Students examine lava lamps and what causes them to work.  In this density lesson students make a lava lamp and write the scientific explanation of what happens.

Young oceanographers study the Submarine Ring of Fire, which is a series of deep-water volcanic vents that come up from the ocean floor. Learners take a close look at the unique ecosystems that are associated with these areas, how these...

Young scholars discover the people of Mongolia. In this social studies lesson, students look at the Mongolian nomadic culture by reading a letter written by a member of the Peace Corps. They describe the different types of communities...

Here is a fine instructional activity for fifth graders that will give them an idea of the variety of impacts that human-introduced pollutants have on the environment. After an initial class discussion and teacher-led demonstration,...

The story of one bird provides valuable insight into general animal behaviors and interactions. Young researchers investigate the peregrine falcon using a web search. They analyze the behaviors of the raptor including its migration...

Students sort a variety of trash items and determine thier sorting decisions.

Students visit the grocery store to purchase items to make trail mix which are connected to Kansas agriculture. They problem solve to determine which products to buy, then create, advertise and sell the trail mix to the student body...

To observe preservation techniques firsthand, learners dry a flower in sand and compare cucumber slices soaked in salt water for a week with slices left out to dry in the open air. Video resources (not attached) include one about mummies...

Young scholars carry out a cost analysis. In this comparative math lesson, students compare the cost of equal measures of gasoline to mouthwash, house paint, fruit juice, white-out, and other liquids.

Students work in groups to compare the density of different liquids.  In this density lesson plan, students use cooking oil, liquid detergent and water to measure density.  Students record their results and check the accuracy...

Students investigate the transmission of light energy. In this light energy instructional activity, students observe bubbles using different colored filters and record their observations. They also look at a light source through various...

Students explore varied aspects of the design process and learn that most products are designed to reach the worlds wealthiest 10%. In this lesson, students work in groups to learn ways in which designers are attempting to rectify this...

Fifth graders identify function of phytoplankton in the biospere by conducting experiments and simulations and reading for information. They detect the presence of phytoplankton in bodies of water by examining ocean in satellite images...

Students discover concepts related to working conditions and practices. In this career lesson plan, students research information pertaining to specific jobs and then present it to their peers.

Students examine the importance of good quality safety gear. In this investigative lesson, students will tests various polymers, collect data, and analyze the data to determine which polymer is best for safety helmets. They will design a...

Students experiment with variety of materials to investigate, develop inferences, and differentiate between concepts of motion energy and heat energy, and the part played by friction in the transformation process.

Students explore acts of kindness through the eyes of the black community. For this philanthropy lesson, students understand that even under inhumane circumstances, people can perform for the common good. Students relate to their good...

Students learn basic interviewing and biography writing skills. They first identify a senior citizen in their community who remembers the Great Depression.

Fifth graders measure the temperature of water using a thermometer. They record the temperatures of water on a chart. Students use the temperature data to determine which materials are the best conductors of heat. They discuss their...

Students create lightning with two common objects and observe the colorful "discharge" of electrons on a smaller scale. By exploring the phenomena of static electricity, students relate their knowledge to the real-life weather phenomena...

Students experiment with a situation as if they were farmers in a co-op. For this democratic decision making lesson, students role-play as farmers that are members of a co-op and a have a serious decision to make about spreading their...

Students experiment to discover that salt water is denser than fresh water by creating color coded solutions. They examine how heavy rainstorms and high tides develop layers of different degrees of density.

Learners identify the properties of the three states of matter and observe the movement of Oobleck and be able to compare its movement to that of solids and liquids. They record in their Science Journal what they discovered about Oobleck.

Students explore organic and inorganic objects. In this environmental lesson students perform a composting experiment using flowers in different soils. Students record their observations.