Lesson Plans

The Mensa Foundation is proud to produce this series of lesson plans for gifted children. These plans are appropriate for use in a traditional classroom; they can be easily used in a homeschool environment; and they also make good holiday or summer projects. The content is designed to correlate with the common curriculum at each grade level. Lessons are written for children and require a minimum of assistance; any exceptions to this are noted in the introduction of each lesson plan. Non-readers will need assistance but will still be able to enjoy the lessons.

New lessons will be released periodically, and we welcome suggestions for future lessons. Please send any ideas or feedback to LessonPlans@mensafoundation.org


Note to Teachers:
These lessons allow for differentiation with minimum effort by the educator. The grade levels are fluid and are given primarily to identify reading level and correlate curriculum. We hope these lessons are a fun and easy way to help meet the needs of your gifted students.

Note to Parents:
These lessons don't require any prior knowledge or training, and they use very few supplies, so they are ideal for doing at home. However, if you would like your child's teacher to allow your child to use them as enrichment in a traditional classroom, please approach this idea gently, making sure it fits in with the teacher's plan for the class.

General grade level - Quotation Station
General grade level - The Power of Invention
Kindergarten grade level - Shapes
1st grade level - The Moon
2nd grade level - Action Fractions
2nd grade level - Storytelling
3rd grade level - Kingdom Animalia: Classifying Animals
4th grade level - Fabulous Fibonacci and His Nifty Numbers
4th grade level - Hurricanes
5th grade level - Ecosystems
5th grade level - The Cell
6th grade level - Peas in a Pod: Mendelian Genetics
6th grade level - Probably Probability
7th grade level - Greek Mythology: It's Greek to Me
7th grade level - Put Your Screenplay on Paper in 15 Easy Steps
7th grade level - The Solar System: An Introduction to the Sun
8th grade level - Understanding the Influence of the Media
9th grade level - Connecting Africa: A Project-based Learning Adventure
9th & 10th grade level - Magical Musical Tour
9th-12th grade level - I Need a Hero
11th & 12th grade level - Utopia/Dystopia: The American Dream