Elementary
April 23, 2014 - April 29, 2014

Find the latest educational resources from Iowa Public Television.

Sink or Swim?
Grade Range: 5-8

Plastics are everywhere: from car parts to drinking bottles to sports equipment. Each plastic is chemically unique and has distinct properties that make it suitable for certain products. Plastics are classified #1 through #7. To find out what type of plastic a product is made from, check the bottom of the object and locate the number inside the recycle symbol. Even though some recycling centers only accept certain numbers, all plastics with this symbol are recyclable. Markets just don't exist for all recycled products.

Sheyann Webb

Grade Range: 3-12

Eight-year-old Sheyann Webb was among the youngest activists to demonstrate during the Civil Rights movement. In this interview, Webb recalls her decision to participate in the 1965 voting-rights march from Selma, Alabama, the resistance she encountered from her parents, and the violent force used by local officials to stop the march.

A Look at a Japanese Classroom

Grade Range: 3-12

Japan has one of the most successful school systems in the world. It is also one of the most demanding school systems. In this video from Wide Angle, Ken Higashiguchi, a first grader in a Japanese school, started preschool when he was only one year old. In the video, Ken is experiencing his second day of first grade. He has no problem reading the words of the school song with all of the other children. Ken's teachers and parents have high expectations for him to be independent and to work hard. They also want him to grow up to be happy.

Mannahatta 1609

Grade Range: 3-12

This video from Dutch New York explores the diverse ecosystem that Henry Hudson encountered when he arrived at "Mannahatta," the name given by the native Lenape people to the island now known as Manhattan. Dr. Eric Sanderson, Director of the Mannahatta Project, explains that Manahatta's ecosystem was more diverse than Yosemite or Yellowstone National Parks and describes the landscape, flora and fauna of the island in Henry Hudson's day.

50 States Part 1 Lesson Plan

Grade Range: 3-5

In this lesson, students travel virtually to 25 different states from Alabama to Missouri. While on their journey students explore geography, learn state capitals and interesting facts along the way. Movements are unique and incorporate highlights from each state such as surfing in California. This lesson incorporates social studies skills with psychomotor skills.

Curious George: Blast Off!

Grade Range: PreK-1

Curious George is the only one who can restock the International Space Station with supplies, which means he's going up to space in a rocket! After students watch the video, they build and launch their own air-powered rockets, which they test and retest to determine the best design.

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