What is the Lesson Bank?

These excellent, thorough lesson plans were created by outstanding teachers in Illinois. The Adult Education Professional Development Network members were inspired by the lesson development of these individuals as they constructed and submitted their plans. The Lesson Bank was born out of the excellence of their work in the Professional Pathways trainings. We thank them for sharing their lessons and for their desire to improve not only their own instruction but also the instruction around the state. Thanks for lifting all the boats! We hope you are inspired by the tri-lens approach of integrating Illinois Essential Employability Skills, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and content standards.

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Animal & Plant Cells

This lesson helps students explore the similarities and differences between plant and animal cells. Through activities like reading, diagram analysis, and compare-and-contrast writing, students deepen their understanding of cell structures. By the end, they can identify cell components and their functions, fostering critical thinking and science literacy.

Becoming an Expert Learner with UDL

This lesson brings adult learners in to the learning process. The two-part lessons introduce learners to UDL, ask that they reflect on how they learn, and consider how it affects life outside of the classroom.

3 Branches of Government

Federalism is defined and the Constitution is examined as students learn how and why the U.S. government consists of 3 branches and better understand the respective role, functions, and powers of each.

Business Letter, Memo, and Email Writing

This 4-day lesson including assignments introduces students to basic business writing, memo writing, proper email etiquette and professional correspondence. In the end students will draft various business correspondence.

Career Development

This 3 part lesson will allow students an opportunity to explore different career opportunities available depending on several factors that are most important to them, while also practicing presentation skills.

Civil Rights Book Project

This 3 part lesson series will allow students an opportunity to explore and connect different civil rights events while contributing to a class community by creating a page of a book written by the class.

Colonist (Primary Sources)

This lesson introduces students to historical analysis using primary source texts about colonists' views of Native Americans. Students collaborate to identify themes, compare perspectives, and reflect on bias and context in historical documents. The session culminates in a short essay synthesizing their insights.

Conservation: Writing and Expository Paragraph

During this lesson students identify cause and effect relationships while learning the importance of conservation. The lesson concludes with students creating a Google slide explaining the importance of conservation

The Constitution

This lesson illustrates the structure, function, and powers of the government in the United States. Students will have the opportunity to discuss the purpose and structure of the Declaration of Independence and differentiate between the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.

Cost-Benefit of a Degree or Certificate

This lesson can be completed over 1-2 days and helps students research the cost of a certificate or degree program and compare that to the median income for that profession in their area.

Data Collection and Analysis with a Bivariate Bar Graph

Students will practice their multiplication fast facts to increase fluency. They will record their scores as they practice and then use their self-collected date to create a bi-variate bar graph, which they'll analyze when they're finished. Finally, they'll connect the concept of data analysis to the world at large recognizing how it is used in everyday events like news broadcasts.

Discovering How to Find Surface Area of Right/Rectangular Prisms

Students are presented with an activation of background knowledge for finding the area of a rectangle. Then, they are presented with slides that guide them from area of a rectangle, to area of a right prism using step by step scaffolding. Finally, students apply their knowledge in an application activity that allows them to demonstrate what they've learned and extend to a challenge.

Eco-Pyramid

Students investigate the relationships within ecosystems by creating a four-tiered eco-pyramid for a chosen biome. Through research, vocabulary development, and partner discussions, they learn to describe ecological connections and trophic levels. The lesson emphasizes active learning and real-world application of ecological principles.

Ecosystems

During this lesson students identify the meanings of words and work collaboratively with classmates while applying research strategies to explore ecosystems and publish and present findings.

Evolution (Source Validity)

This lesson equips students with the skills to assess the credibility of information they encounter online and in media. Through presentations, collaborative activities, and guided evaluations of articles, students learn to identify reliable sources using specific criteria. Reflection prompts encourage students to apply these skills to their everyday interactions with information, fostering critical thinking and media literacy.

Exercise

This three-part lesson introduces students to the importance of different types of exercise. Activities in this lesson include calculating target heart rates and creating an individualized exercise plan.

Factors, Multiples, Least Common Multiple, and Greatest Common Factor

Students are presented with slides that explain the concepts of factors, multiples, greatest common factors, and least common multiples. The slides include an application activity with real world example problems at the end that may be completed in groups, as a class, or individually. opportunities for practice are embedded throughout the slides.

Finding Average Salaries

This lesson has students research and record average salary trends for multiple careers across popular industries and calculate an average using common salaries in popular careers.

Fonts

This lesson applies the scientific method to fonts. Students will create surveys and will analyze the data they gather.

Fractions

Lesson 1: The Unit Fraction ABE NRS 2 Lesson Objectives: Count and name the fractional unit of a partitioned shape Partition a shape or number into 1-8 equal parts Choose a unit fraction that is less than or greater than another, reasoning about the size of the units Keywords: fraction, partition,…

Fraction & Ratios for Healthcare and Nutrition

In this lesson, students will explore how nutrition facts labels communicate important information about the foods we eat. They will learn and apply key terminology while using proportional reasoning to form ratios and calculate the total amounts of nutrients in an entire container based on serving size. Finally, students will reflect on why the ability to interpret nutrition facts labels is essential—both for professionals in the healthcare industry and for the general public—in making informed decisions that support overall health and wellness.

Frederick Douglass

This lesson guides students through an exploration of Frederick Douglass' life and his fight against slavery. By analyzing both primary and secondary sources, students identify the inhumanity of slavery and Douglass' contributions to civil rights. The lesson concludes with a reflective essay comparing the impact of the two sources, deepening students’ understanding of history and its relevance today.

Goal-Setting

This 2-part lesson introduces students to the importance of goal-setting and ends with students creating their own SMART goals.

Goal-Setting for LA and Math

Lesson 1: Set for Success: the language of goal setting ABE NRS 3-4  Lesson Objectives: Explain the attributes of a proper goal, using goal-focused vocabulary terms Discuss various approaches to effective goal setting. Distill their earned knowledge of goal attributes into a creation…

Heredity

Whole class and small group activities engage students as they learn about genotypes, phenotypes, create Punnett Squares, and use ratios to predict genetic outcomes of offspring.

Hurricane & Tornado

This interactive lesson introduces students to the characteristics of hurricanes and tornadoes through collaborative reading, group discussions, and problem-solving activities. By analyzing survival kit priorities and negotiating group decisions, students enhance their critical thinking and teamwork skills. The lesson concludes with a debrief and reflection, emphasizing the value of collaboration and applying evidence-based reasoning to real-world scenarios.

Immune System

Students explore the differences between diseases, infections, bacteria and viruses and the body’s protective functions. Understanding of the Scientific Method is reinforced as immunization resulting from vaccines is examined.

Inequalities

This lesson guides students through the language of inequalities while introducing foundational math skills.

Infection

This three-part lesson introduces students to the concept of infection and infection prevention. Activities in this lesson include modeling the spread of infectious disease, reading a thermometer, and creating a public service announcement about an infectious disease.

Invasive Species (Jigsaw)

This lesson engages students in an exploration of invasive species by examining Burmese pythons and zebra mussels. Through independent reading, group discussions, and collaborative Venn diagram activities, students analyze the similarities and differences between these species and refine their understanding of what constitutes an invasive species. Reflection prompts encourage students to evaluate their communication, accountability, and learning process, fostering critical thinking and teamwork skills.

Japanese Internment Camp (Compare/Contrast)

This lesson examines the experiences of Japanese Americans during World War II, focusing on survivors George Takei and Yuri Kochiyama. Through readings, collaborative discussions, and a jigsaw activity, students analyze the similarities and differences between their stories while gaining insight into the injustices of internment camps. The lesson concludes with a reflective writing assignment, fostering critical thinking about historical inequities and their lasting impact.

Job Interviews

This lesson introduces students to common interview clothing and behavior using a video and graphic organizer. Students also practice making recommendations using the word 'should'.

Learning Styles

This lesson explores the various learning styles and asks students to reflect on how they learn.

March on Washington

This lesson allows students to explore historical Civil Rights marches and reflect on the similarities and differences between those events and happenings of today, while practicing question strategies and using graphic organizers to create an explanatory text.

Medicine

This three-part lesson introduces students to health and safety considerations related to taking medications. Activities in this lesson include analyzing medicine labels, performing internet research on medications, and doing simple medication calculations.

Note-Taking

This 3-part lesson will allow students to learn and implement note-taking strategies needed for college or a certification program. The skills learned in this lesson can be easily adapted to content currently being taught.

Nuclear Weapons (Pro/Con)

This lesson engages students in the complex debate over nuclear weapons by exploring arguments for and against a total ban. Through guided readings, collaborative discussions, and structured essay planning, students critically evaluate contrasting viewpoints. The lesson culminates in an argumentative essay and reflection, encouraging students to think deeply about global security, ethics, and the challenges of persuasive writing.

Nutrition

This three-part lesson introduces students to the concept of nutrition. Activities in this lesson include evaluating a food label and designing a healthy meal plan, among many others.

Patriot Loyalist Debate

This lesson explores the divided loyalties during the American Revolution by examining the perspectives of Patriots and Loyalists. Students analyze arguments through readings, a debate video, and guided organizers, culminating in an argumentative essay that evaluates which side presented stronger evidence. Reflection activities encourage students to assess their growth in essay writing and critical analysis.

Punnett Squares

This lesson introduces students to genetic inheritance and Punnett squares, a topic frequently featured on the GED® exam. Through guided instruction, vocabulary review, and hands-on practice, students learn to predict how traits are passed down and explain their problem-solving process. Reflection activities encourage students to assess their understanding and build confidence in solving genetic problems.

Ratios, Proportions, and Percents

Students will be introduced to the three concepts of ratios, proportions, and percents via slides. The slides offer an opportunity for the students to practice with each of these concepts. Next, the students have the opportunity to apply their knowledge working alone or with a partner on a worksheet. Finally, included is an assessment quiz.

Reconstruction (Jigsaw)

This lesson focuses on the Reconstruction period after the Civil War. Students will begin by reviewing the causes and aftermath of the Civil War, then explore key vocabulary through a PowerPoint presentation. They will read one of three articles about different aspects of Reconstruction, answer related questions, and collaborate with peers in a jigsaw activity to compare notes and fill out a chart that highlights tensions, changes, oppression, and justice during the era. The class will debrief together, sharing insights, and students will reflect on their learning and contributions to the group activity.

Research Paper

This 3-part lesson allows students an opportunity to develop the research skills needed to write a research paper. The lesson can be implemented using current content you are working with.

Responsible Internet Use

This lesson introduces students to safe internet use and avoiding identity theft, unhealthy online interactions, and false information.

Short Story Reading

In this lesson students will analyze key components of a story. Students will make predictions and develop alternate endings to the story.

Thesis Statement

The lesson introduces the purpose of the thesis statement and how to construct an effective thesis statement. Included are assignments for choosing an effective thesis statement and constructing a thesis statement for an extended response.

Time Management

NRS 3-6 Objectives: Fill out a weekly schedule to assess when they have time to study and complete homework for the course Write a reflection on time management  Share information learned in class with classmates Keywords: prioritize, commitment, looming, mundane, optimal, time management…

Understanding Artificial Intelligence

Using Artificial Intelligence Responsibly in Everyday Life

This lesson introduces students to the basics of artificial intelligence (AI) and its role in everyday life. Students will learn what AI is, explore common real‑world examples, and gain a simple understanding of how AI works by recognizing patterns and making predictions. Through guided practice using ChatGPT, they will learn how to write clear and effective prompts and evaluate AI‑generated responses for accuracy, clarity, and usefulness. The lesson also covers responsible and irresponsible uses of AI at home and in the workplace, helping students think critically about both the benefits and limitations of AI technologies.

Using AI for Work & Life Writing Tasks

This lesson introduces how AI can support everyday and workplace writing. Students will use ChatGPT to generate ideas, improve short pieces of writing, and discuss why human judgment is still essential. They will also learn to recognize responsible and irresponsible uses of AI in daily and professional settings.

Voting Rights (Civil Rights)

This Civil Rights lesson explores the use of context clues to determine word meaning, while identifying author's use of evidence to support reasons, and offers an opportunity for students to write an opinion piece about the importance of voting.

Writing to Persuade

This lesson will show students how to develop a Persuasive Extended Response following a six-step process. The introduction and use of graphic a graphic organizer and corresponding assignment are included.