Science Matters
Wave Watching
Seismologists use the direction and arrival times of p waves and s waves to determine the distance to the source of an earthquake. The engaging lesson plan has students line up to form human waves. Through different movements when...
EngageNY
Waves, Sinusoids, and Identities
What is the net effect when two waves interfere with each other? The lesson plan answers this question by helping the class visualize waves through graphing. Pupils graph individual waves and determine the effect of the interference...
The Science Spot
The Wave Exercise
During a instructional activity on wave motion, physical science participants basically act out the waves as a group. Through their movements, the amplitude, speed, frequency, and wavelength are all identified. Ideas for modeling the...
Curated OER
Typical Conceptual Questions for Physics I - Light and Quantum
This is a stellar overview of everything light and quantum! There are 30 multiple choice questions, none of them requiring any mathematical computation. There are a few diagrams to analyze: light rays striking reflective and refractive...
Discovery Education
Sonar & Echolocation
A well-designed, comprehensive, and attractive slide show supports direct instruction on how sonar and echolocation work. Contained within the slides are links to interactive websites and instructions for using apps on a mobile device to...
Curated OER
Now Hear This!
Students create a model of the inner ear. In this hearing lesson, students follow a series of directions to build a working model of the inner ear, then observe how the parts react to a variety of sounds.
Curated OER
"The Beaches of Agnes": Planning a Video Self Portrait
Agnes Varda’s autobiographical “The Beaches of Agnes,” models for young filmmakers the cinematic self-portrait. Far from “old and plump,” Varda is a giant of filmmaking and will inspire your pupils. After watching a clip of this famous...
Curated OER
Ears and Hearing
Learners explore vibrations and sound waves. In this lesson about hearing, students use experiments to determine how sound waves travel. Learners use a saucepan, rice, and a plastic cover for one experiment and a tube, plastic wrap, a...
Curated OER
Geometrical Optics: Reflection and Refraction of Light
Students define and discus the concepts of wave fronts and rays. In groups, they distinguish between specular and diffuse reflections and use Snell's Law to predict the path of light rays. They calculate the speed of light through...
Curated OER
The Beaufort Scale: A Local Model
Learners study the Beaufort Scale and use it to study wind in their community. For this wind study lesson, students watch a DVD about climate change and learn about the Beaufort Scale. Learners complete a worksheet for the topic.
It's About Time
The Earth-Moon System
Explore the earth-moon system with blossoming astronomers in this fun-filled activity. They begin by investigating lunar phases and differentiating between each. They continue the activity by learning about tidal forces and how these are...
Curated OER
Getting Ready for Kindergarten, Homeschool-Style!
Experience learning alongside your child as you begin your homeschooling journey.
Curated OER
Introduce Vocabulary: Clap Your Hands (Cauley)
Lorinda Cauley's book Clap Your Hands is a fun way to expand budding readers' vocabulary in context (although you could use any book for this strategy). To prepare kids, introduce the following terms before reading: dare, flap, frown,...
Curated OER
Introduce Vocabulary: Clap Your Hands
Read Clap Your Hands to explore new vocabulary with your class. In this three-tiered vocabulary lesson, youngsters read the book and identify the plot, setting, and characters. They also define vocabulary terms from the book and answer...
Curated OER
Jell-O Optics
Students observe an activity with Jell-O to learn about optics. In this investigative lesson students fill out a handout on the activity that helps them to investigate the index of refraction and the speed of light.
Curated OER
Great River Bend Adventure
Students use their imagination. They discuss the 4 C's of teamwork: Concentration, Communications, Coomperation, and Consideration. Students discuss the safety guidelines of the project. They complete a rope maze. The group walks...