Teach Engineering
Spring Away!
The last segment of the nine-part unit makes a connection between springs and linear equations. Groups hang weights from the spring and measure its length. Then, using the data collected, they calculate the slope to find the k-value of...
Teach Engineering
Earthquakes Living Lab: Locating Earthquakes
There are patterns in nearly everything — even earthquakes. Pairs research current earthquakes to see if there are any patterns. They determine the mean, median, and mode of the earthquake data, along with the maximum and minimum. Using...
Teach Engineering
The Great Gravity Escape
Groups simulate an orbit using a piece of string and a water balloon. Individuals spin in a circular path and calculate the balloon's velocity when the clothes pin can no longer hold onto the balloon.
Curated OER
Sphere Dressing
Geometric design makes a fashion statement! Challenge learners to design a hat to fit a Styrofoam model. Specifications are clear and pupils use concepts related to three-dimensional objects including volume of irregular shapes and...
Teach Engineering
Backyard Weather Station
Challenge young meteorologists to apply their knowledge of weather to build their own weather stations. The resource provides the directions to build a weather station that contains a wind vane, barometer, thermometer, and rain gauge....
Teach Engineering
Curb the Epidemic!
Class members use an applet on the Internet to simulate the spread of a disease. The simulation allows individuals to determine two nodes to vaccinate to limit the number of nodes infected. By running several simulations, scholars can...
Teach Engineering
Preconditioning Balloons: Viscoelastic Biomedical Experiments
What does stretching a balloon have to do with equilibrium? Groups explore preconditioning by stretching a balloon to a point of equilibrium. They then measure the amount of force required to stretch the balloon to the same point several...
Curated OER
How Much of Each Nutrient Does Your Body Need, and How Can You Find Out What Is In Each Food?
Fifth graders practice reading food labels to find nutrients in foods. In this health instructional activity, 5th graders read food labels and discuss the recommended daily allowance of each nutrient. They compare this to the food...
Curated OER
Say Cheese!
Students identify the different WIC cheese choices. In this health lesson, students compare the nutrient content of various cheese. They share cheese cooking tips.
Curated OER
Exploring Zoo Animals
Students research topics related to zoos and zoo animals. They compare and contrast the size of animals, make a book of facts about bears, draw snakes, and write animal stories and poetry. They complete a series of writing and creative...
Curated OER
Light Plants and Dark Plants, Wet Plants and Dry Ones
Students plant sunflower seeds in plastic cups, and once germinated, these are exposed to different conditions of light levels and/or soil moisture contents. Students measure growth of the seedlings every few days using non-standard...
Curated OER
Gandhi's Swaraj: Power to the People
Sixth graders discover what a swaraj is. In this world history lesson, 6th graders create a Venn Diagram comparing Gandhi's swaraj to American's democracy.
Curated OER
Feeding: Fast Food
Students calculate the rates of feeding for the average baleen whale, and compare the energy requirements of whales with humans.
Curated OER
Muhammad Ali and his Vietnam War Resistance: Defining Nonviolent Action through Gandhi and King
Students research Muhammad Ali's act of civil disobedience. In this civil disobedience lesson plan, students research Ali's defiance of the Vietnam War draft and compare his reasoning to Martin Luther King's thoughts on the war. Students...
Curated OER
Magnify It!
Students explain that there are limits to what the eye can see and that a magnifying glass can help extend those limits. They examine an object with the magnifying glass and draw the size and shape of what they see as accurately as they...
Curated OER
Growing and Graphing
Students visit a 2nd and a 4th grade class to measure the heights of older students using large building blocks as a non-standard unit of measure. They can also measure adults in the school community. Results are displayed in...
Curated OER
Grocery Shopping
Pupils apply budgeting and shopping strategies. They study consumer shopping skills and guidelines to be a better shopper by comparing stores, comparing prices and unit pricing, brands, using coupons and not being fooled with gimmicks...
Curated OER
Tree Friends
Young scholars are introduced to tree structure and use. They identify their special tree using all senses except sight. Students identify six different internal parts within a cross section of tree trunk (bark, phloem, xylem, cambium,...
Curated OER
Emperor or President?
Sixth graders complete a Venn Diagram. In this government comparison lesson, 6th graders discuss how rules are similar and different at home, school and in their community. Students learn about the type and structure of the United...
Curated OER
Spherical Mirrors
Students view images in a spherical mirror and interpret the path of light. In this physics lesson, students view a large spherical mirror demonstrated by the instructor. They use shiny serving spoons to investigate the path of light on...
Curated OER
Inked Geometric Mandalas
Fifth graders gain an appreciation for mandalas in many cultures. Compare and contrast designs from many cultures. They see geometric design in mandalas and become aware of symmetrical balance and radial balance. They create a mandala...
Curated OER
Oregon Trail Cooking
Students compare differences between cooked and fresh greens. They realize how simplicity of recipe makes for easy travel on the Oregon Trail.
Curated OER
Strawkets and Thrust
Students investigate the effect of thrust on rocket flight. They construct two paper rockets, one with a smaller exit nozzle, and compare/contrast the distances traveled by the rockets.
Curated OER
Particulate Observation Lab
Students collect samples of common dust from their homes and school for examination under a microscope. They identify the components of their samples using the provided "Atlas of Indoor Dust Particles." Pupils take samples form a variety...