Curated OER
Alka-Seltzer Cannons
The scientific method is emphasized in this engaging and exciting chemistry lesson. Learners get to create Alka-Seltzer cannons out of film cannisters, water, and Alka-Seltzer tablets. Carbon dioxide gas builds up inside the cannister,...
Curated OER
Sink or Float?
Students investigate whether different objects sink or float in water using the Scientific Method. They listen to the book "Christopher Columbus" by Stephen Krensky, identify the steps of the Scientific Method, conduct the sink or float...
Curated OER
Measurement and Variation
Examine the concept of variation through observation and measurement. Middle schoolers will study a peanut and record any distinguishing characteristics visible as well as sketch their peanuts and describe them in writing. Their peanut...
Curated OER
Physical Science: Festival of Bubbles
Investigate bubbles through the use of scientific inquiry. Pupils blow bubbles using several methods and measure the resulting bubble print. Measurements are recorded on a data table and transferred to a bar graph. Results are discussed...
Curated OER
Nailing Rust
When your upper elementary or middle school class is learning about chemical changes, these activities help demonstrate the concepts. In Part A, they submerge and place a nail partially underwater, then after a week they make...
Curated OER
"Snapshot" Exercises & Sensory Detail Word Bank
Read a sample of creative descriptive writing to your science class. Discuss how writing can be used to record and communicate observations that scientists make. Reading selections and thought-provoking questions are suggested. Also...
Aquarium of the Pacific
Think Like a Scientist
Scholars watch a video and meet a scientist who is studying sharks as she explains her observations about the sharks and provides her hypothesis to explain their behavior. Learners then act like a scientist as they watch an aquarium...
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The Life Cycle of the Mealworm
Fourth graders provide a habitat for live mealworms and observe their life cycle. In this animal life cycle and scientific inquiry lesson, 4th graders create a habitat for a live mealworm and observe and record related data as it grows....
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Classification of Cerealites
Students create a dichotomous key. In this categorizing lesson, students create a dichotomous key for different types of cereal. Students classify the cereal into groups such as flakes and cereal with holes. Students discuss their...
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Measuring Permeability of Soil, Sand and Gravel
Students investigate the different materials in their environment. In this geology lesson plan, students collaborate in groups to examine the differences in sand, soil and gravel. Students utilize a magnifying glass or microscope and...
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Measuring Natural Objects
Students predict the measurement of objects. In this measurement instructional activity, students estimate the measurements of objects in a lab. Students measure irregular objects and generate scientific observations.
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Sound and Frequency
Pupils pose their hypothesis, they ready their instruments, then record their observations. This is the science of sound lesson. They move through 5 stations, each focused on a different element of aspect of sound. Check this lesson out,...
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Growing A Coral Skeleton
Students research the growth of coral. In this coral polyps lesson, students simulate the growth of coral by using available materials to grow crystals. Students record observations in a scientific journal.
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Mystery Game
Students examine objects and determine if they are living or nonliving. In this scientific observation lesson, students collect living and nonliving items from outside, record a drawing of each in their journal, and write a short song...
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Introduction to Scientific Methods
Sixth graders distinguish between an observation and an inference distinguish between quantitative and qualitative observations of a scientific experiment. They record and organize data collected during an experiment.
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The Nature and Science of Technology
Fifth graders practice using the scientific method by observing and creating mold. In this bacteria lesson, 5th graders experiment creating their own mold and fungus using petri dishes and oatmeal. Students create an information table...
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Science Observations
First graders investigate change by analyzing a photograph. In this scientific observation lesson, 1st graders view a photograph of a baby and attempt to memorize the details. Student view the photo a few minutes later, trying to...
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Scientific Sampling
Students take a sample of fish and try to determine how many fish are in the sea. In this scientific sampling instructional activity, students explore the way scientists measure large areas of samples. Students record the distribution...
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What it means to be a scientist and What is the Scientific Process?
Middle schoolers read an article and describe the scientific method. In this scientific process instructional activity, students compare basic science and applied science. Middle schoolers discuss ideas such as team work, application of...
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Investigating Evidence
Explore the scientific process through nature. Scholars become scientists as they develop a question, design an experiment, collect data, and analyze their results. A two-week lesson guides your classes through the process and provides...
Towson University
Looking Backwards, Looking Forward
How do scientists know what Earth's climate was like millions of years ago? Young environmental scholars discover how researchers used proxy data to determine the conditions present before written record. Grouped pupils gain experience...
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Journal Introductions
Students explore the idea of scientific observation and the use of a journal to record their observations. They examine the proper vocabulary used when describing scientific inquiry. Students observe a science experiment and they discuss...
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Observations and Inferences
Learners observe how to distinguish observations form inferences. For this examining inferences lesson students list observations relating to the activity and discuss the importance of them.
Curated OER
Apply Scienctific Inquiry and Scientific Habits Of Mind
Students describe science experience with appropriate attributes, units, and tools. They formulate inquiry question associated with the science experiences and curricular concepts from observations through class brainstorming. Pupils...