Students explore optical illusions. Using Legos, they construct and motorize a machine that has an axle that's geared up and geared down, complete a worksheet, and answer discussion questions.

Students explore the concept of money. In this money lesson, students role play an economy. Students are divided into three categories- the money factory, construction workers, and the grocery store. Students work cooperatively to make...

Students build their own two-cell battery and determine which electrolyte solution is best suited for making a battery. They discuss background information for their experiment, construct and test their battery, and using the chart on...

Students look at pictures of Canstruction sculptures, then read a news article about the construction of these canned food sculptures. In this current events activity, the teacher introduces the article with pictures of winning...

Young scholars understand the parts of the terrarium and why they are important in establishing an ecosystem. In this ecosystem lesson, students recall background information on aquariums, terrariums and the water cycle. Young scholars...

Students determine what the pulse is before examining how to measure the heart rate in different situations. They build a simple device that measures the heart rate, take heart rates, and record them on a worksheet. They discuss how...

This instructional activity certainly will not be a drag! Little engineers design parachutes that make use of air resistance and, as a result, slow the descent of the payload as much as possible. It is an opportunity to teach about many...

Young scholars experiment with common objects such as spools, string and soap to determine how pulleys make it easier to move large objects. They look at the difference between fixed and movable pulleys. They examine the many uses...

Students explore symmetry in architecture.  In this cross curriculum art  and architecture lesson, students fold paper to illustrate symmetry and identify symmetrical and asymmetrical shapes.  Students observe photographs...

Learners create entries for the Architects of America contest, including a model of a futuristic structure, blueprints, a list of all plane and solid shapes in the structure, a persuasive argument paper that describes why the structure...

Junior geometers practice stating the names of different geometric shapes. They define and name the different shapes and compare and contrast shapes to one another. They also relate the shapes to objects in the real world.

This is a creative multidisciplinary lesson which will involve learners in art, technology, and psychology. Students learn about Harold Cohen who created a robot programmed to create art. Learners will also enjoy the sand pendulum...

Students create squares of different sizes on a geoboard. They find and describe a pattern. Students use the pattern to determine the number of squares possible on a 10-by-10 geoboard. They create squares with a horizontal base (and...

Third graders use pattern blocks of one shape at a time to try to create a similar shape. They compare the perimeter of the new figure with the perimeter of the original shape and look for a pattern. Students use the pattern to predict...

Third graders, in teams, play a subtraction game called Water Bucket Relay.

Students make a quilt. In this geometry lesson, students discuss patchwork quilts and learn some different geometric shapes and patterns that are commonly used. Students explore designs with triangles and squares and then make their own...

Young scholars utilize computer programs to operate a simple robot.  In this technology lesson, students create robots using Lego pieces and simple motors to move them.  Young scholars measure the speed of the robots by running...

Third graders work with place value. In this place value instructional activity, 3rd graders write three digit numbers and tell the place value of each number. They compare numbers and money, regroup, discuss the value of coins, and...

Students access prior knowledge of solar energy and understand that solar energy produces heat. In this solar cooker lesson, students complete grade appropriate experiments using the heat of the sun. Students complete a worksheet on...

Young scholars work together to review what they know about damage during tornadoes. They design a structure that they hope protects people against tornadoes. They share their structure with the class.

Learners identify three-dimensional forms in various buildings and construct three-dimensional paper forms.

Learners explore architecture. In this science lesson, students build a structure from newspaper. Learners place weight on the structure to measure how strong the structure is.

Students examine plant systems. In this life science lesson, students explore leaf and root systems on paper in a terrarium that they design and construct.

Students construct a catapult that shoots a cotton ball at least two meters using Legos, rubber bands, and plastic spoons. They discuss how the catapult works, and identify any problems they had with their experiment.