Students use hands on scientific observation to determine characteristics of wood. They work directly with the materials and record their observations. Students test if wood absorbs water, if wood floats or sinks, and if all wood...

Seventh graders conduct year long study of water quality over different seasons using variety of probes, including D.O., pH, conductivity and temperature, that are attached to portable technology. Students select three data points in...

Students explore the physical location of deep water habitats along the Hudson Shelf Valley and in Hudson Canyon. They study the basic characteristics of the mesopelagic and bathypelagic zones with regard to depth, temperature, pres

Seventh graders investigate the concept of polymers. They discover unique properties and how polymers are natural. The lesson plan contains sufficient background information for the teacher. Students examine different types of materials...

Students examine the planets in the solar system.  In this planetatry lesson plan students complete a project using a WebQuest program.

Students build a realistic sense of geological time, seek clues of transition fossils and find them.  In this investigative lesson students complete several activities and worksheets on fossils. 

Students examine traditional Native American weather/climate knowledge. They keep a weather journal and research cloud cover.

Students measure oxygen percentages in room air and air exhaled after they perform various activities. They explore various websites, and record and analyze the data from the experiments.

Students examine the efficiency of each alternative energy source as well as what limitations exist in terms of extracting the usable energy. They determine which energy source is most effective to the economy and the environment in the...

Middle schoolers investigate water usage at school and at home. They use graphs and tables to evaluate water usage. Students describe possible water conservation measures. They use graphs and tables to relate data as part of a written...

Students discuss the relationship between a habitat and the environment. In groups, they use the internet to research the relationship between the animals and the habitat on their card. They present their information to the class to...

Seventh graders determine the center of gravity of an object. They get card stock objects to balance on pencil eraser and a meter stick to balance with same # of weighted string(s) on each side. They get meter stick to balance with...

Students explore the wetlands. They participate in numerous activities to explore food chains, food webs, and energy in the ecosystem. Students read stories, sing songs, visit specified websites, and participate in games to discover...

Seventh graders examine fossils.  In this vertebrate fossils lesson students view a demonstration.

Students explore the Earth's forces. They review an assessment task and its accompanying rubric. They classify ten items as long-term or short-term interactions of the Earth's components and rank the destructive impact of the forces. ...

Seventh graders examine the basic functions of the human body and see how changing demands affect our bodies.  In this human organism lesson students participate in several activities that are about the human body and our digestion,...

Learners receive copies of the Time Series Observations to use for note-taking. They work in small groups to discuss what they see when the outside lights of Alvin are turned on, and off, where the bacteria may have come from. They view...

Students explore how animals survive in the winder. After attending a gall-collecting field trip, students place them in a freezer. Once frozen, the students open the gall flay larva and observe it as the larva revives. Students...

Students work together to determine a new site for a harbor. Using the Internet, they research the impact of an oil spill on the oceans and wildlife. They present their findings to the class and a solution to the problem.

Students examine what happens to road salt after it is applied to the road during a storm. In groups, they collect their samples using a conductivity meter and enter their data into a database. They analyze and discuss the data...

Learners create their own experiment in which they have yeast cells growing in liquid environments. They examine the relationship between humans and microorganisms. They also practice using the scientific method.

Middle schoolers investigate the question: What is the impact of urban development and expansion on the health of a decidious forest ecosystem and humans? They examine the issue of land development by responding to a specific scenario...

Pupils explore importance of a herbarium and start one of their own.