Curated OER
The Triple Beam Balance
Students explore mass measurement. They complete a diagram of a triple beam balance. Students explore using the triple beam balance to determine the mass of an object. They discuss procedures for using the triple beam balance.
Curated OER
How Do You Measure Up?
Students explore the concept of measurement, modelling the increments on a standard ruler using cubes and grid paper. They identify the length of a line to a designated standard unit and measure specified body parts.
Curated OER
Technology Lesson Plan
Students measure various objects using non-standard units. The goal is for them to practice measuring in order to apply the physical act to various objects found in the classroom. The lesson is ideal for the kinesthetic learners and...
Curated OER
Addendum to the Written Curriculum: Measuring Solids
Learners use standard rulers to measure the length of common classroom items - such as pencils, books, desk tops - in inches and centimeters, and measure weight in pounds. They also answer math questions, such as "How long is the front...
Curated OER
Regular Polygons
Fifth graders explore polygons. In this math lesson, 5th graders find examples of regular polygons in the classroom and measure the sides of figures to determine if they are regular polygons.
Curated OER
Sizing Up Spout
Students estimate heights and lengths of objects. In this measurement lesson, students estimate the length and height of various objects using non-traditional tools of measurement. This lesson also includes a video clip on measurement.
Curated OER
Finding Averages as Means
Students calculate the mean. In this activity on averages, students watch a video on athletes and averages and complete a worksheet. This activity emphasizes mean as the "fair share measure of center".
Curated OER
The Paper Dutch Kite
Students construct a Dutch Kite using simple materials. In this math lesson, students measure kite dimensions according to specified instructions. They also describe and define the different parts of a kite.
Curated OER
Draw an Inch, Walk a Mile
Students work in small groups to solve the problems presented. The main project, mapping the classroom, use these discussions to collaborate in creating a tangible demonstration of their understanding.
Curated OER
Decimals Decide Olympic Champions
The class discovers how a decimal can make all the difference in the Olympics. As they learn about decimal place values, they compare and contrast data and demonstrate decimal values using manipulatives.
University of Wisconsin
Sizing a Rain Garden
Most appropriate if you are applying the entire unit to build a rain garden at your school, this installment involves calculating the area that will drain into it. Your garden planners will need data from previous lessons, so this one...
Teach Engineering
May the Force Be with You: Weight
Too much material will weigh you down. The sixth segment in a series of 22 highlights how weight affects a plane. Pupils learn that engineers take the properties of materials, including weight, when designing something.
Curated OER
Sun and Shadows
Why do shadows look different in the summer than in the winter? What causes day and night? How can a sundial be used to tell time? Answer these questions and more through two engaging lessons about light and shadows. Fourth and fifth...
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Playing with Parachutes
This lesson 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 motion concepts:...
Core Knowledge Foundation
Rocks & Minerals
Take young geologists on an exploration of the rock cycle with this six-lesson earth science unit on rocks and minerals. Through a series of discussions, demonstrations, and hands-on investigations your class will learn...
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
Water from the Well
How much water does it take to brush your teeth? How about to wash your clothes? Perform an experiment that measures water usage in everyday tasks and compares them to the days before indoor plumbing, specifically the California...
Teach Engineering
Alloy the Way to Mars
Future engineers test different alloys to determine the specific strength of each one. Based on the results, they make a recommendation to NASA on which alloy to use on engines for spacecraft.
Discovery Education
Weathering Cubes
Weathering is not necessarily a result of the weather. Scholars conduct an experiment to explore the effect of surface area and volume on the weathering process. They create their own sugar cube rocks using the same number of cubes—but...
Baylor College
Pre-Assessment: Earth's Energy Sources
A ten-question, multiple-choice quiz assesses what your elementary earth scientists know about the atmosphere both before and after a unique unit on global atmospheric change. Make sure to check out the activities and lesson plans...
Curated OER
How Long...?
Students explore measurement. They use appropriate units of measurement for different sized objects. Students collect their data and enter it into an Excel data base. They graph their findings and analyze their outcomes.
Curated OER
Finding Perimeter and Area
Geometers find the perimeter and area of rectangles. They discuss the definitions and characteristics of rectangles and squares. In groups, they use yarn to discover the perimeter of squares and rectangles. They count cubes to explore...
Curated OER
Net "Working"
Upper elementary and middle schoolers explore the properties of various polygons. They use video, resource links, and engage in hands-on activities in order to construct geometric nets. This fine plan should lead to increased...
Curated OER
Does Sunlight Effect Leaf Size?
Students make estimates and then measure leaves for accuracy. They calculate the area of the leaves by drawing an outline on graph paper and counting the squares. They compare the leaves exposed to sunlight to those that are in constant...
Curated OER
Acid (and Base) Rainbows
Students are introduced to the differences between acids and bases and how to use indicators, such as pH paper and red cabbage juice, to distinguish between them. They make predictions that can be answered through scientific...