Cornell University
Optical Simulation of a Transmission Electron Microscope
Don't have an electron microscope? Have your classes build the next best thing! A hands-on lesson asks scholars to build a model of Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). They then use their models to identify the function of each...
Exploratorium
Hot Spot
Not only does a concave mirror focus light waves, it can also concentrate infrared radiation into a hot spot. If you have a small electric heater and such a mirror, demonstrate this for your physical science class.
Curated OER
Waves
Light waves and sound waves are the focus of this science instructional activity designed for 5th graders. Besides discovering how these waves travel, learners also discover the basic properties of waves, and analyze data tables and...
Curated OER
Fun Activities Using Seeds
Students analyze the size, shape, and form of several different seeds. In this all about seeds lesson plan, students complete four activities involving characteristics of seeds. Students observe the seeds, record information about the...
Curated OER
Rock of Ages
Students are given a classification table and samples from their location. They locate their samples on the classification table using the characteristics used in rock identification.
Curated OER
Investigation 3 - Examining Your Fossil
Fourth graders examine the fossils they made previously. They examine the details of the fossil with a hand lens and come up with conclusions about the fossils. They record what they see and draw conclusions about the environment of the...
Curated OER
Wilson Bentley and Snowflake Crystals
Fifth graders read the book, 'Snowflake Bentley' by Jacqueline Briggs Martin. They gather and make a list of information about snowflakes and crystals. Then they make their own real crystal snowflake creation and observe the crystals...
Curated OER
Modeling the Rock Cycle
In this modeling the rock cycle worksheet, learners use a sugar cube to show the phases and changes in the rock cycle as represented by the changes in the sugar cube. For each step of the experiment students indicate the part of the rock...
Curated OER
Rock Cycle
In this rock cycle worksheet, learners simulate the changes that occur during the rock cycle using a sugar cube. They use the sugar cube to represent a rock and perform changes on the sugar cube that represent the stages of the rock cycle.
Curated OER
Seed Plant Reproduction
In this plant reproduction activity, students will conduct an experiment to see how much pollen a flower makes. Then students will use their data collected to complete 3 short answer questions.
Curated OER
Igneous Rock Lab
In this igneous rock worksheet, students answer 5 questions about igneous rocks and then use a website to find the 6 textures of igneous rock. Students record data such as the color, the texture, if it's intrusive or extrusive, if its...
Curated OER
Metamorphic Rock Lab
In this metamorphic rock worksheet, students observe 9 metamorphic rock samples and indicate the grain size, if there are bands, if there are layers , if it is foliated and they identify the name of the rock. They complete 5 sentences...
Curated OER
Ecosystems at School
In this ecosystem worksheet, students use a string and make a large circle. Everything in the circle is part of the ecosystem the students will study. They identify everything in their ecosystem and classify their data. They answer 2...
Curated OER
Weathering and Wind
In this weathering and wind worksheet, students simulate the effects of weathering by wind using 2 canisters, 2 types of sandpaper and 2 sugar cubes. Students swirl the sugar cubes inside the canisters lined with fine and course...
Curated OER
Changing Sugar
In this chemical and physical change worksheet, students use a sugar cube and observe its physical properties both when it is whole and after it is crushed. They heat the sugar cube and record 5 properties of the matter while being...
National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network
Taking a Closer Look at Objects
Take a close look at the world around you with an activity that magnifies everyday objects. Five explorations examine items under intense magnification and pose a series of questions that encourage critical thinking and following...
Michigan State University
Gases Matter
Young scientists learn that seeing isn't necessarily believing when it comes to the states of matter. After performing a fun class demonstration that models the difference between solids, liquids, and gases, children complete a series of...
Curated OER
This is Your Rock, This is My Rock
Students study the identity of rocks and minerals that can be found in Utah. They examine the characteristics that identify the rocks and minerals by using a hand lens and write them down on an index card. They role play as detectives by...
Curated OER
Exploring Minerals
I love this geology lesson plan. Third and fourth graders look at the connections, and the differences, between rocks and minerals. Learners are charged with identifying specific rocks and minerals, learning how to properly use...
Curated OER
Observing Fruits and Seeds
Third graders discuss what they think the word "observation" means and discover different ways that we observe. They observe as the teacher demonstrates how to use a hand lens as a tool for observing tiny details. They then use hand...
Curated OER
How Do Seeds Travel?
This fascinating science worksheet has students determine how seeds travel. They see that seeds travel through the environment as "floaters," "fliers," and "hitchhikers." Students collect seeds, and tape them to a chart embedded in the...
Curated OER
What is an Earthworm Like?
Second graders study earthworms. In this science lesson, 2nd graders observe an earthworm using a magnifying lens, draw pictures of the earthworm, and record their observations.
Curated OER
The Science of Forensics
Students examine the importance of details in evidence gathering, as well as the relationship between chemistry, physics and biology. For this forensics lesson students divide into groups and look at fingerprints and fill out an...
Curated OER
Focusing Light With a Lens
Students experiment with a converging lens. They observe the image of an object through a lens. They determine the magnification of the lens.