Teach Engineering
Microbes Know How to Work!
Scholars harness the power of microbes with an engaging activity that uses yeast to break down sugar in water. Multiple setups of the same experiment lets learners determine which temperature results in the fastest rate of...
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.
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Natural Selection and the Evolution of Darwin's Finches
Darwin explained the connection between species of finches 150 years before scientists understood DNA. Technology and progressing science proved he was right, yet many struggle to understand how natural selection happens. Scholars use...
NASA
Down to Earth
There are only 10 types of people in the world: those who understand binary and those who don't. The lesson includes four activities in which students learn binary, convert binary to images, understand CCD arrays, and interpret...
Curated OER
Sextant Solutions
Middle schoolers explore ways a sextant can be a reliable tool that is still being used by today's navigators and how computers can help assure accuracy when measuring angles. This activity will show how computers can be used to...
Curated OER
Number Sense and Numeration
Students add and subtract integers. In this algebra lesson, students discuss number sense as they sort numbers in the correct order. They analyze and label numbers differentiating between rational and irrational numbers.
Curated OER
Building Bridges
Students identify the different types of bridges. Using the internet, they research information on how they are built by completing a scavenger hunt. Locating a specific area, they determine which type of bridge would be appropriate and...
Curated OER
Inventions
Students study invention steps and design their own invention. In this invention lesson, students discuss inventions and the process of inventing. Studnets write in an inventor's journal and study various types of inventions....
Curated OER
Everybody Is a Winner in the Iditarod
Students read an article about the Iditarod winners. Using the document, they answer questions on a worksheet and examine the history of the race as well. They complete an activity using the internet to end the activity.
Curated OER
Holiday Greeting Cards: A Graphing Activity
Pupils examine statistics about the popular type of greeting cards and create pie or bar chart using an online tool. They illustrate the sales statistics for the greeting cards before making the charts.
Utah Education Network (UEN)
Simplifying Algebraic Expressions
Sixth and seventh graders explore the concept of simplifying algebraic expressions. They review the order of operations and apply properties to simplify and compare them. The author suggests using a "Boxes Game" as a motivator to get...
Curated OER
Analyzing Discrete and Continuous Data in a Spreadsheet
You are what you eat! Your statisticians keep a log of what they eat from anywhere between a day to more than a week, keeping track of a variety of nutritional information using a spreadsheet. After analyzing their own data, individuals...
Curated OER
Antacid Tablet Race
Students complete experiments to determine how rocket fuel is affected by surface area and temperature. They compare the reaction rates of antacid tablets. They discuss their results to complete the lesson.
Curated OER
Box and Whiskers
Middle schoolers discover how to relate collected data with a box and whiskers graph in a number of formats. They collect, organize, create, and interpret a box and whiskers graph. Pupils interpret the difference between sets of data,...
Curated OER
Graph the Results: Applesauce Taste Test
Learners work together to make applesauce following specific directions. They taste each applesauce and graph the results based on the taste test. They also use the internet to create an online graph.
Curated OER
Operations with Fractions and Decimals
Complete a instructional activity that introduces and explores operations with fractions and decimals. Pupils estimate the reasonableness of a decimal computation. Then discuss what operation is needed to find an answer. Handouts, web...
Curated OER
Finding the Area and Perimeter of Polygons
Seventh graders practice finding the area and perimeter of polygons. In this polygon area instructional activity, 7th graders brainstorm shapes and take a walk to locate shapes. Students record properties of shapes and use...
Curated OER
Graphing on the Computer
Middle schoolers create a bar graph on the computer using given information from the teacher. They create a bar graph using their own information chart (they need to create one on separate paper first). They utilize Microsoft Excel for...
Curated OER
Class of Gold
How can you see a number in nature? Here, learners discover both Fibonacci numbers and the golden ratio by exploring a number of different resources. Note: Some of the resources are older and may be missing some of the links, but...
Curated OER
Word Problem Exchange
Students discuss elements of word problems: key words, data, computation clues, and unnecessary information and use the four steps of problem solving to find a solution and check for reasonableness.
Curated OER
Marmots: Groundhogs of the World
Students research 14 groundhog species found around the world, including the woodchuck. They use the internet to research groundhogs and students organize their information using a graphic organizer.
Curated OER
Reflection/Evaluation
Students practice the skills of reflection and evaluation. In this reflection lesson plan, students are grouped together and asked to brainstorm what they have learned during a particular unit. Students decide what they want to share...
Curated OER
20 Questions: Can You Stump the Machine?
Students use technology to help them think critically. They collect data related to the tool, which asks 20 questions. They discuss how the technology in the machine makes it work.
Curated OER
Geometric Lines: Parallel / Transversal / Perpendicular
Students in grade 7 and 8 work on outcomes related to spatial sense and geometric concepts, properties, and relationships. The lesson integrates technology and helps students be exposed to multimedia.