Curated OER
What is an Atom?
Third graders understand that the smallest particle is an atom. In this matter lesson plan, 3rd graders make a piece of aluminum smaller and smaller to see that what's left is still aluminum. Students recognize that cutting into smaller...
Center for Learning in Action
Introduction to Matter
Begin your states of matter lessons with a demonstration designed to introduce the concept that all matter has properties. Reinforce this concept through vocabulary exploration, and the creation of atom models; salt, water, and carbon...
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...
California Academy of Science
Carbon Cycle Role-Play
A role-play activity that uses Ping-Pong balls to represent carbon atoms demonstrates for young scientists the complex relationships involved in the carbon cycle.
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...
Curated OER
Space: Our Star, the Sun, and Its Friends, the Planets
Students examine the solar system. In this space lesson, students identify the order of the planets and their relative size to the sun. Students create a scale model of our solar system using a variety of household objects.
Curated OER
A Peek into the Lives of Stars!
Learners create a model of the birth of a star and demonstrate the stages of the star's lifecycle. In this star lifecycle lesson plan, students mix flour and water in a jar to model the birth of a star, then role-play the entire...
Curated OER
Blast's Cosmic Carnival
Young scholars, after analyzing the history of a concentrator, model how a Genesis spacecraft concentrator works by playing a game. In groups of three or four, after being given materials to work with, are challenged to roll the rubber...
Center for Learning in Action
Introduction to the States of Matter
Liquids, gases, and solids are the states of matter in which scholars investigate in a lesson plan that offers in-depth information and engaging activities that look into the three states and the changes their properties make when mixed...
Curated OER
The Ups and Downs of Ozone
Learners use data from tables to draw graphs. They interpret the graphed data and explain how CFCs damage the ozone layer. This is a good cross-curricular lesson.
Curated OER
Flowing Electrons
Learners act out different types of circuits, and create their own circuits using wire, a bulb, a battery and a switch.
Curated OER
Static Cling
Students work together to discover the concept of static electricity. They participate in an experiment in which they test different objects charge. They make observations and record them for later use.