Curated OER
The Virtual Electron Microscope
Students explore the world of the very small using a Flash plug-in Virtual Electron Microscope. They complete and discuss an activity in which unknown samples are placed under the computer simulated microscope to determine where the...
Curated OER
Inventions- The Impact
Students discuss the impact of certain inventions. For this technology lesson, students research Thomas Edison and the light bulb on the Internet and discuss how the invention impacted society. Students create their own simple inventions.
Curated OER
Light and Optics
Third graders utilize the scientific method to explain light and optics in this five lessons unit. Through experimentation and discussion, 3rd graders canvass the concepts of light traveling, reflection and refraction.
Curated OER
Stations of Light
Student groups rotate through four stations to examine light energy behavior: refraction, magnification, prisms and polarization. They see how a beam of light is refracted (bent) through various transparent mediums. Students investigate...
Curated OER
Exploration of Light
Fifth graders observe the video, Exploring Light and Color. They access a website to create their own light show. They conduct lab experiments to investigate refraction, reflection,and other light-related topics.
Pennsylvania Department of Education
Light the Bulb!
Third graders investigate electrical circuits and how light bulbs are powered. In this electricity and power instructional activity, 3rd graders study the vocabulary necessary which includes the different types of circuits, electrical...
Curated OER
Air Pollution
Students collect and examine particulate matter found in the air. In this pollution activity, students use microscope slides and petroleum jelly to collect particulate matter from several different locations, then use a microscope to...
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Mold Investigations
Students observe mold growth on bread. In this mold growth lesson, students place bread in various locations and in various conditions to investigate how location, moisture, temperature, and other variable impact the growth of mold on...
Curated OER
Extreme Flashlight Tag
Fifth graders view a Powerpoint show about reflecting light. They experiment through a reflection simulation on the internet. Students complete the activity by using mirrors and light to complete send light to a specified spot.
Curated OER
Brine Shrimp Life Cycle
Third graders examine brine shrimp through "A Sea Monkey's Life" story. They study the living environments and life cycle of brine shrimp. They look at brine shrimp and cysts through a microscope, identifying new vocabulary that was...
Curated OER
Applied Science - Physics Lab
Learners define reflection and refraction. In this Physics lesson, students compare a variety of items to find properties of reflection or refraction. Learners record their findings.
Cornell University
Exploring Rocks and Minerals
Investigate the properties of rocks and minerals through a rockin' hands-on activity. Learners test rocks for various properties and, using a guide, attempt to identify different samples. They use various properties including hardness,...
Curated OER
Save a Reef!
Design a public information campaign to improve understanding of the coral reef crisis. Read about and discuss the biology and threats to the coral reef. The class creates a public information program about the problems facing the coral...
Curated OER
Sinking Races
Students build plankton models and compete to see which sinks most slowly. They write, or orally present ,the adaptations they incorporated to slow the sinking rate of their organisms. Race results can be grounds for some prizes!
Curated OER
Sensational Seaweed
Students compare kelp and land plants. In this sea plant lesson, students look at the role of algae in aquatic environments. They research the properties of kelp and explore seaweed.
Curated OER
What to Do with a $20 Bill Besides Spend It
Students explore the concept of anti-counterfeiting measure. In this economics lesson, students use science equipment to discover anti-counterfeiting designs. Students then explore other denominations of bills.
Curated OER
Deep Gardens
Students compare and contrast deep-sea coral reefs with shallow-water coral reefs. In this underwater ecology lesson, students describe three types of coral and explain why scientists are concerned about the future of deep-sea coral.
Curated OER
Splendid Spores
Young scholars explore fungi. In this fungi lesson, students take a slice of bread and leave it outside for a day. Young scholars record their observations of the fungi on the bread the following day.
Curated OER
Characteristics of Energy
Fourth graders view a video and create a KWL to identify energy sources. In this energy sources lesson, 4th graders explore the meaning of energy, kinetic energy, potential energy, thermal energy, radiant energy, and electrical energy....
Curated OER
Do Medicines Grow on Trees and Plants?
Students study the importance of preserving rainforest. They investigate the uses of rainforest plants for medicinal uses by participating in rainforest immersion activities.
Curated OER
Investigating Animals in Soil
Students investigate and observe small animal activity on a plot of land on their school grounds. In small groups they identify the five kingdoms of animals, stake out a small plot of ground, collect samples, record and analyze any data...
Curated OER
What's Covering You? and Why?
Students take a closer look at human skin. In this biology lesson plan, students describe the four functions of the skin as they complete a hands-on activity.
Curated OER
A Piece of Cake: Ocean Communities
Learners explain habitats. In this model based lesson students create a model to help describe a habitat that is typical of deep-water. Learners will describe how organisms such as coral and sponges add to their habitat.
Curated OER
How do living and non-living structures affect coral reef habitats?
Students create model coral reefs showing surface area and including examples of communities. In this coral reef activity, students research and explore the functions or benefits from a coral reef. Students design a benthic habitat....