Elementary schoolers discover how engineers use solar energy to heat buildings. They take a close look at some of the materials used: sand, salt, water, and shredded paper and evaluate the efficiency of each material. An incredible...

Blow the minds of young scientists with this collection of inquiry-based investigations. Based on a series of eight videos, these "hands-on, minds-on" science lessons engage young learners in exploring a wide range of topics...

Students examine renewable energy sources such as solar, water, and wind. They experiment to determine how renewable energy is transformed into electricity. They investigate the role of engineers who work in the field of renewable energy.

Young scholars describe the science of physics. In this Physics activity, students observe examples of physics within their classroom. Young scholars create a definition for physics.

Young scholars study science. In this efficiency lesson, students explore different forms of energy and compare them to determine which works the best. They work independently to create a collage of different energy sources (using...

Students discover how engineers use solar energy to heat buildings. They investigate the thermal properties of different materials. They evaluate the usefulness of each material.

Students brainstorm how they can conserve energy in their daily lives. In this energy lesson plan, students discuss how they use energy and ways to conserve it.

There's no need to stay inside; get out of the classroom and create a scaled map of the solar system on your playground field! In collaborative groups, scholars identify the distance between the sun and other planets, place planet...

Young scholars identify wind and water as natural resources that create energy. In this natural resources and energy use instructional activity, students work in groups to construct a pinwheel, then explore the effects of wind and water...

Students explain the main concepts of food webs and food chains. They describe the role of animals, plants, and other organisms in cycling energy and matter through a food web by creating mobiles. Lesson contains adaptations for all levels.

Students observe the brightness of stars and are introduced to the concept of apparent brightness as a measure of how much light hits a detector of a surface area during a given time. In this star lesson, students make connections...

Students explore how and why heat is produced from things that give off light, from machines, or when one thing is rubbed against another. They participate in several hands-on activities designed to help them realize that heat is related...

Students develop a clearer understanding of how and why heat is produced from things that give off light, from machines, or when one thing is rubbed against another.

Students discover different types of energy. In this energy source lesson students compare different types of energy, renewable and nonrenewable. Students answer questions about the different types of energy and their impact on the...

Students examine alternatives to wasteful, non-environmental holiday season and general gift-giving practices and discuss ideas for saving energy in holiday celebrations and day-to-day practices.

Students explore renewable energy by analyzing a diagram. In this fossil fuel lesson, students view a chart explaining the different energy consumption from automobiles and how they impact our environment. Students analyze a point based...

Anytime you make concepts clear with role playing or hands-on experience, it's a win for the whole class. Ping-Pong balls are used to represent carbon in a carbon cycle role-play activity. In small groups, children first discuss what...

Young scholars build a coral polyp out of a banana, straw, oyster crackers, sprinkles, and more. In this coral polyp lesson plan, students also list the differences between plants and animals.

Students compare kelp and land plants. In this sea plant lesson, students look at the role of algae in aquatic environments. They research the properties of kelp and explore seaweed. 

How many parts make up the water cycle? How many things on Earth rely on water as a system? Learn more about the water cycle in an informative and colorful poster. Print and hang, or project the graphic in the classroom for optimal use.

Students investigate simple machines. In this simple machines lesson, students study how simple machines work. Students determine the function of various simple machines.

Third graders identify what plants need to grow. In this agricultural instructional activity, 3rd graders read the book The Empty Pot and discuss the steps to take when planting a seed. Students plant a seed and water it each day....

Students examine the needs of trees and plants. In this forest ecosystem lesson students use seedlings to investigate the basic necessities of plants. They discuss the consequences of these basic needs not being met.

For this digestion and nutrition lesson, 3rd graders test foods to find their vitamin content. Students test for starch and fats then compare their findings on charts and oral reports. The lesson concludes with a teacher directed...