An Activity File for Science Barry, 4th Grade Teacher: Sacramento, CA

"Create a file that includes activities that can be used to teach science lessons. The file can be divided into topics that need to be covered. The file can also include the different types of activities that can be used to teach science such as ideas for bulletin boards, science fair projects, learning centers, games, problem solving skills, role of gender and various cultures in science, career possibilities, and computer programs, etc. Concrete materials for concept development and process development can also be filed separately."

Making Candles For The Holidays Tim Russell, 10th Grade: Hamilton, Ontario (Canada)

"Around the holidays it is great to make something that ties into the curriculum and the season. I like to make candles with my students. I usually send a letter home asking for $2.00 per student for supplies. That allows me to purchase about 100 pounds of paraffin. There is also a great site where I learned to make the candles at: http://www.learn2.com/04/0481/0481.asp"

Scattergories Kim Simsyer, 4th Grade Teacher: Michigan

"When I need a filler, I play Scattegories with my students using the content they learned that week. For example, I give them a letter, let's say B, and then I list things like outer space, animals, lab equipment, scientists, inventions, and then they have to name one that starts with the letter "B". Then we go through everybody's answers and those students that have a correct answer that no one else has get a point. We add up the points and give away prizes to the winners. It works great, but sometimes you need more time to declare a winner."

"Teach About Weather and Meet the Standards" Teacher Grades K-6

"A good way to teach about weather is to use a weather forecast resource such as the one offered on www.teach-nology.com. The resource, located on the home page, provides weather information for the United States, Canada, and International regions. The site offers a great map that can be used to teach regional forecasts and with a simple click on any region, students are brought to any specific location of choice. You can use this to reinforce charting and graphing of weather trends for any given region, conversions from Fahrenheit to Celsius, or for comparing and contrasting weather patterns depending on location. These type of sites also provide radar summaries, ultraviolet index exposure levels, and other features that can be used to teach environmental awareness."

"What Planet Am I From?" Teresa, 4th Grade Teacher

"This game requires students to be in groups of nine. Within each group, each child is labeled a different Planet. In each corner of the room, draw a Sun in the center and circles for each planet. Make each child stand in his/her circle according to his planetary position. I usually use masking tape for this.

Once I have two or more groups set up, I start the game. The teacher describes one of the planets. If the teacher is describing Mars, then which ever student who is Mars that steps out of the setup first is the winner. If a student stands out of alignment incorrectly, they must also leave the planetary alignment. Students who lose must get out of the planetary alignment. We play until one planet is left. I usually give prizes to the whole group."