Aquarium of the Pacific
Lego Molecules
Young scientists construct an understanding of molecular compounds in this hands-on science lesson. Using LEGO® to model the atoms of different elements, young scholars build molecules based on the chemical formulas of common compounds.
Teach Engineering
The Building Blocks of Matter
Everything can be reduced to atoms. The first installment of a six-part Mixtures and Solutions unit focuses on the building blocks of matter. Scholars review basic atomic structure, including protons, neutrons, and electrons, in...
Curated OER
Atoms and Molecules
Students become familiar with the relationship between atoms and matter. In this atoms, elements molecules and compounds lesson, students create a replica of an atom and a molecule. Students research scientist who contributed to the...
Curated OER
Polymers-Greaaaaaat Biiiiiig Molecuuuuuules
Students explore polymer properties. In this instructional activity about polymers, students perform an experiment to understand polymers, their properties, and that they are formed from small molecules. Students role play pretending...
Curated OER
Bubbleology Mickey Mouse Style
Students investigate the effects of four different shaped wands and geometric shapes in a bubble solution. In this bubbleology lesson, the students build water and soap molecules. Students work in cooperative groups and conduct...
Space Awareness
Let's Break the Particles
Build learning by breaking atoms! Young scientists study the way energy changes with a hands-on activity. As they roll steel marbles down a ramp, learners test the hypothesis that kinetic energy does not go away with friction or...
Curated OER
The Water Cycle
Your class sets up a mini water cycle model to examine the process. Then they watch an animation, following a water molecule through the cycle. A well-developed lab sheet guides learners through the lesson and a PowerPoint presentation...
NASA
The Importance of Food
Pupils make observations while eating food. They act out the process of food breaking down in the body and the roles of various chemical components, such as sugar and protein. It concludes with an activity illustrating the process and a...
Curated OER
Do You Know the Master Programmer?
Fourth graders, using candy, build models of DNA replication, RNA transcription, and tRNA translation.
Curated OER
Water Cycle Activity
Students build a model and observe the cycle of evaporation and condensation that occurs in the water cycle. They see how the water cycle works, such as water condensing on the side of the jar and drops precipitating into rain that...
Montana State University
Climb into Action!
Climate change affects even the largest and intimidating of landforms—even Mount Everest! A resource helps teach learners the connection between global climate change and its effects on Earth. Activities include videos, class discussion,...
Curated OER
Photosynthesis
Fifth graders work in small groups to brainstorm responses to a problem related to some disaster that wipes out half or all plant life on earth. Groups complete a graphic organizer to compare and contrast their ideas. Students select...
Curated OER
The Bean Growth Experiment
Fifth graders use modern technologies which allow them to gain a new, dynamic, and intersting understanding of themselves, their community, and the world. They focus on environmental education and the effect of the environment on plant...
Curated OER
What Plants Need in Order to Survive and Grow: Light
Students conduct an experiment to evaluate whether plants need light to survive and grow. They observe and gather data about plant responses to different growth regimes, analyze the data, and make conclusions about basic plant needs.
Forest Foundation
Forests, Carbon & Our Climate
To conclude their examination of forest ecosystems, class members consider the role forests play in the carbon cycle and how forests can offset climate change.
NASA
Producers Make Their Own Food
During an inquiry-based lesson, scholars decide which variable to test and then design an experiment to determine the needs of producers. After two weeks, they complete a full analysis and research paper.
Curated OER
Exploring Electricity - Four Activities
These are four classic activities used for instructing upper elementary electricians. The first involves experimenting with the Van de Graaff generator. The second is a series of hands-on experiences with static. In the third activity,...
Curated OER
Making Molecular Models
In these creative hands-on activities, students construct several different molecular models that represent substances that play an essential role in our nutritional needs. Using gum drops and toothpicks, students design the models....
Curated OER
Thirstin's Groundwater Movement Activity
Students examine how ground water flows through different materials. In groups, they identify the different types of rocks in various aquifers. To end the lesson, they pretend to be water as others pretend to be rocks and try to make...