Are you looking to elevate your Ecosystems and Biomes unit? This 4th or 5th grade project based learning unit for ecosystems incorporates science, nonfiction reading, research, writing, and the arts! Read to find out how I organized the research project, what our launch activity was, the driving que
Analyzing character traits is a key fiction reading skill that is needed for successful comprehension. In most cases, authors do not just come out and tell readers the traits that a character possesses. By teaching
These reading logs will give you a range of choices for your students to track their reading at home.
Do you dread having early finishers in your 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade classroom? Every classroom has them. Grab some free challenges in this post!
Handy, free printable decimals, fractions, and percents worksheets for children in grade 3, grade 4, and grade 5!
Figurative language can be notoriously hard for learners to grasp and can be difficult to find teaching resources effective for these standards. Our Maniac Magee Figurative Language contains many examples for learners to examine from the text.SUGGESTED ACTIVITY IMPLEMENTATIONFirst, you'll need to in...
Let your upper elementary, middle school, & high school students better understand homelessness - while teaching tolerance and acceptance. Click for details!
The idea for this lesson came from an image I saw on Pinterest.. but after doing some investigative work - seems to have originated from the blog Art. Paper. Scissors. Glue and before that from the 1991 book written by Sara Beggs, "The No Nonsense Guide to Teaching Art." For this lesson we began by taking about what symmetry is and the difference between linear symmetry (1 line of symmetry) and radial symmetry (more than 1 line of symmetry). Then we talked about what a sculpture is (a piece of artwork you can see from all sides - it is 3-dimensional) and what a relief "sculpture" is (a piece of artwork that has depth on the surface but is not meant to be seen from all sides). Once students understood the principles behind radial symmetry and sculpture we began creating our very own radial paper relief sculptures! Students started by folding a piece of 12"x12" black construction paper diagonally both ways and vertical and horizontally (to create an 'X' crease and a '+' crease). Making these creases makes creating a radial design SO much easier because it gives you guidelines to work with. Once their papers had been folded and their names written, we sat them aside. Before having students begin folding their colored paper (each piece was cut to 3" x 3") to fill the inside of their design, I demonstrated 4 folds to them to get them started. *Students were allowed to deviate from these folds if they wanted to. To download the handout below, click on the arrow button in the top right corner (this will open it in a new window). You can download from there. My kids absolutely LOVED this project! They are already super into origami, so this project was like heaven to them! :) You might also be interested in checking out my Paper Poinsettia Sculpture lesson which uses the same basic concepts. Also available in my Teachers Pay Teachers store!
Subject English Language Arts, Science, Engineering Grade Levels 3rd, 4th, 5th Resource Type Lesson Plans (Individual), Activities, Novel Study File Type Compressed Zip File Be sure that you have an application to open this file type before downloading and/or purchasing. 11 MB|141 pages
This space classroom transformation is perfect for elementary students. Your class will love this room transformation theme!
How to use and set up the Growth Mindset Escape Room where students apply skills, solve puzzles, and have fun.
Three {FREE} math challenge and brainteaser activities teachers can use with their advanced 2nd and 3rd grade mathematicians.
3rd Grade Math Reference Sheet! *Aligned to 3rd Grade TEKS for STAAR Prep! THIS INCLUDES: -Multiplication table (products 1-12) -Keywords -Quadrilaterals with pictures (TEKS Aligned 3.6) -3D Figures reference with a picture and list of attributes for each figure (number of faces, number of edges, and number of vertices) -Fraction bar reference guide -Place value chart (hundred million down to ones) POSSIBLE USES: -Student reference sheet -Classroom poster -Interactive notebooks LOOKING FOR OTHER GRADE LEVELS? Click here for the 4th Grade Math Reference Sheet! Click here for the 5th Grade Math Reference Sheet! Click here for the 6th Grade Math Reference Sheet! Click here for the 7th Grade Math Reference Sheet! Click here for the 8th Grade Math Reference Sheet! © 2018-2019 Kraus Math LLC. All rights reserved.
Passion Projects were a staple in my gifted enrichment classroom in the 1970s. Back in those days, we called them Type III enrichment activities (Renzulli Enrichment Model) or Independent Studies. But thankfully, things changed as general education has embraced the concepts of thinking skills, creative production, and talent development. Today we see these activities implemented in all types of classrooms through Genius Hour, Passion Projects, and Maker Spaces. Whatever title you choose to give them, Passion Projects promote student-centered investigations. They are examples of personalized learning and differentiation at their finest.
This post breaks down how I teach math in 5th grade and how my weekly instruction is structured, including the math resources needed.
Fourth graders got to do this neat mind bending project. We began by looking at the work of MC Escher who loved both math (geometry) and art. As you can see he did very planned and precise artwork! We talked about how visual illusions are artworks that tease your brain and make you think! MC Escher was a master of illusions! Students also pointed out right away that MC Escher is very good at using value (shading) to create the illusion of form (3D shapes). This was a concept that we studied earlier. Next we used pre-made tessellation animal stencils to tessellate 5 animals. It was a challenge to figure out how each of the animals fit perfectly into itself. There is always a good amount of head scratching on this step! Afterwards, I point out to the kids that it was tricky to use the pre-made stencils but imagine how much trickier it would have been to invent this art! The next class we actually created our own tessellation tile out of a square lined index card and used it to fill in the background! In order to reference MC Escher's "Drawing Hands" picture students were encouraged to cut out a photo of their own drawing hand or MC Escher's! Learning Goals: I can... - Tell about MC Escher (illusion, tessellations) - Create a tessellation - Use pattern - Use contrasting color families to make animals stand out from the background
Build a Zoo is a project-based learning task that involves using 5th grade math standards to solve problems related to building and maintaining a zoo.
Students re-write improper fractions (fractions > 1) as mixed numbers. Free | Math | Worksheets | Grade 4 | Printable
Inside: Get 10 winter project based learning ideas that your students will love. Create a hot cocoa stand, using real-life math and writing skills!
This Detective Classroom Transformation is great for students to practice math skills while spending the day as a detective.
C is for Cookie: Cookie Erosion The kindergarteners, first graders, and second graders gathered for the experiment. While the other grades worked together. We did discover something- we should have had goggles!!! The older kids glued copies into their science logs, the others said out loud and I jotted them down on post-it notes. I taped the tools to the chart, so all of the students knew what they were (even though I kept calling them by the wrong names lol) We started with the Q-Tip, then on to the toothpick, then finally the water. We found out that the Q-Tip didn't do much. The toothpick did the most damage... to US! The crumbs were flying all around!!! Hence us needing the goggles! We used the cheep-o chocolate chip cookies. I use the same kind of cookie for digging for dino bones :) You will have to wait for December for that post though! I just recreated the chart from above from this unit: I wish they put their info on it. I am sure that you would like a copy too! If this is your, give me a shout-out so I can send them your way! It is a great unit!! I did have some very unhappy second graders when they didn't get to eat the cookies. When I do this experiment again, maybe there will be money in the budget to buy extra cookies. A little side note- We never did get to do the 5 minute test- namely because we ran out of time lol We only have 15 minutes for a session. :)
Looking for project based learning ideas for middle school or elementary school students? They will love planning a road trip from start to finish!
Try these fun angles activities in your maths classes to make geometry lessons more engaging!
Interested in trying project based learning but not sure where to begin? This project based learning example from start to finish will show you.
My students LOVE making these fun 3D landform maps each year. Now let me just tell you- I am always wiped out by the end of the day when we make these- but they really are a blast and so meaningful to make. I first put the kids into groups of 3 or 4. Then, they used a landform map in their Social Studies book to sketch where the mountains and deserts are located. This just helps them get a start when they begin painting the plains on the map. After they have an idea of where the mountains and deserts are, they paint all of the remaining area green. This shows where the plains are located. (The hills and rivers are placed over top of the green paint in the next few steps!) Next, we used blue yarn for the rivers. We obviously didn't add ALL of the rivers but just some of the major ones- Mississippi, Ohio, Missouri, Columbia. The mountains were the most tempting item to add to the map! The kids were just about drooling as they glued them down. Just a quick note- if you remove the wrapping before gluing the kisses down, they stick better! Marshmallows were used for the hills, gold glitter for the desert (I've used brown rice in the past but the glitter stuck MUCH better!) and goldfish for the oceans. Each time the kids added something new to the map, they also added it to the key on the right. Their maps also included a title, compass, labels for the oceans, and a box to sign their names. I am so proud of all of the hard work that my kiddos put into these maps! They were rewarded with some of the extra snacks which they were THRILLED about =) So fun! If you'd like everything to make these 3D maps, check out my product below by clicking on the image. If you are looking for other engaging landforms resources, check out my Let's Explore Landforms! {And Bodies of Water} unit. This unit compliments the 3D landform maps perfectly! Happy teaching!
Using the tree octopus to teach students for you to evalauate websites. Visit us
Need an enagaging, real-world math project? This post shows how your students can create a dog business of their own using the four operations.
Throughout the school year, I know I would often find myself scrambling for ways to keep my students engaged in their learning and jazz up our classroom routine. As the sun starts shining brighter and summer is in the air, students are restless, and so are we... but the show must go on! Learning must continue, but can be done in an engaging and fresh way with hands on, creative project based learning resources! Grab a few of these PBL project ideas to finish out the year and enjoy watching your students engage in their learning and demonstrate their hard earned skills!
I'm excited to have a "Part 2" mega bundle ready to go for all of my 5th/6th grade resources! A few years ago, I created this Math Mega B...
Here’s a great way to apply PSYCHOLOGY concepts from the movie, “Inside, Out,” to your student's personal life. This easy-prep project-based learning activity is a great way for students to learn about themselves and their core memories. Supports social-emotional learning and critical thinking. The purpose of this project is to give students the time and resources to familiarize themselves with their own core memories that shape their personality and character. Understanding what makes you tick is an important step in maintaining a healthy social and emotional well-being. Looking for a DIGITAL version? Click the link below... Personality Islands Digital PBL This EASY-PREP resource also makes for a great ALL ABOUT ME Activity for the teacher, as well as the rest of the class! Students have the opportunity to showcase their unique personalities which supports building a positive and compassionate classroom culture. Watching the movie, INSIDE, OUT is not necessary, but it does make for a fun and meaningful before or after activity. Looking for an engaging Inside, Out Movie Guide? Click the link below Inside, Out Movie Guide Go to new depths of learning with this Project-Based Learning activity. This enriching resource uses elements of the Design Process as well as Depth and Complexity so that students can further enhance learning with: Activity 1 | ASK | Close Read and Annotate | What Do We Know About Personality? Activity 2 | IMAGINE | Brainstorm 3 Personality Islands and Core Memories Activity 3 |PLAN | Design a Visitor’s Brochure Activity 4 | CREATE | Draw, Color, Label, Cut, and Glue Personality Islands Activity 5 | IMPROVE | Request Constructive Feedback from a PEER Inspector BONUS Activity | Create an ISLAND Music PLAYLIST All you have to do is print the workshop pages and make student copies The following materials are needed to complete all activities: Printouts Pencils Colored pencils or markers Scissors 12x18 construction paper (Preferably blue, for water) Glue This activity is suggested for grades 4-7 (Check out the PREVIEW, older students may enjoy it as well!) Looking for MORE PBL Opportunities? Check out this section of GATER Educator Activities >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> PROJECT-Based Learning Workshops Need more Growth Mindset Activities? Check out these ENGAGING and SUPPORTIVE Social-Emotional Resources: Got, GRIT? Got a HEALTHY MINDSET? Got, The FORCE? (Star Wars Theme) Got PERSPECTIVE? Got a SHARP MIND? Got BALANCE? Don't forget that leaving feedback earns you points toward FREE TPT purchases. I love feedback! TPT teacher authors appreciate you taking time out to provide some detail about how you like or how you used their products. Need HELP with a file? •Visit the FAQs section, submit a help ticket, or ask a question on the Q&A tab before leaving feedback. **Making sure your expectations are met is important to me!** Also, follow me and be notified when new products are uploaded. New products are always 50% off for the first 24 hours they are posted. It pays to follow me! As always, please contact me with any questions! Thank you so much, Kris Prince Follow me at: My TpT Store: GATER Educator Instagram: GATER Educator Facebook: GATER Educator ©GATER Educator. All rights reserved These Differentiation Activities are perfect for ELA Centers, Early Finishers, a GATE pullout program, Monthly Gifted Curriculum, Parent-led enrichment, Grade-level rotation, Homeschool, After-school or Sub Plans
Green Screen can be used in any classroom. All you need is a few simple things to get started. This post includes everything you need to know about getting
I've shared this in a lesson plan exchange (of lessons for substitutes) that Art Project Girl arranged a year or two ago, but I've never posted it on the blog before. The flag image above had me thinking about our presidential inauguration, so I thought I'd share this lesson today. (By the way, did you LOVE Michelle Obama's red dress as much as I did? Spectacular color!) Back to the lesson; the idea is simple. How can you illustrate a word so that the word itself illustrates what it says (but is still easy to read)? We brainstormed word ideas on the whiteboard, and then selected words. No two people in the same class were allowed to select the same word. Great words include nice descriptive adjectives (curly, frozen, boiling, tangled, etc) and almost any sort of noun, including objects or broader themes (sports, art, ice cream, mountains, rope, autumn, feathers, wild animals, cupcakes, magic, waterfall, ocean, snowstorm, rocket, hair, etc). Try to discourage the real easy words: hot, cold, short, tall. Plan ideas on scrap paper, and then select the materials that work best for the chosen word. Make sure it is spelled correctly! We usually talked a bit about lettering (use of upper vs lower case, etc) and spacing (there is nothing worse than running out of room and having to squash together the last few letters). On the final paper, the word is drawn out very lightly to make sure the space is being used effectively, and then color is added as appropriate. Some of the examples in these pictures were colored with markers, others with colored pencils or crayons. They were then cut out and mounted on construction paper, so from start to finish, the lesson took two art class periods. Time permitting, the lesson can be expanded. Wouldn't it be great for that FLAG to be waving against a sky? And what if the EGGS (below) were placed in a frying pan or on a plate? Sorry the rest of these are sideways. They are the only pics I have of this project so they'll have to do :( The pieces pictured in this post were all done, I believe, by 5th graders, but this lesson can be easily adapted for both younger and older students.
