Authentic Lessons for 21st Century Learning
In this lesson, students investigate the golden ratio by exploring the appeal of and interest in the golden rectangle. Students take a variety of measurements and use calculations to identify examples of the golden ratio and golden rectangle in many contexts throughout the lesson. Students identify... Read more »
Created by: Danny Mattox
Date Updated: May 15th, 2025
Investigating the Golden Ratio
Students will employ a variety of reading strategies to analyze the poem, "The New Colossus." Their analysis will determine the author's perspective. Then, students will use their knowledge of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island to write a letter from the perspective of a newly-arrived immigrant.... Read more »
Created by: Susan McHale
Date Updated: February 24th, 2026
Determining Author's Perspective
In this lesson on how plants grow and develop, students will research specific plant behaviors and perform classroom investigations to learn how the environment affects plant growth. Students will focus on using evidence to explain their ideas and make predictions. (Funding provided by USDA Project... Read more »
Created by: Heather Shaffery
Date Updated: June 5th, 2026
Growth and Development of Organisms
In this lesson, students recall their prior knowledge about how the economy functions. Next, students predict how the federal budget is spent before reading an Infogram about fiscal policy. To extend their learning, students play a game with partners that requires them to cut or fund programs. Students... Read more »
Created by: Laura Halstied
Date Updated: November 4th, 2025
The Economic Impact of Fiscal Policy