Seeing is believing! Or is it? With this simple experiment, young scientists can explore the concept of visual perception. Attach Benham's disk to a rotating appliance such as a hand drill; As it spins, the black lines appear to be...

Third graders invent a gadget using one or more simple machines. They write a detailed description of that gadget.

Learnersexplore how gravity affects the operation of toys and simple machines. They watch a video and experiment with simple machines.

Students create their own model of a nail clipper. They practice using engineering design and model building. They also identify different kinds of small levers.

Students conduct an experiment. In this wind measurement lesson, students learn about instruments that measure the wind and then make a weather vane. Students record wind speed over a few days.

Learners explore design, construction, and teamwork as they design and develop robot arm at least 18 inches in length using common materials.

Students explore the principles of magnetism and friction. They complete an interactive puzzle on the Gizmos and Gadgets computer software, construct a vehicle, build and modify ramps and vehicles to produce various outcomes, and...

Learners create a seed museum. In this early childhood lesson plan, students identify various seeds and the plants the seeds will grow into. Learners write a description of the plant, illustrate the plant and create a seed museum in...

Students explore communications by participating in a science class activity. In this communication technology lesson, students discuss the process of morse code, its history, and the electromagnets used to create the device. Students...

Students explore the notion that simple devices can help us move objects when an understanding of forces is applied. They apply the design process, make predictions, draw sketches, make a model and evaluate their solution.

Students apply inquiry and problem solving approaches in science. They design a device (invention) that solves a special problem.

Young scholars brainstorm if they think that any lever would use the same amount of paperclips. They break into small groups and use a data sheet as well as a lever, Lego person, fulcrum, and some paperclips and prove what they think by...

Third graders create Zoom Balls to explain how sometimes both forces of push and pull need to be used at the same time.

Students read The Gadget War by Betsy Duffey. They complete a variety of cross-curricular activities surrounding inventors and inventions. Included are reading, art, math, science, writing, social studies, and library connections.

Students, working in expert groups, study a form of energy. They plan a slide show presentation using pictures, clip art, and student taken digital pictures that show the energy type they have become experts in. They use a planning sheet...

Pupils research, write and publish an A,B,C book based on research of their own.

Students discuss agriculture. In this farming lesson, students compare farming practices from the past compared to when machines were introduced. They discuss this concept as a class and participate in multiple activities. This lesson...

Students create pattern books. In this math patterns lesson, students create various patterns using manipulatives. Students take digital photographs of the patterns and create books.

Students explore energy by participating in a science lab in class. In this energy form lesson, students define the different types of energy such as light, mechanical and sound while examining energy measuring tools in class. Students...

Students work together to examine inclined planes. They create a plan to raise rocks to build pyramids. They discover the changes that occur when the angle is increased or decreased.

Learners investigate and experiement with a 9-volt motor. They will use the connecting wire and battery pack to discover fans.

Young scholars design and build a tractor using LEGO materials. They write and draw their designs.

Students generate oversized rendition of the Silk Roads from Europe to East Asia, apply elements such as political and topographic features, the Silk Roads, products of the regions, and the routes of key travelers.

Students investigate the various uses of a paper cup. In this scientific inquiry lesson, students investigate various ways to use a paper cup by identifying its characteristics. Students sketch their discovery.