Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Modeling Food Webs in Darién, Panama
It's a jungle out there! Young biologists journey to Darien, Panama to examine the intricate relationships between the organisms that inhabit the jungle. Groups begin by demonstrating an understanding of energy flow in ecosystems, then...
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Gravity (Newton's Laws of Motion): A Weighty Subject
Students identify Newton's Laws of Motion. They students explore Newton's Laws of Motion and apply the second law with a classroom activity. The videos will provide visual examples of the effects of gravity while riding on a roller coaster.
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Design-A-Room Project (Part 3 of 3)
Students culminate a unit on measurement with a focus on area and perimeter. They design a floor plan of their dream room on graph paper showing the proper area and perimeter. They plan the budget for their room and make a 3-D scale...
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Steal the Bacon
Students practice listening skills by playing the game, Steal the Bacon. They work in two groups to listen to numbers and try to get the "bacon" first before getting tagged by the opposing team. Working together, the teams solve math...
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Replacement and Probability
Students explore sampling with and without replacement. They explore the effects on the probability of drawing a desired object. Students examine probability and the difference between sampling with and without replacement.
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Models for Dividing Fractions
Sixth graders represent division of fractions using manipulatives, such as freezer pops, candy bars, and models such as drawings squares. They develop an algorithm from these examples and solve problems using fractions.
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Curve Ball
Learners explore the concept of parabolas by collecting quadratic data on a bouncing ball as it is falling using a motion detector. They plot the data and determine the equation of the quadratic in vertex form, then determine the values...
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Slow Down - Speed Up
Pupils explore the concept of distance and time as they use a CBR to mimic distance v. time graphs. Learners walk towards and away from the monitor to create various distance v. time graphs, then discuss what motion creates certain graphs.
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You Are Here
Students determine the relative size and distance of the planets in the solar system. They use ratios in their mathematical calculations to make models of the planets after discussing the relative sizes of the planets. They keep a...
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Archeologist Frieze Patterns
Learners construct frieze patterns using translations and rotations. They will discuss how frieze patterns are similar to jigsaw puzzles and use Cabri Jr. to build a triangle frieze pattern using rotations, translations, and reflections.
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Topos, Compasses, and Triangles, Oh My!
Students triangulate using a compass, topographical (topo) map and a view of outside landmarks. They take a field trip to another location away from school and mark discernible landmarks (like mountains or radio towers) and changes in...
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The Average Kid
Students determine the traits they have in common with other students in the class and create visual profiles of the "average" boy and the "average" girl.
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Transformations, Tessellations, and Technology
Middle schoolers complete a unit about transformations and tessellations. They explore various tessellation websites, determine which shapes tessellate, complete a log about which website activities they complete, and create a...
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Check Mate
Students share opinions about the goals and strategies of the games they play. They investigate the World Chess Championship by reading and discussion the article "In Major League of Chess, Next Year Comes So Soon." Students study the...
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Filling the Glass (Water, Air, and Fractions)
Students predict which of two glasses is 1/2 full using visual estimation, height measurement, and liquid measurement methods. Mathematical equations to accurately solve the problem are determined and verified.
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Learning About Ratios: A Sandwich Study
Students gain a concrete introduction to the concept of ratios. They demonstrate the ability to create ratios using peanut butter and jelly. They, in groups, construct 6 different sandwiches using different amounts of each food.
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Heart Smart in a Heart Beat
As an introductory activity, young statisticians measure their heart rate at rest and after exercise and compute the mean and median, and create a box & whisker plot. This is followed by watching a video (that no longer seems...
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Perfection on Ice!: Math, Geometry, Fibonacci Numbers, Olympics
Students use the human body as a foundation for gaining practice in measuring angles and calculating ratios and proportions.
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DOWNHILL DISCOVERIES
Students studykinetic energy, friction, drag and acceleration by relating it to the Winter Olympics. In this physical properties instructional activity students create tracks and determine how the course conditions affect...
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Interdisciplinary Approach to Investigating Popcorn
Students conduct a lab experiment using the scientific method. In this interdisciplinary lesson plan, students will test the difference in popping white and yellow corn. Students will write their lab report in their science, math,...
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Is Air a Fluid?
Students use baking soda, vinegar, matches, and other materials to pour gas. In this air lesson plan, students use the materials to pour gas and learn that air can be a fluid like a liquid.
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My Own Holiday
Students investigate holiday traditions by participating in class celebrations. In this St. Patrick's day activity, students discover the history of St. Patrick, the religious context of the holiday, and the fine foods and traditions...
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Moms of the Future
Middle schoolers explore the roles of mothers. In this writing skills lesson, students discuss what motherhood will look like in the future and what it looked like in the past. Middle schoolers respond to a writing prompt that requires...
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Lift and Drag: Principles of Flight and the Soaring Imagination
Learners construct models of early gas balloons and gliders. In this balloon and glider instructional activity, students create models of early gas balloons and gliders, discover how the forces of lift and drag effect aircraft in...