits. (Grades 3-8) 02/25/2009
Earth Day PSA
Students develop PSAs to draw attention to community environmental issues. (Grades 3-12) 02/24/2009
Read-a-Thon
Read books to raise funds for the school library. (Grades K-12) 02/23/2009
Black History Rap
Write a rap lyric about a famous African-American. (Grades 3-12) 02/20/2009
Code Talkers
Learn about Navajo code talkers; create, decode secret messages. (Grades 3-12) 02/19/2009
Three-Way Match: Famous Black Americans
A unique three-way matching activity teaches about famous African Americans. (Grades 4-12) 02/18/2009
Plan a Read-All-Day Day
Celebrate Read Across America/World Book Day on March 2. 02/17/2009
Langston Hughes Was a Dreamer Too
Learn how Langston Hughes expressed his dreams through poetry. (Grades 2-12) 02/16/2009
Follow the Drinking Gourd
Create an art project based on a song used to guide slaves to freedom. (Grades K-2) 02/13/2009
George Washington Teaches Map Directions
George Washington teaches math directions. (Grades 3-8) 02/12/2009
365 Days of African American History
During Black History Month, create a 365-day calendar of African-American history. (Grades 6-12) 02/11/2009
"Meet Our Presidents" Bulletin Board
Research and create a "Meet Our Presidents" bulletin board display. (Grades K-12) 02/10/2009
Now Let Me Fly -- A Black History Reader's Theater Script
Celebrate Black History Month by staging a classroom production of this play. (Grades 3-12) 02/09/2009
Presidents at Inauguration Graph: How Old Were They?
For Presidents day, graph the presidents' ages at inauguration. (Grades K-8) 02/06/2009
Candy Heart Stories
Write a story that includes the text of the candy conversation hearts you chose. (Grades 1-8) 02/05/2009
Fabulous Firsts in African American History
During Black History Month, learn about famous firsts in African-American history. (Grades 3-12) 02/04/2009
Presidents Picture Book
Learn secrets of the presidents with this printable activity. (Grades 3-8) 02/03/2009
Broken-Heart Matching Game
Reinforce many skills with this Valentine's Day broken-heart matching game. (Grades PK-12) 02/02/2009
Presidents Picture Book
Create a picture book of U.S. presidents. (Grades K-8) 01/30/2009
Crack the Code
Learn about fossil fuels as you solve cryptograms. (Grades 3-8) 01/29/2009
A Bernoulli Levitator
Suspend an object in the air by blowing down on it. (Grades 9-12) 01/28/2009
Coin Count & Classification
Just in time for Abe Lincolns birthday: make, test a prediction about how 100 pennies will sort by decade or year. (Grades 3-12) 01/27/2009
Earn Spelling Points!
More than 20 activities for spicing up your weekly spelling lessons. (Grades K-12) 01/26/2009
President for a Day
Students pretend they are president for a day. (Grades K-8) 01/23/2009
Dramatizing Folktales, Legends, and Myths
Read, act out folktales from Native American cultures. (Grades 3-8) 01/22/2009
Parachute Drop
Follow directions to create parachutes that safely carry paperclip passengers. (Grades K-4) 01/21/2009
Review Game
This review game can be adapted to any subject, any grade. (Grades K-12) 01/20/2009
Basketball for Better Verse
Students write poems about basketball. (Grades 3-12) 01/19/2009
Tissue, Please!
Share a read-aloud story and a fun art project to teach cold-season manners. (Grades PK -2) 01/16/2009
Four Corner Debate
The "four corner" debate strategy gets kids thinking and moving. (Grades K-12) 01/15/2009
Chinese New Year: A Simple Lesson in Debt, Percent, and Loan Interest
A Chinese New Year (January 26, 2009) tradition lends itself to a simple lesson in percent and loan interest. (Grades 5-12) 01/14/2009
What's in a Name?
Learn about states whose names have Native American origins. (Grades 3-12) 01/13/2009
Comparing Composers: Beethoven and Mozart
Celebrate Mozarts birth (January 27) by comparing Beethoven and Mozart. (Grades 3-12) 01/12/2009
Power Problem
Calculate losses caused by a snowstorm. (Grades 3-8) 01/09/2009
Four Corner Debate
The "four corner" debate strategy gets kids thinking and moving. (Grades K-12) 01/08/2009
Snow Paintings
Students use a water/food coloring mixture to paint on snow. Fun winter art activity. (Grades PK-5) 01/07/2009
Fun With Calendars
This lesson combines algebra and fun with calendars. (Grades 6-12) 01/06/2009
Martin Luther King Jr.: Pre- and Post-Reading Activity
A pre- and post-reading exercise documents learning about the life of Martin Luther King. (Grades 3-8) 01/05/2009
Lewis and Clark: Equipping the Expedition Learn about preparations Lewis & Clark made in January 1803 to equip their expedition. (Grades 3-12) 01/02/2009
100 Years Ago in History
Start the new year by investigating events that happened 100 years ago this year. (Grades 5-12) 01/01/2009
U.S. Puzzle Map Bulletin Board
Research the states, then create a U.S. puzzle map bulletin board for fun and reference. (Grades 3-8) 12/18/2008
Five Quick Games Build Reading Skills
Five quick games build reading skills. (Grades K-8) 12/17/2008
What Did It Cost 100 Years Ago?
Compare prices of goods today and 100 years ago. (Grades 3-12) 12/16/2008
Secret Agent Stan
Help Secret Agent Stan figure out the crime by doing his math. (Grades 3-8) 12/15/2008
The Dictionary Game
A fun activity for building students vocabulary. (Grades 3-8) 12/12/2008
Sunrise, Sunset: Quickly Go the Days
Why does Alaska have less daylight than your state has? (Grades 3-12) 12/11/2008
Comparing Countries
Graphic organizer helps compare, contrast countries. (Grades 3-12) 12/10/2008
The Betsy Ross Story: Truth or Legend?
Just in time for Betsy Ross Day (January 1): the Betsy Ross story -- truth or legend? (Grades 3-12) 12/09/2008
A Musical Holiday Gift
A CD song collection by your students makes a great gift for any holiday. (Grades PreK-12) 12/08/2008
Holiday Wreath Ornament
Fun holiday project: create a holiday wreath ornament. (Grades K-5) 12/05/2008
Guide Word Game
Students locate dictionary guide words in this timed team game. (Grades 3-8) 12/04/2008
Seasonal Notepad Gift
In this simple technology lesson, students create a seasonal notepad gift. (Grades K-12) 12/03/2008
Planet X
Celebrate the Bill of Rights anniversary (Dec. 15) by writing a Bill of Rights for a colony you are founding on a distant planet. (Grades 4-8) 12/02/2008
Synonyms in the News
Use synonyms to rewrite news headlines and articles. (Grades 3-8) 12/01/2008
Best-Selling Books Bar Graph
Create a graph of the best-selling childrens books of all time. (Grades K-5) 11/26/2008
Multiplication Bee
Stage a "Multiplication Bee." (Grades 3-5) 11/25/2008
Immigrant Arrivals
Compare the experience of immigrants at Ellis and Angel Islands. (Grades 6-12) 11/24/2008
There Are Algae in Your House!
Youll be amazed at the foods you eat that contain algae! (Grades 3-12) 11/21/2008
Rosa Parks Changed The Rules
Recognize the anniversary of Rosa Parks historic bus ride (December 1) by completing a diagram of the bus. (Grades K-5) 11/20/2008
The Average Kid
Create visual profiles of the "average" boy/girl in your class. (Grades 3-8) 11/19/2008
Where in the World Is That Volcano?
Locate active volcanoes on a world map. (Grades 3-8) 11/18/2008
"Book Report Gallery" Bulletin Board
A camera is all you need to create this fun bulletin board about students favorite books. (Grades PK-8) 11/17/2008
Thanksgiving Feast (Read the Charts)
Learn about where some Thanksgiving foods are grown. (Grades 3-8) 11/14/2008
Graphing the Annual Food Drive
Graph the amount of food that comes in during the annual food drive. (Grades K-12) 11/13/2008
Anti-Smoking Letter Writing Campaign
Write a letter to encourage a friend not to smoke. (Grades 3-12) 11/12/2008
Thanksgiving Placemats: A Community Service Project
Make Thanksgiving placemats as a community service project. (Grades PK-12) 11/11/2008
You Are the Historian: Investigating the First Thanksgiving
Learn the truth about the "First Thanksgiving." (Grades 3-8) 11/10/2008
Lewis and Clark's Journey West: A Timeline Activity
Recognize the anniversary (November 18) of Lewis & Clark reaching the Pacific. (Grades 3-12) 11/07/2008
Smoking Danger Demonstration
Recognize the Great American Smokeout (November 20) by demonstrating the dangers of smoking. (Grades K-12) 11/06/2008
Turkeys Gobble Up Bulletin Board Space
Two fun ways for turkeys to gobble up bulletin board space. (Grades K-5) 11/05/2008
Drafting the Gettysburg Address
Recognize the anniversary of Lincolns Gettysburg Address (November 19) by comparing its draft to the final version. (Grades 6-12) 11/04/2008
Design a Navajo Rug -- A Lesson in Symmetry
Create a Navajo rug; a lesson in symmetry. (Grades 3-8) 11/03/2008
Book Week Celebration
Great book activities for all year long. (Grades K-12) 10/31/2008
"One-Minute Monologue" Builds Communication Skills
Every student deserves 60 seconds in the spotlight. (Grades 3-12) 10/30/2008
How Does Your Tree Measure Up?
Work in groups to calculate the height of a tree. (Grades 3-12) 10/29/2008
Guess-timating Fun
Fun activity reinforces estimation, number lines, mean, median (Grades K-12) 10/28/2008
Spelling Counts!
Create and solve codes based on the numerical values of spelling list words. (Grades 3-8) 10/27/2008
Fun With Origami!
Hands-on activities teach about origami, an Asian paper-folding art form. (Grades 3-12)10/24/2008
The Wall Inspires Letters to Veterans
Inspire students to write letters to veterans at local hospitals. (Grades K-12) 10/23/2008
Charge!?
Compare the features of three different types of credit cards. (Grades 9-12) 10/22/2008
The Electoral College
When has the Electoral College been a factor in an election? (Grades 3-12) 10/21/2008
Rockin' Rhythm Band
Create rhythms from ordinary objects. (Grades K-12) 10/20/2008
Circulatory System Travel Brochures
Create travel brochures for a trip through the human circulatory system. (Grades 6-12) 10/17/2008
Honor Your School and Community Heroes
Students create special event or award to honor a community hero. (Grades K-12) 10/16/2008
Biography Chat
Conduct interviews with historic figures in a TV talk-show format. (Grades 3-12) 10/15/2008
"War of the Worlds": A Broadcast Re-Creation
Relive -- and re-create -- the panic-causing 1938 radio broadcast of "War of the Worlds." (Grades 6-12) 10/14/2008
Electoral Versus Popular Vote
A simple lesson teaches about workings of the Electoral College. (Grades K-8) 10/13/2008
Create a BIG Book
Create a "big book" edition of a favorite story. (Grades K-2) 10/10/2008
Track the Polls
Track poll results leading up to Election Day. (Grades 6-12) 10/09/2008
Cutting Costs With Coupons
Clip newspaper food coupons, add up the savings. (Grades 3-8) 10/08/2008
Celebrate Character Counts! Week In October
Ten ideas for celebrating Character Counts Week (October 19-25). (Grades PreK-12) 10/07/2008
Take a Stand!
A unique, fun approach to a classroom discussion/debate as Election Day draws near. (Grades 3-12) 10/06/2008
Saying No!
Celebrate Red Ribbon Week (October 18-26) by presenting plays about saying no to drugs. (Grades 3-12) 10/03/2008
Halloween Party Alternatives from UNICEF
Replace your Halloween party with a valuable service-learning project. (Grades PreK-12) 10/02/2008
Hispanic Heritage Activity Fun
Puzzles, activities for celebrating Hispanic heritage. (Grades 3-12) 10/01/2008
Mysteries in the Bag
Build a mystery story around a bag of evidence. (Grades K-12) 9/30/2008
Draw Like an Egyptian
Learn how to draw like an Egyptian. (Grades K-12) 9/29/2008
Where Did Foods Originate? (Foods of the New World and Old World)
Explore how New World explorers changed the Old World's diet. (Grades K-12) 9/26/2008
Create a Graph Online
Students create beautiful graphs with an easy-to-use online tool. (Grades K-12) 9/25/2008
Fire Safety Songs (and Poems Too)
Songs, poems for teaching about fire safety. (Grades PreK-2) 9/24/2008
Go West With Columbus
"Go West With Columbus" game teaches map skills. (Grades K-5) 9/23/2008
The Great Chicago Fire: Did Mrs. OLearys Cow Really Cause It?
Investigate the cause of the Great Chicago Fire (October 1871). (Grades 6-12) 9/22/2008
Piecing It Together!
Use tiny pieces of state maps as clues to figuring out the state. (Grades 3-12) 9/19/2008
The Human Body: A Life-Size Model on Paper
Create life-size diagram of the human body. (Grades K-12) 9/18/2008
Goldilocks: The Sequel
Write a sequel to the classic story "Goldilocks and the Three Bears." (Grades 3-8) 9/17/2008
Make a Music Video
Create a short music video for a familiar children's song. (Grades K-12) 9/16/2008
Autumn Colors Shine Through
Let autumn shine through with colorful window decorations. (Grades K-5) 9/15/2008
Tracking Falls Falling Temperatures
Reinforce many skills by tracking falling temperatures this fall. (Grades 3-12) 9/12/2008
Graph the Results: Applesauce Taste Test
Make three kinds of applesauce, hold an applesauce taste test. (Grades PreK-8) 9/11/2008
Read a Fall Foliage Map
Use a color key to read a fall foliage map. Printable work sheet included. (Grades 3-8) 9/10/2008
Did You Know...
Take a true-false quiz about Hispanic history. (Grades 6-8) 9/9/2008
How Well Do You Follow Directions?
Teach valuable lessons about listening and following directions. (Grades K-12) 9/8/2008
Kids Bullying Kids
Survey, discuss data about bullying in your school. (Grades 3-8) 9/5/2008
The Week That Was
A weekly writing assignment results in a year-end volume of work that documents students' writing progress. (Grades K-12) 9/4/2008
Create a New Amendment
Recognize Constitution Day (September 17). Work in groups to propose a new amendment to the Constitution. (Grades 6-12) 9/3/2008
Simon Says "Who Are You?"
This Simon Says game highlights students similarities, differences. (Grades K-5) 9/2/2008
How Did Civil War Soldiers Battle Boredom?
Battling boredom in Civil War days; a Venn diagram activity. (Grades 3-8) 9/1/2008
Four Corner Fun: A Review Game
Multiple-choice questions are center stage in this review activity. (Grades PK-12) 8/28/2008
Candy Colors: Figuring the Mean, Median, and Mode
Count candies by color; then calculate mean, median, and mode. (Grades 3-12) 8/27/2008
"Mind Reader" Math Trick
A math-based card trick to convince their friends that they can read minds. (Grades 3-12) 8/26/2008
Create a BIG Book
Create a "big book" edition of a favorite story. (Grades K-2) 8/25/2008
A "Typical Day" Then and Now
Celebrate Grandparents Day (Sept. 7). Students compare their "typical day" to a grandparent's childhood. (Grades K-8) 8/22/2008
True or False?
Students complete a tutorial on Web literacy and identify Web hoaxes. (Grades 6-12) 8/21/2008
Heads Up for Headlines!
Write headlines that express the main ideas of news stories. (Grades K-12) 8/20/2008
Spelling BINGO
Review spelling words by playing Spelling BINGO. (Grades K-12)8/19/2008
Got the Time? (Math Word Problems)
Word problems put students' time-telling skills to practical use. (Grades 3-8) 8/18/2008
Getting-to-Know-You Crossword Puzzle
A class crossword puzzle makes a great back-to-school activity or bulletin board. (Grades K-12) 8/15/2008
Art Imitating Life
Explore role of women by examining art through history. (Grades 6-12) 8/14/2008
Puzzle Race Builds Cooperative-Group Skills
A puzzle race builds cooperative group work skills. (Grades K-8) 8/13/2008
Then and Now
Compare, contrast current and historical maps of your community. (Grades 3-12) 8/12/2008
In Your Opinion: Are Athletes Heroes?
Stage a classroom debate of the question "Are athletes heroes?" (Grades 6-12) 8/11/2008
Back to Geography Lesson Plan Globe Game
Challenging "Globe Game" develops geography skills. (Grades K-12) 8/8/2008
Civil War Photos Tell a Story
Write a story about one of Matthew Bradys Civil War photographs. (Grades 5-12) 8/7/2008
Rock My World
Hands-on activity demonstrates how continents, oceans formed. (Grades 6-8) 8/6/2008
Create a Galactic Mobile
Students learn about the Milky Way and create a galactic mobile. (Grades 2-5) 8/5/2008
Presidential Eligibility
Could Britney Spears be elected president? Derek Jeter? (Grades 3-12) 8/4/2008
Design a Coin
Design and "mint" a quarter for your state or another one. (Grades K-12) 8/1/2008
Five Spelling Games Spice up spelling routines with these five activities. (Grades K-8) 7/31/2008
Puzzles With Partners A fun reward activity involves puzzles and cooperative groups. (Grades K-12) 7/30/2008
Where Do Words Come From? Discover the foreign-language roots of English words. (Grades 6-12) 7/29/2008
Pet Pellets Create an advertising campaign for a new pet food. (Grades 3-12) 7/28/2008
Copy-Paper Scrap Projects
Turn scrap paper into a lesson in following directions. (Grades 3-8) 7/25/2008
Stage a Debate: A Primer for Teachers (Lincoln-Douglas Debate Format)
Ten strategies for creating lively debates in the classroom. (Grades 3-12) 7/24/2008
Do the Hokey Pokey in Many Languages
Do the hokey pokey -- in many languages! (Grades K-8) 7/23/2008
Money Math Match Hunt for the classmate who holds a bag of coins of equal value to yours. (Grades K-5) 7/22/2008
The Black History Rap Write a rap lyric about a famous African-American. (Grades 3-12) 7/21/2008
President Jefferson's Cipher: Cracking the Code
Crack the code President Jefferson used to communicate with Lewis & Clark. (Grades 3-12) 7/18/2008
Those Tear-Me-Apart, Put-Me-Back-Together, Never-Be-the-Same-Again Blues
This powerful activity illustrates how words can hurt -- or heal. (Grades Pre-K 8) 7/17/2008
Kudos by Kiddos
Students design and award medals for their favorite children's books. (Grades 3-12) 7/16/2008
Earth at Night
Identify 10 cities on an "Earth at Night" map. (Grades 3-12) 7/15/2008
Spelling Takes a Hit!
This game puts the "active" in spelling active-ity! (Grades K-5) 7/14/2008
Graphing Greenery
Plot on graph paper the coordinates for the shape of a leaf. (Grades 3-8) 7/11/2008
Up-to-Date Aesop
Rewrite an Aesop fable in modern language and a modern setting. (Grades K-12) 7/10/2008
Weekly Math Challenge
Set up a "Math Challenge Center" in your classroom. (Grades 3-12) 7/9/2008
Let Your Fingers Do the Estimating
Estimate the number of phone listings in you local telephone directory. (Grades 3-12) 7/8/2008
Every Day Is Presidents' Day at the White House
Young students role play being President of the United States. (Grades K-3) 7/7/2008
You Be the Editor
Student-editors work in teams to correct errors in this fast-paced activity. (Grades K-12) 7/3/2008
A Better Class of Journal-ists
Create a current events news folder, reflect on the news and main ideas. (Grades K-12) 7/2/2008
Experiencing Slavery and Imagining Freedom
Read slaves’ personal accounts of slavery; write a slave's account of freedom. (Grades 3-12) 7/1/2008
Dead Word Wall Kills Overused Words
Create a "Dead Word Wall" to "kill" words overused in student writing. (Grades K-12) 6/30/2008
Bueno Brothers' Bean Dip
How many words can be formed from a scoop of lima bean letters? (Grades K-8) 6/27/2008
Retablo-Style Self-Portraits
Celebrate Frida Kahlos (July 6) birthday. Create self-portraits in the style of her art. (Grades 3-12) 6/26/2008
Presidential Time Line
Create a "Presidents of the United States" timeline. (Grades 3-12) 6/25/2008
Fabulous Firsts in African American History
Learn about famous firsts in African-American history. (Grades 3-12) 6/24/2008
Postmark U.S.A.
Collect postmarks; track them on a classroom map. (Grades K-8) 6/23/2008
Map Your Favorite Sports Team's Next Road Trip
Use maps to chart a favorite sports teams next road trip. (Grades 3-12) 6/20/2008
Native American Misconceptions
Blast students stereotypes about Native Americans. (Grades K-5) 6/19/2008
The Alphabet Game
Use alphabet cards to play a small-group spelling game. (Grades K-8) 6/18/2008
I Think Therefore
Use logic to complete a statement by Charles Darwin. (Grades 9-12) 6/17/2008
Create a Word
Have fun making up new words, writing definitions for them. (Grades 3-12) 6/16/2008
Germs Experiment 2
Use glitter to demonstrate how germs travel. (Grades K-5) 6/13/2008
Report on a Reporter
Invite a news reporter to visit class; write news reports about the visit. (Grades 3-12) 6/12/2008
Bark Art
Learn about Australias Aborigines, create Aboriginal bark art. (Grades K-5) 6/11/2008
Five-O
Use logic and deductive reasoning to guess a vocab word in this team game. (Grades 3-12) 6/10/2008
Reacting to Conflict
Explore different ways people deal with conflict. (Grades 6-8) 6/09/2008
Around the World
A simple and fun game for reviewing math facts. (Grades 1-6) 6/06/2008
Drafting the Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence: compare Jeffersons draft with the final version. (Grades 6-12) 6/05/2008
Rescuers: Those Who Risked Their Lives to Save Others
Read Holocaust rescue accounts, write reflective essays. (Grades 6-12) 6/04/2008
Soccer Spelling
Combine spelling and soccer in this fun game. (Grades K-5) 6/03/2008
Civil War Recipes
Prepare foods Civil War soldiers might have eaten. (Grades K-12) History 6/02/2008
"Photograph Math" Word Problems Students write their own problems and stage photos to illustrate them. (Grades K-12)5/30/2008
Following Directions This lesson proves that frequent practice can improve skills. (Grades 5-8) 5/29/2008
H2O to Go
Sponge relay race offers a fun way to learn math (measurement) skills. 5/28/2008
Stage a Poetry Slam!
Stage a classroom or school-wide poetry slam. (Grades 3-12) 5/27/2008
Tabloid Tales
Write a story for one of these unbelievably wacky tabloid news headlines. (Grades 3-12) 5/23/2008
The Case of the Disappearing Frogs
Students work to solve "The Case of the Disappearing Frogs." (Grades 3-8) 5/22/2008
Hang a Flag Mural
Greet school visitors with a student-created flag mural. (Grades K-12) 5/21/2008
Civil War Slang
Explore slang words and phrases used during the Civil War. (Grades 6-12) 5/20/2008
Vegetable Rock Garden
Grow vegetable sections without soil. (Grades K-5) 5/19/2008
Space Tourism Brochure
Create travel brochures to sell tourists on the concept of space travel. (Grades 6-12) 5/16/2008
Students' Favorite Reading Topics
Students survey their classmates reading preferences. (Grades K-8) 5/15/2008
Ball and Triangle Game
Create a modern version of an old Native American childrens game. (Grades K-8) 5/14/2008
'Targets'
Examine the real messages behind advertising. (Grades 6-12) 5/13/2008
Guide Word Sentences
Creative writing: write sentences using guide words on a dictionary page. (Grades 3-8) 5/12/2008
Headline News
Create simple stories using words cut from newspaper headlines. (Grades 3-12) 5/09/2008
The Wall Inspires Letters to Veterans
In, time for Memorial Day, inspire students to write letters to veterans at local hospitals. (Grades K-12) 5/08/2008
What a Pair! A Cross-Grade Writing Activity
Older and younger students team up in this cross-grade writing activity. (Grades K-12) 5/07/2008
The Million $ Mission
Calculate the quickest way to earn $1 million in one month. (Grades 3-12) 5/06/2008
Be on the Lookout!
Create “Wanted” posters for destructive bugs. (Grades 3-8) 5/05/2008
The Anger Suit
An old suit helps students explore the feeling of anger. (Grades K-2) 5/02/2008
Motherhood Math: Mothers in the Workforce
Answer questions about a "Mothers in the Workforce" table. (Grades 3-12) 5/01/2008
A "Teacher Appreciation Week" Card for the Teacher
A nice project for art class; every student creates a different "teacher appreciation" card. (Grades K-8) 4/30/2008
The Lost Art of Letter Writing
Read and reflect on the letters of President Harry Truman, whose birthday is May 8. (Grades 6-12) 4/29/2008
Five-O
Use logic and deductive reasoning to guess a vocab word in this team game. (Grades 3-12) 4/28/2008
Crazy Laws: There Must Have Been a Good Reason?
Investigate some crazy laws on Law Day, May 1. (Grades 5-12) 4/25/2008
Germs Experiment
Observe the growth of germs on three germ-covered potato slices. (Grades K-8) 4/24/2008
Write a Teacher-Appreciation Letter
Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4-10) by having students write a letter to a former teacher. (Grades 3-12) 4/23/2008
Magic Sum
Learn a "magic" trick as you practice two-digit addition. (Grades 3-8) 4/22/2008
Postmark U.S.A.
Collect postmarks; track them on a classroom map. (Grades K-8) 4/21/2008
From One Child to Another: Letters About the Holocaust
Read a "Children of the Holocaust" biography; write a letter to that child. (Grades 3-8) 4/18/2008
Round-Robin Reading Quiz
A cooperative reading strategy that works. (Grades K-12) 4/17/2008
Rock My World
Hands-on activity demonstrates how continents, oceans formed. (Grades 6-8) 4/16/2008
Just a Minute!
This activity helps students put one minute in perspective. (Grades K-12) 4/15/2008
Civil War Slang
Explore slang words and phrases used during the Civil War. (Grades 6-12) 4/14/2008
Water Use Around the World
This Earth Day, compare your water use with water use in other places around the world. (Grades 3-12) 4/11/2008
Around-the-Room Review
The "around the room" review game engages everyone. (Grades K-12) (Grades 3-12) 4/10/2008
Space Tourism Brochure
Create travel brochures to sell tourists on the concept of space travel. (Grades 6-12) 4/09/2008
The San Francisco Earthquake of 1906
Recognize the anniversary of the San Francisco earthquake (April 18) with this comprehension activity. (Grades 3-12) 4/08/2008
Civil War Photos Tell a Story
Write a story about one of Matthew Bradys Civil War photographs. (Grades 5-12) 4/07/2008
"Giggle Poetry" Theater
Perform silly poems as theater during Poetry Month. Scripts provided. (Grades 3-8) (Grades 3-12) 4/04/2008
"101 Amazing Earth Facts" Game
Play this Jeopardy-like game on Earth Day, or anytime. (Grades 3-12) 4/03/2008
Overflowing the Banks
Hands-on activity teaches how floods happen. (Grades 3-8) 4/02/2008
Students' Favorite Reading Topics
During National Library Week (April 13-19), have students survey classmates reading preferences. (Grades K-8) 4/01/2008
Use Literature to Teach Tolerance
Use popular literature to teach tolerance. (Grades Pre-K 12) 3/31/2008
Working on the Slant
Learn about slant by comparing how several newspapers cover a story. (Grades 3-12) 3/28/2008
"Two Diamond Baseball" Review Game
This "baseball" game can be used to reinforce skills in any subject. (Grades K-12) 3/27/2008
What's in a Name?
Use clues to identify U.S. cities with unusual names. (Grades 3-12) 3/26/2008
Egg Hunt Reinforces Math, Language Skills
Do it indoors, or take kids outdoors for a fun learning activity and a little exercise. (Grades K-8) 3/25/2008
Using Graphic Organizers to Generate Genre Definitions
Use a graphic organizer to form definitions of a variety of literary genres. (Grades 3-12) 3/24/2008
Graphing Our Snacks
During Nutrition Month, graph the fat content of favorite snack foods. (Grades 3-12) 3/21/2008
Use Literature to Teach Tolerance
Use popular literature to teach tolerance. (Grades Pre-K -12) 3/20/2008
Backwards Day
Plan a "Backwards Day" on April Fool's Day or for a fun reward. (Grades Pre-K - 8) 3/19/2008
Fact-O!
Practice math facts with this game of skill and chance. (Grades K-12) 3/18/2008
Bug Me While I'm Eating!
Its Nutrition Month -- compare the nutritional values of insects and your favorite foods. (Grades 3-12) Science, Health 3/17/2008
My Own Picture Dictionary
Students create personal picture dictionaries. (Grades K-2) 3/14/2008
An Immigration Graph
Create a graph to show the number of immigrants by country of origin. (Grades 3-8) History 3/13/2008
Word-zles
Wordzle puzzles make fun thinking activities. (Grades 3-12) 3/12/2008
Eating Up Idioms
During Nutrition Month (March), feed your students a diet of food idioms. (Grades 3-12) 3/11/2008
Wind and Wings
Experiments help students understand the principles of flight. (Grades K-8) 3/10/2008
Grow a Great Spring Bulletin Board: Eggshell Flowers
Create a colorful spring bulletin board using this fun art project. (Grades K-5) 3/07/2008
The Great Egg Roll Online Project
Join schools from all over the world for a fun springtime activity. (Grades Pre-K - 8) 3/06/2008
Fun Food Quiz: True or False?
During Nutrition Month, use this fun food quiz to test students’ knowledge of vegetables, fruits. (Grades 3-8) 3/05/2008
The World of Anne Frank
Ideas for teaching about the life and diary of Anne Frank. (Grades 6-12) 3/04/2008
Women's Words of Wisdom
Create a bulletin board of inspiring quotes by famous women. (Grades 4-12) 3/03/2008
String Eggs
Decorate the classroom with beautiful string eggs for Easter, which is March 23. (Grades 3-8) 2/29/2008
Create a Country Students apply geography skills as they create a map of an imaginary country. (Grades 3-12) 2/28/2008
Math Madness: A Game for Small Groups
Adapt this active game for any math skill you are teaching. (Grades K-12) 2/27/2008
Word Processing Can Be Lots of Font!
Fun poem activity reinforces basic word processing skills. (Grades 3-8) 2/26/2008
"We Love to READ" Bulletin Board
Bulletin board makes perfect backdrop for mini book reports. (Grades K-5) 2/25/2008
The Mail Race
Students write friendly letters to random schools; track responses on a map. (Grades 3-8) 2/22/2008
Wacky Word Play
Combine students' love of word games and drawing. (Grades 3-12) 2/21/2008
Follow the Drinking Gourd
Create an art project based on a song used to guide slaves to freedom. (Grades K-2) 2/20/2008
Understanding Needs and Feelings
Complete this story to show how different people deal with needs, feelings. (Grades 3-5) 2/19/2008
Langston Hughes Was a Dreamer Too
Learn how Langston Hughes expressed his dreams through poetry. (Grades 2-12) 2/18/2008
Plan a Read-All-Day Day
Plan ahead! Celebrate Read Across America/World Book Day on March 3. 2/15/2008
George Washington Teaches Map Directions
George Washington teaches math directions. (Grades 3-8) 2/14/2008
Three-Way Match: Famous Black Americans
A unique three-way matching activity teaches about famous African Americans. (Grades 4-12) 2/13/2008
Bing!
This game combines spelling words and chance. (Grades K-12) 2/12/2008
The Black History Rap
Write a rap lyric about a famous African-American. (Grades 3-12) 2/11/2008
Secrets of the Presidents
Learn secrets of the presidents with this printable activity. (Grades 3-8) 2/8/2008
Where Am I?
Use latitude and longitude to identify volcano locations. (Grades 6-12) ) 2/7/2008
Candy Heart Stories
Write a story that includes the text of the candy conversation hearts you chose. (Grades 1-8) 2/6/2008
"Meet Our Presidents" Bulletin Board
Research and create a "Meet Our Presidents" bulletin board display. (Grades K-12) ) 2/5/2008
Now Let Me Fly -- A Black History Reader's Theater Script
Celebrate Black History Month by staging a classroom production of this play. (Grades 3-12) 2/4/2008
Fabulous Firsts in African American History
During Black History Month, learn about famous firsts in African-American history. (Grades 3-12) 2/1/2008
Thinking About Our Troops
A handful of ways to connect students with our overseas troops. (Grades K-12) Soc St, 1/31/2008
Lewis and Clark and the Native Americans
Learn how the Lewis & Clark expedition impacted Native tribes. (Grades 6-12) 1/30/2008
How Long Does Trash Last (A Cooperative Learning Activity)
In this cooperative activity, learn how long trash lasts. (Grades 3-8) 1/29/2008
Click here to return to the article Presidents at Inauguration Graph: How Old Were They?
For Presidents Day, graph the presidents' ages at inauguration. (Grades K-8) 1/28/2008
Fabulous Firsts in African American History
During Black History Month, learn about famous firsts in African-American history. (Grades 3-12) 1/25/2008
Everybody Is Unique: A Lesson in Respect for Others
Art activity teaches about respect for others’ unique qualities. (Grades K-8) 1/24/2008
Global Economy: A Simple Activity
Explore where in the world things we use come from. (Grades 3-12) 1/23/2008
Popcorn Math
Use popcorn to teach a wide range of math concepts. (Grades K-8) 1/22/2008
Coin Count & Classification
Just in time for Abe Lincoln’s birthday: make, test a prediction about how 100 pennies will sort by decade or year. (Grades 3-12) 1/21/2008
The Magician's Apprentice
Performing magic tricks teaches the importance of following directions. (Grades 3-8) 1/18/2008
Create a Globe
Make globes from balloons and a paper-paste mixture. (Grades 3-5) 1/17/2008
Teaching Students to Tell Time: Three Resources for Busy Teachers
Three activity sheets develop, reinforce time-telling skills. (Grades K-5) 1/16/2008
Catchy Captions
A lesson in newspaper photo captions and caption writing. (Grades K-5) 1/15/2008
Chinese New Year: A Simple Lesson in Debt, Percent, and Loan Interest
A Chinese New Year (February 7, 2008) tradition lends itself to a simple lesson in percent and loan interest. (Grades 5-12) 1/14/2008
Triangles Are Not Bad!
Perform a play about prejudice, tolerance. (Grades K-4) 1/11/2008
Comparing Composers: Beethoven and Mozart
Celebrate Mozart’s birth (January 27) by comparing Beethoven and Mozart. (Grades 3-12) 1/10/2008
Power Problem
Calculate losses caused by a snowstorm. (Grades 3-8) 1/9/2008
Snow Paintings
Students use a water/food coloring mixture to paint on snow. Fun winter art activity. (Grades Pre-K-5) 1/8/2008
100 Years Ago in History
Start the new year by investigating events that happened 100 years ago this year. (Grades 5-12) 1/7/2008
Martin Luther King Jr.: A Pre- and Post-Reading Activity
A pre- and post-reading exercise documents learning about the life of Martin Luther King. (Grades 3-8) 1/4/2008
Tissue, Please!
Share a read-aloud story and a fun art project to teach cold-season manners. (Grades Pre-K -2) 1/3/2008
Lewis and Clark: Equipping the Expedition
Learn about preparations Lewis & Clark made in January 1803 to equip their expedition. (Grades 3-12) 1/2/2008
The Betsy Ross Story: Truth or Legend?
Just in time for Betsy Ross Day (January 1): the Betsy Ross story -- truth or legend? 12/13/2007
Sunrise, Sunset: Quickly Go the Days
Why does Alaska have less daylight than your state has? (Grades 3-12) 12/12/2007
How Do Clouds Form?
A hands-on experiment illustrates how clouds form. (Grades K-5)) 12/11/2007
"Write-a-Letter-to-the-Teacher" Book Report
Combine writing a book report with writing a friendly letter. (Grades K-5) 12/10/2007
A Musical Holiday Gift
A CD song collection by your students makes a great gift for any holiday. (Grades PreK-12) 12/07/2007
May I Take Your Order, Please? (A Sequencing Activity)
Adapt this "sequencing" reading lesson to all subjects. (Grades 3-12) 12/06/2007
Holiday Wreath Ornament
Fun holiday project: create a holiday wreath ornament. (Grades K-5) 12/05/2007
Seasonal Notepad Gift
In this simple technology lesson, students create a seasonal notepad gift. (Grades K-12) 12/04/2007
Planet X
Celebrate the Bill of Rights anniversary (Dec. 15) by writing a Bill of Rights for a colony you are founding on a distant planet. (Grades 4-8) 12/03/2007
Immigrants Who Built America
Explore the lives of ten immigrants who helped make American strong. (Grades 5-12) 11/30/2007
Popcorn Science
Five simple science experiments explain what makes popcorn pop. (Grades K-12) 11/29/2007
The Top Ten Reasons for Going Into Space
Consider the validity of the “top ten reasons for going into space.” (Grades 6-12) 11/28/2007
Chain Together A Book Report
Students work in small groups to put together “Chain Book Reports.” (Grades K-12) 11/27/2007
"Place the State" Game
Can students correctly place all 50 states on a U.S. map? (Grades 3-8) 11/26/2007
Map Projections: The Grapefruit Activity
Hands-on activity teaches about different map projections. (Grades 6-12) 11/21/2007
Design a Navajo Rug -- A Lesson in Symmetry
Create a Navajo rug; a lesson in symmetry. (Grades 3-8) 11/20/2007
Rosa Parks Changed the Rules
Recognize the anniversary of Rosa Parks’ historic bus ride by completing a diagram of the bus. (Grades K-5) 11/19/2007
Human Body Simon Says Game
Play a fun human-body Simon Says game. (Grades K-12) 11/16/2007
Crack the Code
Learn about fossil fuels as you solve cryptograms. (Grades 3-8)) 11/15/2007
You Are the Historian: Investigating the First Thanksgiving
Learn the truth about the “First Thanksgiving.” (Grades 3-8) 11/14/2007
"Book Report Gallery” Bulletin Board
A camera is all you need to create this fun bulletin board for Book Week or anytime. (Grades Pre-K-8) 11/13/2007
Thanksgiving Feast (Read the Charts)
Learn about where some Thanksgiving foods are grown. (Grades 3-8) 11/12/2007
Graphing the Annual Food Drive
Graph the amount of food that comes in during the annual food drive. (Grades K-12) 11/09/2007
Turkeys Gobble Up Bulletin Board Space
Two fun ways for turkeys to gobble up bulletin board space. (Grades K-5) 11/08/2007
Design a Navajo Rug -- A Lesson in Symmetry
Create a Navajo rug; a lesson in symmetry. (Grades 3-8) 11/07/2007
Thanksgiving Placemats: A Community Service Project
Make Thanksgiving placemats as a community service project. (Grades Pre-K-12) 11/06/2007
Drafting the Gettysburg Address
Recognize the anniversary of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address by comparing its draft to the final version. (Grades 6-12) 11/05/2007
"Carousel Brainstorm" Book Report
A fun way to review a book the whole class has read. (Grades K-12) 11/02/2007
Smoking Danger Demonstration
Recognize the Great American Smokeout (November 15) by demonstrating the dangers of smoking. (Grades K-12) 11/01/2007
Fifty States Field Day
Fifty States Field Day “exercises” geography skills. (Grades Pre-K – 12) 10/31/2007
Fun With Numbers
Use Lakota Indian number words to solve math problems. (Grades 3-5) 10/30/2007
It's Up for Debate
Debate two issues of WWII era: atomic bomb and internment camps. (Grades 9-12) 10/29/2007
Breaking the Code
Learn about the importance of cryptography during WWII. (Grades 6-12) 10/26/2007
The Wall Inspires Letters to Veterans
For Veterans Day, inspire students to write letters to veterans at local hospitals. (Grades K-12) 10/25/2007
Student Learning-Strengths Inventory
Take an inventory of your students’ learning strengths. (Grades K-12) 10/24/2007
Up from the Roots
Dissect the roots -- and root meanings -- of some words. (Grades 3-8) 10/23/2007
20 Field Day Activities Any Kid Can Do (And Do Well!)
Twenty PE activities any student will enjoy. (Grades K-8) 10/22/2007
"Visual Fractions" Game
Create a classroom fractions competition using a Web-based game. (Grades 3-8) 10/19/2007
Multiple Meanings Game
Hunt for the classmate whose definition card leads to the same word as yours. (Grades 2-8) 10/18/2007
Take a Stand!
A unique, fun approach to a classroom discussion/debate. (Grades 3-12)10/17/2007
Australia: Lessons About the 'Land Down Under'!
Learn about Australia’s culture, geography, language… (Grades K-12) 10/16/2007
You Can Count on Spelling
“Scrabble spelling” offers spelling and math practice. (Grades K-12) 10/15/2007
Anticipation Guides Improve Reading Comprehension
Use anticipation guides to help your students focus on content-area reading assignments. (Grades K-12) 10/12/2007
Mapping the Most Common U.S. City Names
Map locations of the most common U.S. city names. (Grades 4-12) 10/11/2007
"War of the Worlds”: A Broadcast Re-Creation
Relive -- and re-create -- the panic-causing 1938 radio broadcast of "War of the Worlds." (Grades 6-12) 10/10/2007
Pictures Tell a Story: A Lesson in Sequencing
Students illustrate sequential events in a story or in history. (Grades K-8) 10/09/2007
The Human Body: A Life-Size Model on Paper
Create life-size diagram of the human body. (Grades K-12) 10/08/2007
Art Imitates Life
Study postcards of World War I; create postcards that reflect your life. (Grades 3-12) 10/05/2007
A Bernoulli Levitator
Suspend an object in the air by blowing down on it. (Grades 9-12) 10/04/2007
Celebrate CHARACTER COUNTS! Week In October
Ten ideas for celebrating Character Counts Week, October 21-27. (Grades PreK-12) 10/03/2007
Sound It Out
Introduce phonetic spellings with this activity. (Grades 3-8) ) 10/02/2007
Halloween Party Alternatives from UNICEF
Replace your Halloween party with a valuable service-learning project. (Grades PreK-12) 10/01/2007
Where Did Foods Originate? (Foods of the New World and Old World)
Explore how New World explorers changed the Old World's diet. (Grades K-12) 09/28/2007
Go West With Columbus
"Go West With Columbus” game teaches map skills. (Grades K-5) 09/27/2007
Fire Safety Songs (and Poems Too)
Songs, poems for teaching about fire safety. (Grades PreK-2);09/26/2007
The Great Chicago Fire: Did Mrs. O’Leary’s Cow Really Cause It?
Investigate the Great Chicago Fire (October 8). What was its real cause? (Grades 6-12) 09/25/2007
Autumn Colors Shine Through
Let autumn shine through with colorful window decorations. (Grades K-5) 09/24/2007
Tracking Fall’s Falling Temperatures
Reinforce many skills by tracking falling temperatures this fall. (Grades 3-12) 09/21/2007
Read a Fall Foliage Map
Use a color key to read a fall foliage map. Printable work sheet included. (Grades 3-8) 09/20/2007
Did You Know...
Take a true-false quiz about Hispanic history. (Grades 6-8) 09/19/2007
Speedy Spelling Bee?
Teams of students work together in this spelling bee with a twist. (Grades K-12) 09/18/2007
A Math Game for Reinforcing Computation Skills
This dice-and-math game provides practice in many math skills. (Grades K-12) Math (Grades K-12 ) 09/17/2007
Create a Globe
Make globes from balloons and a paper-paste mixture. (Grades 3-5) 09/14/2007
Hispanic Heritage Activity Fun
Puzzles, activities for celebrating Hispanic heritage. (Grades 3-12) 09/13/2007
Applesauce Taste Test
Make three kinds of applesauce, hold an applesauce taste test. (Grades PreK-8) 09/12/2007
How Well Do You Follow Directions?
Teach valuable lessons about listening and following directions. (Grades K-12) 09/11/2007
The Week That Was
A weekly writing assignment results in a year-end volume of work that documents students' writing progress. (Grades K-12) 09/10/2007
Pinwheels for Peace
Create "pinwheels for peace" to celebrate International World Peace Day September 21. (Grades K-12) 09/07/2007
Create a New Amendment
Recognize Constitution Day (September 17). Work in groups to propose a new amendment to the Constitution. (Grades 6-12) Soc St, History 09/06/2007
A "Typical Day” Then and Now
Celebrate Grandparents Day by having students compare their "typical day" to a grandparent's typical day when he or she was a child. (Grades K-8) 09/05/2007
Simon Says "Who Are You?"
This Simon Says game highlights students’ similarities, differences. (Grades K-5) 09/04/2007
Who Wrote That?
Students have fun trying to identify which classmate wrote each response to a writing prompt. (Grades K-12) 08/31/2007
Map a World of Facts
On a map mark ten places associated with these fun facts. (Grades 4-8) 08/30/2007
Step and Spell
This spelling "active-ity" reinforces students' awareness of the computer keyboard. (Grades K-4) 08/29/2007
Tom's Tempting Tongue Twister Truly Tangled My Tongue
Create challenging tongue twisters that truly tangle the tongue. (Grades 3-12) 08/28/2007
Popcorn Nutrition
How nutritious are the snack foods you eat? (Grades 3-8) 08/27/2007
Create Your Own Homophone Work Sheets
Everything you need for a great homonym activity. (Grades K-12) 08/24/2007
Student Learning-Strengths Inventory
Take an inventory of your students' learning strengths. (Grades K-12) 08/23/2007
Book Week Celebration
Great book activities for all year long. (Grades K-12) 08/22/2007
The Presidential Campaign Game
Experience the presidential campaign process. (Grades 8-12) 08/21/2007
Daily Language Practice Builds Skills, Test Scores
Turn daily language practice into a game, build test scores too. (Grades 3-12) 08/20/2007
Secret Agent Stan
Help Secret Agent Stan figure out the crime by doing his math. (Grades 3-8) 08/17/2007
Four Corner Debate
The "four corner" debate strategy gets kids thinking and moving. (Grades K-12) 08/16/2007
Puzzle Race Builds Cooperative-Group Skills
A puzzle race builds cooperative group work skills. (Grades K-8) 08/15/2007
Music Math: Create a Clapping Symphony
Use fractions as you create a clapping symphony. (Grades 3-12) 08/14/2007
"Concentration" Review Game
Create a Concentration-style review game for any subject. (Grades K-12) 08/13/2007
Code Talkers
Learn about Navajo code talkers; create, decode secret messages. (Grades 3-12) 08/10/2007
Getting-to-Know-You Crossword Puzzle
A class crossword puzzle makes a great back-to-school activity or bulletin board. (Grades K-12) 08/09/2007
Editorial Cartoons
Study editorial cartoons; create your own. (Grades 9-12) 08/08/2007
Language Arts Lesson Plan
Use synonyms to rewrite news headlines and articles. (Grades 3-8) 08/07/2007
Made in...
Plot the sources of students’ clothing on a world map. (Grades 3-5) 08/06/2007
Who Are Your Heroes?
Work sheet helps students organize their "Who is my hero?” thinking. (Grades 3-8) 08/03/2007
Immigrant Arrivals
Compare the experience of immigrants at Ellis and Angel Islands. (Grades 6-12) 08/02/2007
Design a Coin
Design and "mint” a quarter for your state or another one. (Grades K-12) 08/01/2007
Incredible Shrinking Notes
A fun 3-step process helps students "boil down" note taking. (Grades 3-12) 07/30/2007
Mysteries in the Bag
Build a mystery story around a bag of evidence. (Grades K-12) 07/27/2007
The Following-Directions Follies
A challenging "following directions" activity for all ages. (Grades K-12) 07/26/2007
Where in the World?
Locate famous landmarks around the world; develop research skills. (Grades 3-8) 07/25/2007
Book Report BINGO
Book Report BINGO offers a variety of book report approaches. (Grades 3-12) 07/23/2007
Passport to Stories Around the World
Students fill out a passport as they read tales from each continent. (Grades K-12) 07/20/2007
15 Relays for Field Days
Fifteen fun relays for anytime PE fun. (Grades K-8) 07/19/2007
Multiplication Bee
Stage a "Multiplication Bee." (Grades 3-5) 07/18/2007
Using Dictionary Entries
Use this student work sheet with any dictionary page. (Grades 3-8) 07/16/2007
Mysteries in the Bag
Build a mystery story around a bag of evidence. (Grades K-12) 07/13/2007
Round Robin Post-It Review
Small-group activity a fun way to review, prep students for test. (Grades K-12) 07/12/2007
Comparing Countries
Graphic organizer helps compare, contrast countries. (Grades 3-12) 07/11/2007
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, Who Needs Math in Life at All?
A fun bulletin board helps students explore how they use math in their lives. (Grades Pre-K-12) 07/09/2007
Mysteries in the Bag
Build a mystery story around a bag of evidence. (Grades K-12) 07/06/2007
Five Quick Games Build Reading Skills
Five quick games build reading skills. (Grades K-8) 07/05/2007
How the Kangaroo Got Its Pouch
Create a play based on an Australian kangaroo legend. (Grades 3-5) 07/03/2007
Inner Circle/Outer Circle Debate Strategy
Inner/outer circle debate strategy emphasizes listening to others' views. (Grades 3-12) 07/02/2007
What Did It Cost 100 Years Ago?
Compare prices of goods today and 100 years ago. (Grades 3-12) 06/29/2007
Cafeteria Compost
Use lunchroom food scraps and yard clippings to create a compost pile. (Grades K-12) 06/28/2007
Fingered Felons
Analyze fingerprint evidence to solve a classroom crime. (Grades 3-8) 06/27/2007
"Bursting" Stereotypes
Burst stereotypes in this fun balloon activity. (Grades 3-12) 06/25/2007
Retablo-Style Self-Portraits
Celebrate Frida Kahlo’s (July 6) birthday. Create self-portraits in the style of her art. (Grades 3-12) 06/22/2007
A Unique Drawing Experience
With one set of directions, everyone creates a unique work of art. (Grades K-12) 06/21/2007
What's Inside My Computer?
Draw a picture of what a computer might look like inside. Then explore more! (Grades 3-12) 06/20/2007
Ten Characters from American Folklore
Learn about 10 characters from American folklore. (Grades 3-12) 06/18/2007
Yellow Pages Ad-dition
Real math: Figure out how much those Yellow Pages ads cost. (Grades 3-12) 06/15/2007
This Is America! Flag Collage
Make a Fourth of July flag collage from cut-up magazine photos. (Grades K-12) 06/14/2007
Design a Poet-T
Transform a plain white T-shirt into a "Poet-T." (Grades 3-12) 06/13/2007
Proverbs of One World
Create a book of proverbs that offer lessons of tolerance and respect. (Grades 3-12) 06/11/2007
President for a Day
Students pretend they are president for a day. (Grades K-8) 06/08/2007
Native American Recipes
Make journey cakes and other Native American foods. (Grades K-12) 06/07/2007
Cutting Costs With Coupons
Clip newspaper food coupons, add up the savings. (Grades 3-8) 06/06/2007
How the Kangaroo Got Its Pouch
Create a play based on an Australian kangaroo legend. (Grades 3-5) 06/05/2007
Think About It!
These problems demand logic, common sense, creative thinking. (Grades 3-8) 06/04/2007
Mysteries in the Bag
Build a mystery story around a bag of evidence. (Grades K-12) 06/01/2007
Detective Spellcheck Game
Hunt for spelling errors in this game of skill and quick reaction! (Grades K-8) 05/31/2007
Hieroglyphics: It's Not Greek to Me! (It's Egyptian!)
Use hieroglyphic characters, an online hieroglyphic translator too. (Grades 3-12) 05/30/2007
Review Game
This review game can be adapted to any subject, any grade. (Grades K-12) 05/29/2007
ZIP Code Math
Students add or subtract to solve ZIP Code math word problems. (Grades 3-12) 05/25/2007
Hang a Flag Mural
reet school visitors with a student-created flag mural. (Grades K-12) 05/24/2007
Junk Mail Overload!
Students track, graph the amount of junk mail their families receive. (Grades 3-12) 05/23/2007
Eggshell People
Create eggshell people; write eggshell people diaries, poems. (Grades K-5) 05/22/2007
A Monument, Please, for the Big Cheese!
Choose one president; design a monument that reflects his achievements. (Grades 3-12) 05/21/2007
Earth Day PSA
Students develop PSAs to draw attention to community environmental issues. (Grades 3-12) 05/18/2007
Ten Prompts for Student Writing
Ten prompts for engaging writing assignments. Take your pick! (Grades 3-8) 05/17/2007
"Greenhouse" Sprouts Garden
Grow sprouts from seeds using soil in clear plastic bags. (Grades K-8) 05/16/2007
Run the Circulatory System Relay
tudents participate in a circulatory-system relay race. (Grades 6-12) 05/15/2007
365 Days of African American History
Create a 365-day calendar of African-American history. (Grades 6-12) 05/14/2007
Honor Your School and Community Heroes
Students create special event or award to honor a community hero. (Grades K-12) 05/11/2007
The Wall Inspires Letters to Veterans
Inspire students to write letters to veterans at local hospitals. (Grades K-12) 05/10/2007
World War I Art and Artists
Learn about the artists behind paintings of World War I. (Grades 9-12) 05/09/2007
Biography Chat
Conduct interviews with historic figures in a TV talk-show format. (Grades 3-12) 05/08/2007
Do You See What I See?
Reproduce a work of art by following oral directions. (Grades 6-12) 05/07/2007
There Are Algae in Your House!
You’ll be amazed at the foods you eat that contain algae! (Grades 3-12) 05/04/2007
Postmark U.S.A.
Collect postmarks; track them on a classroom map. (Grades K-8) 05/03/2007
The Dictionary Game
A fun activity for building students’ vocabulary. (Grades 3-8) 05/02/2007
Creating Energy from Water
Learn about hydroelectricity, make a model water turbine. (Grades 3-8) 05/01/2007
Team Up for Telling Time
Use a fun online tool for a class telling-time competition. (Grades K-3) 04/30/2007
The Lost Art of Letter Writing
Read and reflect on the letters of President Harry Truman, whose birthday is May 8. (Grades 6-12) 04/27/2007
If the World Were a Village...
A popular picture book leads to lessons in multicultural awareness, graph-making, more. (Grades K-12) 04/26/2007
Guide Word Game
Students locate dictionary guide words in this timed team game. (Grades 3-8) 04/25/2007
Write a Teacher-Appreciation Letter
Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week by having students write a letter to a former teacher. (Grades 3-12) 04/24/2007
Five-O
Use logic and deductive reasoning to guess a vocab word in this team game. (Grades 3-12) 04/23/2007
Crazy Laws: There Must Have Been a Good Reason?
Investigate some crazy laws on Law Day, May 1. (Grades 5-12) 04/20/2007
A "Teacher Appreciation Week" Card for the Teacher
A nice project for art class; every student creates a different card for the teacher. (Grades K-8) 04/19/2007
Rock My World
Hands-on activity demonstrates how continents, oceans formed. (Grades 6-8) 04/18/2007
Arbor Day Across the United States -- A Color-Key Map Activity
Use a color key map to learn about planting times in the U.S. (Grades 3-8) 04/17/2007
Civil War Slang
Explore slang words and phrases used during the Civil War. (Grades 6-12) 04/16/2007
Space Tourism Brochure
Create travel brochures to sell tourists on the concept of space travel. (Grades 6-12) 04/13/2007
"The King's Choice"
A fairy tale and follow-up activities teach the skill of making predictions. (Grades K-8) 04/12/2007
Create a Word
Have fun making up new words, writing definitions for them. (Grades 3-12) 04/11/2007
"Giggle Poetry" Theater
Perform silly poems as theater during Poetry Month. Scripts provided. (Grades 3-8) 04/10/2007
Civil War Photos Tell a Story
Write a story about one of Matthew Brady’s Civil War photographs. (Grades 5-12) 04/09/2007
Overflowing the Banks
Hands-on activity teaches how floods happen. (Grades 3-8) 04/06/2007
Water Use Around the World
Compare your water use with water use in other places around the world. (Grades 3-12) 04/05/2007
Students' Favorite Reading Topics
During National Library Week (April 15-21), have students survey classmates’ reading preferences. (Grades K-8) 04/04/2007
The San Francisco Earthquake of 1906
Recognize the anniversary of the San Francisco earthquake (April 18) with this comprehension activity. (Grades 4-12) 04/03/2007
From One Child to Another: Letters About the Holocaust
Read a "Children of the Holocaust" biography; write a letter to that child. (Grades 3-8) 04/02/2007
"Two Diamond Baseball" Review Game
This "baseball" game can be used to reinforce skills in any subject. (Grades K-12) 03/30/2007
How Much Water Do Plants Need?
Study effects of varying amounts of water on plants. (Grades K-8) 03/29/2007
Save the Library!
Students write letters to save a library from closure. (Grades 3-8) 03/28/2007
Bowling Math
Keeping score of a bowling match is a fun way to learn math. (Grades 3-8) 03/27/2007
Surname Survey
Use a local phone book to learn if your community reflects U.S. surname data. (Grades 3-12) 03/26/2007
Using Graphic Organizers to Generate Genre Definitions
Use a graphic organizer to form definitions of a variety of literary genres. (Grades 3-12) 03/23/2007
Backwards Day
Plan a "Backwards Day" on April Fool's Day or for a fun reward. (Grades Pre-K - 8) 03/22/2007
Roman Numeral Math
Solve simple math problems using Roman numerals. (Grades 3-12) 03/21/2007
Nuts for Peanuts!
Peanuts spur activities across the curriculum and across the grades. (Grades K-5) 03/20/2007
What Happened?
Explore legends surrounding volcanoes, write your own legend. (Grades 3-12) 03/19/2007
Act It Out: Dramatizing Stories from Asian American Cultures
Act out folktales, fairy tales, or myths from Asian American cultures. (Grades K-12) 03/16/2007
Help Wanted: President of the United States
Learn about the President’s responsibilities; write a want ad for the position. (Grades 3-12) 03/15/2007
Basketball for Better Verse
Students write poems about basketball. (Grades 3-12) 03/14/2007
Graphing Our Snacks
During Nutrition Month, graph the fat content of favorite snack foods. (Grades 3-12) 03/13/2007
Egg Hunt Reinforces Math, Language Skills
Do it indoors, or take kids outdoors for a fun learning activity and a little exercise. (Grades K-8) 03/12/2007
String Eggs
Decorate the classroom with beautiful string eggs for Easter. (Grades 3-8) 03/09/2007
Rockin' Rhythm Band
During Music in Our Schools Month, create rhythms from ordinary objects. (Grades K-12) 03/08/2007
Bug Me While I'm Eating!
It’s Nutrition Month -- compare the nutritional values of insects and your favorite foods. (Grades 3-12) 03/07/2007
Build an Oxygen Plant
Understand the human circulatory system. (Grades 6-12) 03/06/2007
Grow a Great Spring Bulletin Board: Eggshell Flowers
Create a colorful spring bulletin board using this fun art project. (Grades K-5) 03/05/2007
North, South, East, or West
This fun any-time game teaches/reinforces geographic directionality. (Grades K-5) 03/02/2007
Fun Food Quiz: True or False?
During Nutrition Month, use this fun food quiz to test students’ knowledge of vegetables, fruits. (Grades 3-8) 03/01/2007
Guess-timating Fun
Fun activity reinforces estimation, number lines, mean, median… (Grades K-12) 02/28/2007
Eating Up Idioms
During Nutrition Month (March), feed your students a diet of food idioms. (Grades 3-12) 02/27/2007
Women's Words of Wisdom
Create a bulletin board of inspiring quotes by famous women. (Grades 4-12) 02/26/2007
Make a Music Video
Create a short music video for a familiar children's song. (Grades K-12) 02/23/2007
Reporting Live from the 20th Century
Report live from one of the top news stories of the 20th century. (Grades 3-12) 02/22/2007
Native American Glossary
Create a glossary of words with Native American origins. (Grades 3-8) 02/21/2007
Persuade the Aliens!
Be an alien. Persuade your master to adopt a custom you witnessed on Earth. (Grades K-12) 02/20/2007
Draw Like an Egyptian
Learn how to draw like an Egyptian. (Grades K-12) 02/16/2007
Now Let Me Fly -- A Black History Reader's Theater Script
Celebrate Black History Month by staging a classroom production of this play. (Grades 3-12) 02/15/2007
Follow the Drinking Gourd
Create an art project based on a song used to guide slaves to freedom. (Grades K-2) 02/14/2007
Langston Hughes Was a Dreamer Too
> Learn how Langston Hughes expressed his dreams through poetry. (Grades 2-12) 02/13/2007
George Washington Teaches Map Directions
George Washington teaches math, following directions. (Grades 3-8) 02/12/2007
Secrets of the Presidents
Learn secrets of the presidents with this printable activity. (Grades 3-8) 02/09/2007
Three-Way Match: Famous Black Americans
A unique three-way matching activity teaches about famous African Americans. (Grades 4-12) 02/08/2007
"Meet Our Presidents" Bulletin Board
Research and create a "Meet Our Presidents" bulletin board display. (Grades K-12) 02/07/2007
The Black History Rap
Write a rap lyric about a famous African-American. (Grades 3-12) 02/06/2007
Candy Heart Stories
Write a story that includes the text of the candy conversation hearts you choose. (Grades 1-8) 02/05/2007
Broken-Heart Matching Game
Reinforce many skills with this Valentine's Day broken-heart matching game. (Grades Pre-K-12) 02/02/2007
365 Days of African American History
Create a 365-day calendar of African-American history. (Grades 6-12) 02/01/2007
Fabulous Firsts in African American History
Learn about famous firsts in African-American history. (Grades 3-12) 01/31/2007
Presidents at Inauguration Graph: How Old Were They?
Graph the presidents' ages at inauguration. (Grades K-8) 01/30/2007
Coin Count & Classification
Make, test a prediction about how 100 pennies will sort by decade or year. (Grades 3-12) 01/29/2007
Parachute Drop
Follow directions to create parachutes that safely carry paperclip passengers. (Grades K-4) 01/26/2007
1-800-MATHFUN
Combine numbers, letters to form creative 1-800 numbers for local businesses. (Grades 3-8) 01/25/2007
And You Thought Gasoline Was Expensive!
Compare the cost of a gallon of gas to a gallon of other liquids. (Grades 3-12) 01/24/2007
P Is for Poetry
Young students, ESL students build vocab as they create simple ABC poems. (Grades K-12) 01/23/2007
Earth from Space Maps
Use maps from space to create large local, U.S., or world maps. (Grades 3-12) 01/22/2007
'Indescribably' Excellent Descriptions
Engage students in writing "indescribably excellent" descriptions. (Grades K-12) 01/19/2007
Write a Caption!
Write captions for amusing photos. (Grades 4-12) 01/18/2007
GBest-Selling Books Bar Graph
Create a graph of the best-selling children’s books of all time. (Grades K-5) 01/17/2007
Goldilocks: The Sequel
Write a sequel to the classic story "Goldilocks and the Three Bears." (Grades 3-8) 01/16/2007
Those Who Fought
Students interview veterans of World War II. (Grades 6-12) 01/15/2007
Snow Painting
Use a water/food coloring mixture to paint on snow. Fun winter art activity. (Grades Pre-K-5) 01/12/2007
Charting Historical Gas Prices
Does gasoline eat up more of a person's paycheck today than it did years ago? (Grades 6-12) 01/11/2007
Comparing Composers: Beethoven and Mozart
Celebrate Mozart’s birth: compare Beethoven and Mozart. Work sheet included. (Grades 3-12) 01/10/2007
Busted!
This game can be adapted to reinforce math skills, vocabulary, much more. (Grades K-12) 01/09/2007
A Lesson in "Comma Sense"
Have fun with this lesson in "comma sense." (Grades 6-12) 01/08/2007
100 Years Ago in History
Start the new year by investigating events that happened 100 years ago this year. (Grades 5-12) 01/05/2007
Lewis and Clark: Equipping the Expedition
Learn about preparations Lewis & Clark made to equip their expedition. (Grades 3-12) 01/04/2007
Tissue, Please!
Share a read-aloud story and a fun art project to teach cold-season manners. (Grades Pre-K -2) 01/03/2007
Martin Luther King Jr.:
A pre- and post-reading exercise documents learning about the life of Martin Luther King. (Grades 3-8) 01/02/2007
Earn Spelling Points!
More than 20 activities for spicing up your weekly spelling lessons. (Grades K-12) 12/14/2006
Sunrise, Sunset: Quickly Go the Days
Alaska Statehood anniversary: January 3. Why does Alaska have less daylight than your state has? (Grades 3-12) 12/13/2006
A Musical Holiday Gift
A CD song collection by your students makes a great gift for any holiday. (Grades PreK-12) 12/12/2006
The Betsy Ross Story: Truth or Legend?
Recognize Betsy Ross’s birthday (January 1) with this truth vs. legend activity. (Grades 3-12) 12/11/2006
Copy-Paper Scrap Projects
Turn scrap paper into a lesson in following directions. (Grades 3-8) 12/08/2006
Create a Country
Students apply geography skills as they create a map of an imaginary country. (Grades 3-12) 12/07/2006
President Jefferson's Cipher: Cracking the Code
Crack the code President Jefferson used to communicate with Lewis & Clark. (Grades 3-12) 12/06/2006
Money Math Match:
Hunt for the classmate who holds a bag of coins of equal value to yours. (Grades K-5) 12/05/2006
"We Love to READ" Bulletin Board:
Bulletin board makes perfect backdrop for mini book reports. (Grades K-5) 12/04/2006
A World of Information
>: Color maps to illustrate "top ten" statistics about our world. (Grades 3-12) 12/01/2006
Holiday Wreath Ornament
Fun holiday project: create a holiday wreath ornament. (Grades K-5) 11/30/2006
Dictionary Detective
Build students' dictionary skills with this fun activity. (Grades 3-12) 11/29/2006
Planet X
Celebrate the Bill of Rights anniversary (Dec. 15) by writing a Bill of Rights for a colony you are founding on a distant planet. (Grades 3-8) 11/28/2006
Seasonal Notepad Gift
In this simple technology lesson, students create a seasonal notepad gift. (Grades K-12) 11/27/2006
Rosa Parks Changed the Rules
Complete a diagram of the Montgomery bus that carried Rosa Parks. (Grades K-5) 11/22/2006
Norman Rockwell Paints America
Take a "gallery walk" of Norman Rockwell paintings, discuss the stories they tell. (Grades 3-12) 11/21/2006
What's in a Name?
Learn about states whose names have Native American origins. (Grades 3-12) 11/20/2006
By the Numbers
Use a chart to answer questions about Native populations in U.S. states. (Grades 3-8) 11/16/2006
Gap vs. Old Navy: Mapping Brand Names Across the U.S.
Use the MapMuse online tool to map brand names. (Grades 3-12) 11/15/2006
Thanksgiving Feast (Read the Charts)
Learn about where some Thanksgiving foods are grown. (Grades 3-8) 11/13/2006
Turkey Hunt Math
Stage a turkey hunt that reinforces number sequence and other math skills. (Grades Pre-K - 5) 11/11/2006
Puzzles With Partners
A fun reward activity involves puzzles and cooperative groups. (Grades K-12) 11/10/2006
Pine Cone Turkeys
Decorate your classroom or students’ dinner tables with pine cone turkeys. (Grades K-8) 11/09/2006
"Book Report Gallery" Bulletin Board :
A camera is all you need to create this fun bulletin board for Book Week or anytime. (Grades Pre-K-8) 11/08/2006
You Are the Historian: Investigating the First Thanksgiving :
Learn the truth about the "First Thanksgiving." (Grades 3-8) 11/07/2006
Piecing It Together! :
Use tiny pieces of state maps as clues to figuring out the state. (Grades 3-12) 11/06/2006
Graphing the Annual Food Drive :
Graph the amount of food that comes in during the annual food drive. (Grades K-12) 11/03/2006
Dramatizing Folktales, Legends, and Myths :
Read, act out folktales from Native American cultures. (Grades 3-8) 11/02/2006
Drafting the Gettysburg Address :
Recognize the anniversary (Nov. 19) of the Gettysburg Address; compare the draft to the final version. (Grades 6-12) 11/01/2006
Turkeys Gobble Up Bulletin Board Space :
Two fun ways for turkeys to gobble up bulletin board space. (Grades K-5) 10/31/2006
Anti-Smoking Letter Writing Campaign :
Recognize the Great American Smokeout; write a letter to encourage a friend not to smoke. (Grades 3-12) 10/30/2006
Thanksgiving Placemats:
Make Thanksgiving placemats as a community service project. (Grades Pre-K-12) 10/27/2006
Smoking Danger Demonstration
Demonstrate the dangers of smoking for the Great American Smokeout on November 16. (Grades K-12) 10/26/2006
Animal Encyclopedia Search
Learn interesting animal facts using this classroom computer-center activity. (Grades 2-6) 10/25/2006
The Wall Inspires Letters to Veterans
Inspire students to write letters to veterans at local hospitals. (Grades K-12) 10/24/2006
Remember Our Soldiers
There are many special ways to recognize our soldiers this Veterans Day. (Grades K-12) 10/23/2006
My Pumpkin Story
Use an online tool to create a unique pumpkin, then write a story about its special characteristics.
(Grades K-5) 10/19/2006
'Indescribably' Excellent Descriptions Students train their eyes to look more closely at detail and imperfections as they write "indescribably" excellent descriptions of places, people, and things!
(Grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 ) 10/19/2006
Make a Mummy: The Science of Mummification Learn about mummification by making an apple (or chicken) mummy. (Grades 3-12) 10/17/2006
"War of the Worlds": A Broadcast Re-Creation Relive -- and re-create -- the panic-causing 1938 radio broadcast of "War of the Worlds." (Grades 6-12) 10/16/2006
Saying No! Celebrate Red Ribbon Week (October 21-29) by presenting plays about saying no to drugs. (Grades 3-12) 10/12/2006
The Truth About Bats
This work sheet will help students learn the truth about bats. (Grades 3-6) 10/11/2006
Halloween Party Alternatives from UNICEF
Replace your Halloween party with a valuable service-learning project. (Grades PreK-12) 10/10/2006
Eight-Square Scrabble® Spell-Off
Build words from eight Scrabble tiles. Who'll earn the highest score? (Grades 2-12) 10/09/2006
How Do Clouds Form?
A hands-on experiment illustrates how clouds form. (Grades K-5) 10/06/2006
Hairy Monster Stories
Create "hairy monsters" and write fun stories about them. (Grades 2-6) 10/05/2006
Guide Word Game
Celebrate Noah Webster's birthday (October 16) with this dictionary guide word game. (Grades 3-8) 10/04/2006
Graphing Names in a Historic Cemetery
Tally and graph the most common names found in a local historic cemetery. (Grades 2-8) 10/03/2006
Where Did Foods Originate?
Explore how New World explorers changed the Old World's diet. (Grades K-12) 10/02/2006
Monarch Butterfly Migration Map
Create a map to illustrate the migration of monarch butterflies. (Grades 4-8) 09/29/2006
Fire Safety Songs (and Poems Too)
Songs, poems for teaching about fire safety. (Grades PreK-2) 09/28/2006
Stained-Glass-Window Leaves for Autumn
Make "stained-glass" fall leaves to decorate classroom windows. (Grades K-6) 09/27/2006
The Great Chicago Fire
Investigate the Great Chicago Fire. What was its real cause? (Grades 6-12) 09/26/2006
Meet Mr. Gallon
Use Mr. Gallon to help your students learn about liquid measurement. (Grades 2-4) 09/25/2006
Read a Fall Foliage Map
Use a color key to read a fall foliage map. Printable work sheet included. (Grades 3-8) 09/22/2006
"And That's The Way It Is…" Today in History
Students create a nightly-news broadcast for a special time/date in history. (Grades 4-12) 09/21/2006
Graph the Results: Applesauce Taste Test
Make three kinds of applesauce, hold an applesauce taste test. (Grades PreK-8) 09/20/2006
An Unfinished Tale…
Challenge students to write an ending for this tale of a lesson learned. (Grades 1-4) 09/19/2006
Autumn Colors Shine Through
Let autumn shine through with colorful window decorations. (Grades K-5) 09/18/2006
Go West With Columbus
"Go West With Columbus" game teaches map skills. (Grades K-5) 09/15/2006
20 Questions: Can You Stump the Machine?
Students build critical thinking skills as they attempt to stump a "20 Questions" machine. (Grades K-12) 09/14/2006
What's in a Name?
Use clues to identify U.S. cities with unusual names. (Grades 3-12) 09/13/2006
Pinwheels for Peace
Create "pinwheels for peace" to celebrate International World Peace Day September 21. (Grades K-12) 09/12/2006
The Alphabet Game
Use alphabet cards to play a small-group spelling game. (Grades K-8) 09/11/2006
Tracking Fall's Falling Temperatures
Reinforce many skills by tracking falling temperatures this fall. (Grades 3-12) 09/08/2006
The Week That Was
A weekly writing assignment results in a year-end volume of work that documents students' writing progress. (Grades K-12) 09/07/2006
How Well Do You Follow Directions?
Teach valuable lessons about listening and following directions. (Grades K-12) 09/06/2006
A "Typical Day" Then and Now
Compare a "typical day" to a grandparent's typical day when he or she was a child. (Grades K-8) 09/05/2006
Simon Says "Who Are You?"
This Simon Says game highlights students' similarities, differences. (Grades K-5) 09/01/2006
Up-to-Date Aesop
Rewrite an Aesop fable in modern language and a modern setting. (Grades K-12) 08/31/2006
Kids Bullying Kids
Survey, discuss data about bullying in your school. (Grades 3-8) 08/30/2006
Native American Word Search
Complete a Native American tribe word search. (Grades 3-8) 08/29/2006
Read-a-Thon
Read books to raise funds for the school library. (Grades K-12) 08/28/2006
Weekly Math Challenge
Set up a "Math Challenge Center" in your classroom. (Grades 3-12) 08/25/2006
Math Bingo
Adapt the game of BINGO for reviewing math facts. (Grades K-12) 08/24/2006
Hieroglyphics: It's Not Greek to Me!
Use hieroglyphic characters, an online hieroglyphic translator too. (Grades 3-12) 08/23/2006
Wacky Word Play
Combine students' love of word games and drawing. (Grades 3-12) 08/22/2006
Huey and Louie Meet Dewey
Use this work sheet and resources to teach about the Dewey Decimal System. (Grades 3-8) 08/21/2006
A Month of Mapping Literature
Use literature to take your students on a world tour. (Grades 3-12) 08/18/2006
True Grid
Explore probability; predict the occurrence of each M&M color. (Grades 3-8) 08/17/2006
Getting-to-Know-You Crossword Puzzle
A class crossword puzzle makes a great back-to-school activity or bulletin board. (Grades K-12) 08/16/2006
Heads Up for Headlines!
Write headlines that express the main ideas of news stories. (Grades K-12) 08/15/2006
Heroes in History ABC Book
Create a Heroes in History ABC book. (Grades 3-12) 08/14/2006
Presidents Picture Book
Create a picture book of U.S. presidents. (Grades K-8) 08/11/2006
Cells are 3-D!
Students make 3-dimensional models of plant and animal cells. (Grades 6-12) 08/10/2006
Puzzle Race Builds Cooperative-Group Skills
A puzzle race builds cooperative group work skills. (Grades K-8) 08/09/2006
Circulatory System Travel Brochures
Create travel brochures for a trip through the human circulatory system. (Grades 6-12) 08/08/2006
Put a Woman on a Stamp
Nominate a woman to be honored on a new commemorative stamp. (Grades 6-12) 08/07/2006
Working on the Slant
Learn about slant by comparing how several newspapers cover a story. (Grades 3-12) 08/04/2006
Around-the-Room Review
The "around the room" review game engages everyone. (Grades K-12) 08/03/2006
Charge!?
Compare the features of three different types of credit cards. (Grades 9-12) 08/02/2006
Who Said That?
Complete a tutorial on Web literacy; use what you learn to evaluate a Web site. (Grades K-5) 08/01/2006
Using Primary Sources: Letters from the Presidents
Learn about the U.S. presidents through actual letters they wrote. (Grades 6-12) 07/31/2006
Around-the-Room Review
The "around the room" review game engages everyone. (Grades K-12) 07/27/2006
Tabloid Tales
Write a story for one of these unbelievable tabloid news headlines. (Grades 3-12) 07/26/2006
Popcorn Math
Use popcorn to teach a wide range of math concepts. (Grades K-8) 07/25/2006
'Targets'
Examine the real messages behind advertising. (Grades 6-12) 07/24/2006
Teaching Students to Tell Time: Three Resources for Busy Teachers
Three activity sheets develop, reinforce time-telling skills. (Grades K-5) 07/21/2006
Magic Sum
Learn a "magic" trick as you practice two-digit addition. (Grades 3-8) 07/20/2006
Where Am I?
Use latitude and longitude to identify volcano locations. (Grades 6-12) 07/19/2006
Ball and Triangle Game
Create a modern version of an old Native American children's game. (Grades K-8) 07/18/2006
Those Tear-Me-Apart, Put-Me-Back-Together, Never-Be-the-Same-Again Blues
This powerful activity illustrates how words can hurt -- or heal. (Grades Pre-K - 8) 07/17/2006
Five Spelling Games
Spice up spelling routines with these five activities. (Grades K-8) 07/14/2006
Stage a Poetry Slam!
Stage a classroom or school-wide poetry slam. (Grades 3-12) 07/13/2006
Pet Pellets
Create an advertising campaign for a new pet food. (Grades 3-12) 07/12/2006
What a Pair! A Cross-Grade Writing Activity
Older and younger students team up in this cross-grade writing activity. (Grades K-12) 07/11/2006
Got the Time? (Math Word Problems)
Word problems put students' time-telling skills to practical use. (Grades 3-8) 07/10/2006
Every Day Is Presidents' Day at the White House
Young students role play being President of the United States. (Grades K-3) 07/07/2006
The World of Anne Frank
Ideas for teaching about the life and diary of Anne Frank. (Grades 6-12) 07/06/2006
Four Corner Fun: A Review Game
Multiple-choice questions are center stage in this review activity. (Grades Pre-K - 12) 06/30/2006
Global Economy: A Simple Activity
Explore where in the world things we use come from. (Grades 3-12) 06/29/2006
Understanding Needs and Feelings
Complete this story to show how different people deal with needs, feelings. (Grades 3-5) 06/28/2006
Word Processing Can Be Lots of Font!
Fun poem activity reinforces basic word processing skills. (Grades 3-8) 06/27/2006
Germs Experiment 2
Use glitter to demonstrate how germs travel. (Grades K-5) 06/26/2006
Thinking About Our Troops
A handful of ways to connect students with our overseas troops. (Grades K-12) 06/23/2006
Retablo-Style Self-Portraits
Celebrate Frida Kahlo's birthday. Create self-portraits in the style of her art. (Grades 3-12) 06/22/2006
Drafting the Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence: compare Jefferson's draft with the final version. (Grades 6-12) 06/21/2006
The Gods of Ancient Greece, Egypt, and Rome
Create a diary or postcard to share knowledge of ancient gods. (Grades 3-12) 06/20/2006
Just a Minute!
This activity helps students put one minute in perspective. (Grades K-12) 06/19/2006
Native American Misconceptions
Blast students' stereotypes about Native Americans. (Grades K-5) 06/16/2006
The Magician's Apprentice
Performing magic tricks teaches the importance of following directions. (Grades 3-8) 06/15/2006
Soccer Spelling
Capitalize on World Cup excitement. Combine spelling and soccer in this fun game. (Grades K-5) 06/14/2006
Huey and Louie Meet Dewey
Use this work sheet and resources to teach about the Dewey Decimal System. (Grades 3-8) 06/13/2006
Presidential Eligibility
Could Britney Spears be elected president? Derek Jeter? (Grades 3-12) 06/12/2006
Bark Art
Learn about Australia's Aborigines, create Aboriginal bark art. (Grades K-5) 06/09/2006
Create a Globe
Make globes from balloons and a paper-paste mixture. (Grades 3-5) 06/08/2006
Everybody Is Unique: A Lesson in Respect for Others
Art activity teaches about respect for others' unique qualities. (Grades K-8) 06/07/2006
World War I Art and Artists
Learn about the artists behind paintings of World War I. (Grades 9-12) 06/06/2006
"Mind Reader" Math Trick
A math-based card trick to convince their friends that they can read minds. (Grades 3-12) 06/05/2006
Rescuers: Those Who Risked Their Lives to Save Others
Read Holocaust rescue accounts, write reflective essays. (Grades 6-12) 06/02/2006
How Did Civil War Soldiers Battle Boredom?
Battling boredom in Civil War days; a Venn diagram activity. (Grades 3-8) 06/01/2006
Germs Experiment
Observe the growth of germs on three germ-covered potato slices. (Grades K-8) 05/31/2006
Guide Word Sentences
Creative writing: write sentences using guide words on a dictionary page. (Grades 3-8) 05/30/2006
Create a BIG Book
Create a "big book" edition of a favorite story. (Grades K-2) 05/26/2006
Headline News
Create simple stories using words cut from newspaper headlines. (Grades 3-12) 05/25/2006
Vegetable Rock Garden
Grow vegetable sections without soil. (Grades K-5) 05/24/2006
The Million $ Mission
Calculate the quickest way to earn $1 million in one month. (Grades 3-12) 05/23/2006
An Immigration Graph
Create a graph to show the number of immigrants by country of origin. (Grades 3-8) 05/22/2006
Hang a Flag Mural
Greet school visitors with a student-created flag mural. (Grades K-12) 05/19/2006
The Average Kid
Create visual profiles of the "average" boy/girl in your class. (Grades 3-8) 05/18/2006
Boomerang Fun
Learn about boomerangs, create them in different styles. (Grades 3-5) 05/17/2006
Step and Spell
This spelling "active-ity" reinforces students' awareness of the computer keyboard. (Grades K-4) 05/16/2006
Be on the Lookout!
Create "Wanted" posters for destructive bugs. (Grades 3-8) 05/15/2006
How Many Blades of Grass in a Football Field?
A sample count helps students estimate the total amount of grass. (Grades 4-12) 05/12/2006
The Wall Inspires Letters to Veterans
Inspire students to write letters to veterans at local hospitals. (Grades K-12) 05/11/2006
Team Up for Time Telling
Use a fun online tool for a class telling-time competition. (Grades K-3) 05/10/2006
Reacting to Conflict
Explore different ways people deal with conflict. (Grades 6-8) 05/09/2006
Pictures Tell a Story: A Lesson in Sequencing
In this lesson, students illustrate sequential events in a story or in history. (Grades K-8) 05/08/2006
Catchy Captions
A lesson in newspaper photo captions and caption writing. (Grades K-5) 05/05/2006
"Two Diamond Baseball" Review Game
This "baseball" game can be used to reinforce skills in any subject. (Grades K-12) 05/04/2006
Where in the World Is That Volcano?
Locate active volcanoes on a world map. (Grades 3-8) 05/03/2006
"Visual Fractions" Game
Create a classroom fractions competition using a Web-based game. (Grades 3-8) 05/02/2006
The Lost Art of Letter Writing
Recognize Harry Truman's birthday (May 8) by reading and reflecting on his letters. (Grades 6-12) 05/01/2006
Write a Teacher-Appreciation Letter
Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week by having students write a letter to one of their former teachers. (Grades 3-12) 04/28/2006
Five-O
Use logic and deductive reasoning to guess a vocab word in this team game. (Grades 3-12) 04/27/2006
Map a World of Facts
On a world map mark ten places associated with these fun facts. (Grades 4-8) 04/26/2006
Postmark U.S.A.
Collect postmarks; track them on a classroom map. (Grades K-8) 04/25/2006
A "Teacher Appreciation Week" Card for the Teacher
A nice project for art class; every student creates a different card for the teacher. (Grades K-8) 04/24/2006
Rock My World
Hands-on activity demonstrates how continents, oceans formed. (Grades 6-8) 04/21/2006
Crazy Laws: There Must Have Been a Good Reason?
Investigate some crazy laws on Law Day, May 1. (Grades 5-12) 04/20/2006
Space Tourism Brochure
Create travel brochures to sell tourists on the concept of space travel. (Grades 6-12) 04/19/2006
"Giggle Poetry" Theater
Perform silly poems as theater during Poetry Month. Scripts provided. (Grades 3-8) 04/18/2006
Create a Word
Have fun making up new words, writing definitions for them. (Grades 3-12) 04/17/2006
The San Francisco Earthquake of 1906
Recognize the anniversary of the San Francisco earthquake (April 18) with this comprehension activity. (Grades 4-12) 04/14/2006
Civil War Slang
Explore slang words and phrases used during the Civil War. (Grades 6-12) 04/13/2006
Who Wrote That?
Students have fun trying to identify which classmate wrote each response to a writing prompt. (Grades K-12) 04/12/2006
From One Child to Another: Letters About the Holocaust
Read a "Children of the Holocaust" biography; write a letter to that child. (Grades 3-8) 04/11/2006
Charting Historical Gas Prices
Does gasoline eat up more of a person's paycheck today than it did years ago? (Grades 6-12) 04/10/2006
Civil War Photos Tell a Story
Write a story about one of Matthew Brady's Civil War photographs. (Grades 5-12) 04/07/2006
Hoot, the Movie -- and Classroom Activities Too
Integrate these teaching activities provided by the movie's producers. (Grades 5-8) 04/06/2006
Overflowing the Banks
Hands-on activity teaches about how floods happen. (Grades 3-8) 04/05/2006
"One-Minute Monologue" Builds Communication Skills
Every student deserves 60 seconds in the spotlight. (Grades 3-12) 04/04/2006
Students' Favorite Reading Topics
Students survey their classmates' reading preferences. (Grades K-8) 04/03/2006
"101 Amazing Earth Facts" Game
Play this Jeopardy-like game on Earth Day, or anytime. (Grades 3-12) 03/31/2006
Spelling Takes a Hit!
This game puts the "active" in spelling active-ity! (Grades K-5) 03/30/2006
Egg Hunt Reinforces Math, Language Skills
Do it indoors -- or take kids outdoors for a fun learning activity and a little exercise. (Grades K-8) 03/29/2006
Geography Twister
Students exercise while they play this fun geography game based on Twister. (Grades K-12) 03/28/2006
Daily Language Practice Builds Skills, Test Scores
Turn daily language practice into a game, build test scores too. (Grades 3-12) 03/27/2006
String Eggs
Decorate the classroom with beautiful string eggs for Easter. (Grades 3-8) 03/24/2006
Anticipation Guides Improve Reading Comprehension
Use anticipation guides to help your students focus on the most important concepts in content-area reading assignments. (Grades K-12) 03/23/2006
Invent a Great New Game!
Given four items of equipment, students invent a game that can be played. (Grades K-12) 03/22/2006
"Place the State" Game
Can students correctly place all 50 states on a U.S. map? (Grades 3-8) 03/21/2006
H2O to Go
Sponge relay race offers a fun way to learn math (measurement) skills. (Grades K-8) 03/20/2006
Backwards Day
Plan a "Backwards Day" on April Fool's Day, as a Halloween alternative, or for a fun reward. (Grades Pre-K - 8) 03/17/2006
You Be the Editor
Student-editors work in teams to correct errors in this fast-paced activity. (Grades K-12) 03/16/2006
The Great Egg Roll Online Project
Join schools from all over the world for a fun springtime activity. (Grades Pre-K - 8) 03/15/2006
Bug Me While I'm Eating!
Compare nutritional value of insects to that of your favorite foods. (Grades 3-12) 03/14/2006
Grow a Great Spring Bulletin Board: Eggshell Flowers
Create a colorful spring bulletin board using this fun art project. (Grades K-5) 03/13/2006
Fact-O!
Practice math facts with this game of skill and chance. (Grades K-12) 03/10/2006
Eating Up Idioms
During Nutrition Month, feed your students a diet of food idioms. (Grades 3-12) 03/09/2006
Dead Word Wall Kills Overused Words
Create a "Dead Word Wall" to "kill" words overused in student writing. (Grades K-12) 03/08/2006
Surprising Facts About Life 50 Years Ago
Compile interesting facts about life in another time. (Grades 5-12) 03/07/2006
Fun Food Quiz: True or False?
Fun food quiz tests knowledge of vegetables, fruits. (Grades 3-8) 03/06/2006
Graphing Our Snacks
Graph the fat content of favorite snack foods. (Grades 3-12) 03/03/2006
Bueno Brothers' Bean Dip
How many words can be formed from a scoop of lima bean letters. (Grades K-8) 03/02/2006
Women's Words of Wisdom
Create a bulletin board of inspiring quotes by famous women. (Grades 4-12) 03/01/2006
Let Your Fingers Do the Estimating
Estimate the number of phone listings in you local telephone directory. (Grades 3-12) 02/28/2006
Multiple Meanings Game
Hunt for the classmate whose definition card leads to the same word as yours. (Grades 2-8) 02/27/2006
"Write-a-Letter-to-the-Teacher" Book Report
Combine writing a book report with writing a friendly letter. (Grades K-5) 02/24/2006
Plan a Read-All-Day Day
Celebrate Read Across America/World Book Day on March 2. (Grades K-12) 02/23/2006
Following Directions
This lesson proves that frequent practice can improve skills. (Grades 5-8) 02/22/2006
Langston Hughes Was a Dreamer Too
Learn how Langston Hughes expressed his dreams through poetry. (Grades 2-12) 02/21/2006
Now Let Me Fly -- A Black History Reader's Theater Script
Celebrate Black History Month by staging a classroom production of this play. (Grades 3-12) 02/17/2006
Bing!
This game combines spelling words and chance. (Grades K-12) 02/16/2006
Three-Way Match: Famous Black Americans
A unique three-way matching activity teaches about famous African Americans. (Grades 4-12) 02/15/2006
The Black History Rap
Write a rap lyric about a famous African-American. (Grades 3-12) 02/14/2006
George Washington Teaches Map Directions
If students follow "directions," they'll have a picture of George Washington. (Grades 3-8) 02/13/2006
"Meet Our Presidents" Bulletin Board
Students research and create a "Meet Our Presidents" bulletin board display. (Grades K-12) 02/10/2006
The Recycle Games
You've heard of the Olympic Games. How about the Recycle Games? (Grades K-12) 02/09/2006
Secrets of the Presidents
Learn little-known facts with this printable activity. (Grades 3-8) 02/08/2006
Presidents at Inauguration Graph: How Old Were They?
Graph the presidents' ages at inauguration. (Grades K-8) 02/07/2006
Holiday Greeting Cards: A Graphing Activity
Create a graph to show the holidays that account for the highest greeting-card sales. (Grades 3-12) 02/06/2006
Broken-Heart Matching Game
Reinforce many skills with this Valentine's Day broken-heart matching game. (Grades Pre-K-12) 02/03/2006
365 Days of African American History
Create a 365-day calendar of African-American history. (Grades 6-12) 02/02/2006
Candy Heart Stories
Write a story that includes the text of the candy conversation hearts you chose. (Grades 1-8) 02/01/2006
Fabulous Firsts in African American History
Learn about famous firsts in African-American history. (Grades 3-12) 01/31/2006
Tissue, Please!
Share a read-aloud story and a fun art project to teach cold-season manners. (Grades Pre-K -2) 01/30/2006
My Own Picture Dictionary
Students create personal picture dictionaries. (Grades K-2) 01/27/2006
Tom's Tempting Tongue Twister Truly Tangled My Tongue
Create challenging tongue twisters that truly tangle the tongue. (Grades 3-12) 01/26/2006
Coin Count & Classification
On Lincoln's birthday, make, test a prediction about how 100 pennies will sort by decade or year. (Grades 3-12) 01/25/2006
Understanding Idioms Is a Piece of Cake
Teaching about idioms can be great fun. Included: Idiom resources. (Grades 3-12) 01/24/2006
Triangles Are Not Bad!
Perform a play about prejudice, tolerance. (Grades K-4) 01/23/2006
Making Predictions: "The King's Choice"
A fairy tale and follow-up activities teach the skill of making predictions. (Grades K-8) 01/20/2006
Fun With Calendars
This lesson combines algebra and fun with calendars. (Grades 6-12) 01/19/2006
Busted!
This game can be adapted to reinforce math skills, vocabulary, much more. (Grades K-12) 01/18/2006
Civil War Recipes
Prepare foods Civil War soldiers might have eaten. (Grades K-12) 01/17/2006
If the World Were a Village…
A popular picture book leads to lessons in multicultural awareness, graph-making, more. (Grades K-12) 01/16/2006
Word-zles
Word-zles puzzles make fun thinking activities. (Grades 3-12) 01/13/2006
Chinese New Year: A Simple Lesson in Debt, Percent, and Loan Interest
A Chinese New Year tradition lends itself to a simple lesson in percent and loan interest. (Grades 5-12) 01/12/2006
Power Problem
Calculate losses caused by a snowstorm. (Grades 3-8) 01/11/2006
Snow Paintings
Students use a water/food coloring mixture to paint on snow. Fun winter art activity. (Grades Pre-K-5) 01/10/2006
Comparing Composers: Beethoven and Mozart
Celebrate Mozart's birthday (Jan.27) with this activity that compares him and Beethoven. (Grades 3-12) 01/09/2006
Martin Luther King Jr.: A Pre- and Post-Reading Activity
A pre- and post-reading exercise documents learning about the life of Martin Luther King. (Grades 3-8) 01/06/2006
Around the World
A simple and fun game for reviewing math facts. (Grades 1-6) 01/05/2006
Write a Song About American History
Songs about events in history inspire students to write their own song lyrics. (Grades 5-12) 01/04/2006
There Is Always Something You Can Do
Teach a song to help students deal with anger. (Grades K-2) 01/03/2006
100 Years Ago in History
Start the new year by investigating events that happened 100 years ago this year. (Grades 5-12) 01/02/2006
EW Lesson Plans
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You've reached the end of another grading period, and what could be more daunting than the task of composing insightful, original, and unique comments about every child in your class? The following positive statements will help you tailor your comments to specific children and highlight their strengths.
You can also use our statements to indicate a need for improvement. Turn the words around a bit, and you will transform each into a goal for a child to work toward. Sam cooperates consistently with others becomes Sam needs to cooperate more consistently with others, and Sally uses vivid language in writing may instead read With practice, Sally will learn to use vivid language in her writing. Make Jan seeks new challenges into a request for parental support by changing it to read Please encourage Jan to seek new challenges.
Whether you are tweaking statements from this page or creating original ones, check out our Report Card Thesaurus [see bottom of the page] that contains a list of appropriate adjectives and adverbs. There you will find the right words to keep your comments fresh and accurate.
We have organized our 125 report card comments by category. Read the entire list or click one of the category links below to jump to that list.
AttitudeBehaviorCharacterCommunication SkillsGroup WorkInterests and TalentsParticipationSocial SkillsTime ManagementWork Habits
Attitude
The student:
is an enthusiastic learner who seems to enjoy school.
exhibits a positive outlook and attitude in the classroom.
appears well rested and ready for each day's activities.
shows enthusiasm for classroom activities.
shows initiative and looks for new ways to get involved.
uses instincts to deal with matters independently and in a positive way.
strives to reach their full potential.
is committed to doing their best.
seeks new challenges.
takes responsibility for their learning.
Behavior
The student:
cooperates consistently with the teacher and other students.
transitions easily between classroom activities without distraction.
is courteous and shows good manners in the classroom.
follows classroom rules.
conducts themselves with maturity.
responds appropriately when corrected.
remains focused on the activity at hand.
resists the urge to be distracted by other students.
is kind and helpful to everyone in the classroom.
sets an example of excellence in behavior and cooperation.
Character
The student:
shows respect for teachers and peers.
treats school property and the belongings of others with care and respect.
is honest and trustworthy in dealings with others.
displays good citizenship by assisting other students.
joins in school community projects.
is concerned about the feelings of peers.
faithfully performs classroom tasks.
can be depended on to do what they are asked to do.
seeks responsibilities and follows through.
is thoughtful in interactions with others.
is kind, respectful and helpful when interacting with his/her peers
is respectful of other students in our classroom and the school community
demonstrates responsibility daily by caring for the materials in our classroom carefully and thoughtfully
takes his/her classroom jobs seriously and demonstrates responsibility when completing them
is always honest and can be counted on to recount information when asked
is considerate when interacting with his/her teachers
demonstrates his/her manners on a daily basis and is always respectful
has incredible self-discipline and always gets his/her work done in a timely manner
can be counted on to be one of the first students to begin working on the task that is given
perseveres when faced with difficulty by asking questions and trying his/her best
does not give up when facing a task that is difficult and always does his/her best
is such a caring boy/girl and demonstrates concern for his/her peers
demonstrates his/her caring nature when helping his/her peers when they need the assistance
is a model citizen in our classroom
is demonstrates his/her citizenship in our classroom by helping to keep it clean and taking care of the materials in it
can always be counted on to cooperate with his/her peers
is able to cooperate and work well with any of the other students in the class
is exceptionally organized and takes care of his/her things
is always enthusiastic when completing his/her work
is agreeable and polite when working with others
is thoughtful and kind in his/her interactions with others
is creative when problem solving
is very hardworking and always completes all of his/her work
is patient and kind when working with his/her peers who need extra assistance
trustworthy and can always be counted on to step in and help where needed
Communication Skills
The student:
has a well-developed vocabulary.
chooses words with care.
expresses ideas clearly, both verbally and through writing.
has a vibrant imagination and excels in creative writing.
has found their voice through poetry writing.
uses vivid language in writing.
writes clearly and with purpose.
writes with depth and insight.
can make a logical and persuasive argument.
listens to the comments and ideas of others without interrupting.
Group Work
The student:
offers constructive suggestions to peers to enhance their work.
accepts the recommendations of peers and acts on them when appropriate.
is sensitive to the thoughts and opinions of others in the group.
takes on various roles in the work group as needed or assigned.
welcomes leadership roles in groups.
shows fairness in distributing group tasks.
plans and carries out group activities carefully.
works democratically with peers.
encourages other members of the group.
helps to keep the work group focused and on task.
Interests and Talents
The student:
has a well-developed sense of humor.
holds many varied interests.
has a keen interest that has been shared with the class.
displays and talks about personal items from home when they relate to topics of study.
provides background knowledge about topics of particular interest to them.
has an impressive understanding and depth of knowledge about their interests.
seeks additional information independently about classroom topics that pique interest.
reads extensively for enjoyment.
frequently discusses concepts about which they have read.
is a gifted performer.
is a talented artist.
has a flair for dramatic reading and acting.
enjoys sharing their musical talent with the class.
Participation
The student:
listens attentively to the responses of others.
follows directions.
takes an active role in discussions.
enhances group discussion through insightful comments.
shares personal experiences and opinions with peers.
responds to what has been read or discussed in class and as homework.
asks for clarification when needed.
regularly volunteers to assist in classroom activities.
remains an active learner throughout the school day.
Social Skills
The student:
makes friends quickly in the classroom.
is well-liked by classmates.
handles disagreements with peers appropriately.
treats other students with fairness and understanding.
is a valued member of the class.
has compassion for peers and others.
seems comfortable in new situations.
enjoys conversation with friends during free periods.
chooses to spend free time with friends.
Time Management
The student:
tackles classroom assignments, tasks, and group work in an organized manner.
uses class time wisely.
arrives on time for school (and/or class) every day.
is well-prepared for class each day.
works at an appropriate pace, neither too quickly or slowly.
completes assignments in the time allotted.
paces work on long-term assignments.
sets achievable goals with respect to time.
completes make-up work in a timely fashion.
Work Habits
The student:
is a conscientious, hard-working student.
works independently.
is a self-motivated student.
consistently completes homework assignments.
puts forth their best effort into homework assignments.
exceeds expectations with the quality of their work.
readily grasps new concepts and ideas.
generates neat and careful work.
checks work thoroughly before submitting it.
stays on task with little supervision.
displays self-discipline.
avoids careless errors through attention to detail.
uses free minutes of class time constructively.
creates impressive home projects.
Related: Needs Improvement Report Card Comments for even more comments!
Student Certificates!
Recognize positive attitudes and achievements with personalized student award certificates!
Report Card Thesaurus
Looking for some great adverbs and adjectives to bring to life the comments that you put on report cards? Go beyond the stale and repetitive With this list, your notes will always be creative and unique.
Adjectives
attentive, capable, careful, cheerful, confident, cooperative, courteous, creative, dynamic, eager, energetic, generous, hard-working, helpful, honest, imaginative, independent, industrious, motivated, organized, outgoing, pleasant, polite, resourceful, sincere, unique
Adverbs
always, commonly, consistently, daily, frequently, monthly, never, occasionally, often, rarely, regularly, typically, usually, weekly
Copyright© 2022 Education World
Back to Geography Lesson Plan
Where Did Foods Originate?
(Foods of the New World and Old World)
Subjects
Arts & Humanities
--Language Arts
Educational Technology
Science
--Agriculture
Social Studies
--Economics
--Geography
--History
----U.S. History
----World History
--Regions/Cultures
Grade
K-2
3-5
6-8
9-12
Advanced
Brief Description
Students explore how New World explorers helped change the Old World's diet (and vice versa).
Objectives
Students will
learn about changes that occurred in the New World and Old World as a result of early exploration.
use library and Internet sources to research food origins. (Older students only.)
create a bulletin-board map illustrating the many foods that were shared as a result of exploration.
Keywords
Columbus, explorers, origin, food, timeline, plants, map, New World, Old World, colonies, colonial, crops, media literacy, products, consumer
Materials Needed:
library and/or Internet access (older students only)
outline map of the world (You might print the map on a transparency; then use an overhead projector to project and trace a large outline map of the world onto white paper on a bulletin board.)
magazines (optional)
Lesson Plan
The early explorers to the Americas were exposed to many things they had never seen before. Besides strange people and animals, they were exposed to many foods that were unknown in the Old World. In this lesson, you might post an outline map of the continents on a bulletin board. Have students use library and/or Internet resources (provided below) to research some of the edible items the first explorers saw for the first time in the New World. On the bulletin board, draw an arrow from the New World (the Americas) to the Old World (Europe, Asia, Africa) and post around it drawings or images (from magazines or clip art) of products discovered in the New World and taken back to the Old World.
Soon, the explorers would introduce plants/foods from the Old World to the Americas. You might draw a second arrow on the board -- from the Old World to the New World -- and post appropriate drawings or images around it.
Adapt the Lesson for Younger Students
Younger students will not have the ability to research foods that originated in the New and Old World. You might adapt the lesson by sharing some of the food items in the Food Lists section below. Have students collect or draw pictures of those items for the bulletin board display.
Resources
In addition to library resources, students might use the following Internet sites as they research the geographic origins of some foods:
Curry, Spice, and All Things Nice: Food Origins
The Food Timeline
Native Foods of the Americas
A Harvest Gathered: Food in the New World
We Are What We Eat Timeline (Note: This resource is an archived resource; the original page is no longer live and updated.)
Food Lists Our research uncovered the Old and New World foods below. Students might find many of those and add them to the bulletin board display. Notice that some items appear on both lists -- beans, for example. There are many varieties of beans, some with New World origins and others with their origins in the Old World. In our research, we found sources that indicate onions originated in the New and sources that indicate onions originated in the Old World. Students might create a special question mark symbol to post next to any item for which contradictory sources can be found
Note: The Food Timeline is a resource that documents many Old World products. This resource sets up a number of contradictions. For example:
Many sources note that tomatoes originated in the New World; The Food Timeline indicates that tomatoes were introduced to the New World in 1781.
The Food Timeline indicates that strawberries and raspberries were available in the 1st century in Europe; other sources identify them as New World commodities.
Foods That Originated in the New World: artichokes, avocados, beans (kidney and lima), black walnuts, blueberries, cacao (cocoa/chocolate), cashews, cassava, chestnuts, corn (maize), crab apples, cranberries, gourds, hickory nuts, onions, papayas, peanuts, pecans, peppers (bell peppers, chili peppers), pineapples, plums, potatoes, pumpkins, raspberries, squash, strawberries, sunflowers, sweet potatoes, tobacco, tomatoes, turkey, vanilla, wild cherries, wild rice.
Foods That Originated in the Old World: apples, bananas, beans (some varieties), beets, broccoli, carrots, cattle (beef), cauliflower, celery, cheese, cherries, chickens, chickpeas, cinnamon, coffee, cows, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, ginger, grapes, honey (honey bees), lemons, lettuce, limes, mangos, oats, okra, olives, onions, oranges, pasta, peaches, pears, peas, pigs, radishes, rice, sheep, spinach, tea, watermelon, wheat, yams.
Extension Activities
Home-school connection. Have students and their parents search their food cupboards at home; ask each student to bring in two food items whose origin can be traced to a specific place (foreign if possible, domestic if not). Labels from those products will be sufficient, especially if the products are in breakable containers. Place those labels/items around a world map; use yarn to connect each label to the location of its origin on the map.
Media literacy. Because students will research many sources, have them list the sources for the information they find about each food item. Have them place an asterisk or checkmark next to the food item each time they find that item in a different source. If students find a food in multiple sources, they might consider it "verified"; those foods they find in only one source might require additional research to verify.
Assessment
Invite students to agree or disagree with the following statement:The early explorers were surprised by many of the foods they saw in the New World.
Have students write a paragraph in support of their opinion.
Lesson Plan Source
Education World
Submitted By
Gary Hopkins
National Standards
LANGUAGE ARTS: EnglishGRADES K - 12NL-ENG.K-12.2 Reading for UnderstandingNL-ENG.K-12.8 Developing Research SkillsNL-ENG.K-12.9 Multicultural UnderstandingNL-ENG.K-12.12 Applying Language Skills
SOCIAL SCIENCES: EconomicsGRADES K - 4NSS-EC.K-4.1 Productive ResourcesNSS-EC.K-4.6 Gain from TradeGRADES 5 - 8NSS-EC.5-8.1 Productive ResourcesNSS-EC.5-8.6 Gain from TradeGRADES 9 - 12NSS-EC.9-12.1 Productive ResourcesNSS-EC.9-12.6 Gain from Trade
SOCIAL SCIENCES: GeographyGRADES K - 12NSS-G.K-12.1 The World in Spatial TermsNSS-G.K-12.2 Places and Regions
SOCIAL SCIENCES: U.S. HistoryGRADES K - 4NSS-USH.K-4.1 Living and Working together in Families and Communities, Now and Long AgoNSS-USH.K-4.3 The History of the United States: Democratic Principles and Values and the People from Many Cultures Who Contributed to Its Cultural, Economic, and Political HeritageNSS-USH.K-4.4 The History of Peoples of Many Cultures Around the WorldGRADES 5 - 12NSS-USH.5-12.1 Era 1: Three Worlds Meet (Beginnings to 1620)NSS-USH.5-12.2 Era 2: Colonization and Settlement (1585-1763)NSS-WH.5-12.6 Global Expansion and Encounter, 1450-1770
TECHNOLOGYGRADES K - 12NT.K-12.1 Basic Operations and ConceptsNT.K-12.5 Technology Research Tools
Find many more great geography lesson ideas and resources in Education World's Geography Center.
Click here to return to this week's World of Learning lesson plan page.
Updated 10/11/12
Having a tough time finding the right words to come up with "areas for improvement" comments on your students' report cards? Check out our helpful suggestions to find just the right one!
The following statements will help you tailor your comments to specific children and highlight their areas for improvement.
Be sure to check out our 125 Report Card Comments for positive comments!
Needs Improvement- all topics
is a hard worker, but has difficulty staying on task.
has a difficult time staying on task and completing his/her work.
needs to be more respectful and courteous to his/her classmates.
needs to listen to directions fully so that he/she can learn to work more independently.
is not demonstrating responsibility and needs to be consistently reminded of how to perform daily classroom tasks.
works well alone, but needs to learn how to work better cooperatively with peers.
does not have a positive attitude about school and the work that needs to be completed.
struggles with completing his/her work in a timely manner.
gives up easily when something is difficult and needs extensive encouragement to attempt the task.
gets along with his/her classmates well, but is very disruptive during full group instruction.
has a difficult time using the materials in the classroom in a respectful and appropriate manner.
has a difficult time concentrating and gets distracted easily.
is having a difficult time with math. Going over _____ at home would help considerably.
is having a very difficult time understanding math concepts for his/her grade level. He/she would benefit from extra assistance.
could benefit from spending time reading with an adult every day.
is enthusiastic, but is not understanding ____. Additional work on these topics would be incredibly helpful.
is having difficulty concentrating during math lessons and is not learning the material that is being taught because of that.
understands math concepts when using manipulatives, but is having a difficult time learning to ____ without them.
is a very enthusiastic reader. He/she needs to continue to work on _____ to make him/her a better reader.
needs to practice reading at home every day to help make him/her a stronger reader.
needs to practice his/her sight words so that he/she knows them on sight and can spell them.
needs to work on his/her spelling. Practicing at home would be very beneficial.
can read words fluently, but has a difficult time with comprehension. Reading with ______ every day would be helpful.
could benefit from working on his/her handwriting. Slowing down and taking more time would help with this.
is having difficulty writing stories. Encouraging him/her to tell stories at home would help with this.
has a difficult time knowing when it is appropriate to share his/her thoughts. We are working on learning when it is a good time to share and when it is a good time to listen.
needs to work on his/her time management skills. _______is able to complete his/her work, but spends too much time on other tasks and rarely completes his/her work.
needs reminders about the daily classroom routine. Talking through the classroom routine at home would be helpful.
is having a difficult time remembering the difference between short and long vowel sounds. Practicing these at home would be very helpful.
is struggling with reading. He/she does not seem to enjoy it and does not want to do it. Choosing books that he/she like and reading them with him/her at home will help build a love of reading.
frequently turns in incomplete homework or does not hand in any homework. Encouraging _______to complete his/her homework would be very helpful.
does not take pride in his/her work. We are working to help him/her feel good about what he/she accomplishes.
does not actively participate in small group activities. Active participation would be beneficial.
has a difficult time remembering to go back and check his/her work. Because of this, there are often spelling and grammar mistakes in his/her work.
does not much effort into his/her writing. As a result, his/her work is often messy and incomplete.
is struggling to understand new concepts in science. Paying closer attention to the class discussions and the readings that we are doing would be beneficial.
is reading significantly below grade level. Intervention is required.
does not write a clear beginning, middle and end when writing a story. We are working to identify the parts of the stories that he/she is writing.
is struggling to use new reading strategies to help him/her read higher level books.
is wonderful at writing creative stories, but needs to work on writing nonfiction and using facts.
has a difficult time understanding how to solve word problems.
needs to slow down and go back and check his/her work to make sure that all answers are correct.
is not completing math work that is on grade level. Intervention is required.
is struggling to understand place value.
is very enthusiastic about math, but struggles to understand basic concepts.
has a difficult time remembering the value of different coins and how to count them. Practicing this at home would be helpful.
would benefit from practicing math facts at home.
is very engaged during whole group math instruction, but struggles to work independently.
is able to correctly answer word problems, but is unable to explain how he/she got the answer.
is having a difficult time comparing numbers.
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