Curated OER
Levers
Students compare and contrast the three different types of levers. For this physics lesson, students hypothesize how ancient Egyptians use them to build structures. They construct their own lever after teacher approves their design.
Curated OER
Thinking About Life in Geological Time Scales
Students create a large (classroom-sized) timeline showing the history of life on Earth for the last 5 billion years. They are able to identify the events that are relevant to their taxonomic projects (the Origins and important...
Curated OER
Ozone and Temperature Data Analysis, South Pole Antarctica
Learners discuss the layers of the atmosphere, and the history of the ozone hole. They discuss the chemistry of the ozone formation. Students compare seasonal data collected with ozonesondes. They compare Antarctic and Arctic ozone hole...
Curated OER
Reconstructing a Fossil Pterosaur
Students reconstruct the skeleton of the fossil Scaphognathus crassirostis. In this fossil lesson plan, students discuss the Kingdoms of life, geologic history and the history of the skeletons of species. Students are given 20 minutes to...
Curated OER
The Missing Piece: A Tale of a Tail
Students analyze and write about their findings of the dinosaur discoveries of Edward Cope. In this Edward Cope lesson plan, students examine illustrations of concept maps, discuss challenges, analyze skeleton diagrams, and write...
Curated OER
Human Evolution
Students investigate hominid evolution to learn the difference between a relative and an ancestor. They study the emergence of bipedalism and the related physical adaptations and cultural ramifications, and chart patterns of hominid...
Curated OER
Collecting and Classifying Pollen
Students collect and analyze pollen from different species of plants. In small groups, they classify pollen according to shape, size and physical characteristics. They draw the basic anatomy of flowering plants and create a dichotomous...
Curated OER
Catapults
Young scholars test catapults. In this physics lesson plan, student conduct scientific investigations that require them to test catapults. Students practice their problem solving skills as they employ the use of the scientific method.
Curated OER
Make a Comet Model and Eat It!
Students construct a comet model based on procedure provided. For this space science lesson, students compare the physical properties of comets to the models they made. They record their observations and share them with the class.
PBS
Observation
Students study making scientific observations . They conduct a "field study" in their attic and make observations about their family artifacts based upon physical attributes. In addition, they determine what characteristics of an object...
Curated OER
Properties of Materials - Part B
Learners describe the history of materials. They use the kinetic (particle) theory to explain changes of state in matter and trace the flow of heat during changes of state and chemical changes.
Curated OER
Flowers and Plants
Students are assigned to bring five flowers. They explore flowers to distinguish different physical features of flowers. They compare and contrast different flowers to determine what features they have in common. Students develop an...
Curated OER
The Properties of Metals
For this properties of metals worksheet, students read about the history of metal use and their properties. Students read about metallic bonding and answer three questions about bonding in metals.
Curated OER
Inside an Atom
In this atom worksheet, students read about the history of the discovery of the atom. Students write a story, poem, song or other creative project in which they shrink to an incredibly small size and are trapped in a carbon atom.
Curated OER
Bermuda Triangle
Young scholars explore what the Bermuda triangle is and the theories as to why it is so mysterious. In this mystery lesson students read and discuss the history and the mystery behind the Bermuda Triangle.
Curated OER
Burn, Baby Burn (Or Not)
Physics learners apply the concepts of fluid pressure input and output to firefighting. Divide your class into small groups and give them each a few cards that list nozzle type, hose length, hose size, and structure dimensions, They are...
Education Outside
Papermaking
Imagine recycling food scraps and using them to make paper. The directions are all here in a seven-page packet that details several paper-making strategies.
It's About Time
Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation
While science is looking for correct explanations, pseudoscience often fills in the blanks. Pupils explore the relationship between light distance and intensity and graph their data. Then they compare their data to Newton's Law of...
It's About Time
A Moving Frame of Reference
We often remind pupils to cite their references, but this lesson helps them understand there are many frames of reference. Scholars experiment with throwing a ball straight up in the air and catching it. Then they must do it again while...
Cornell University
Building a Compound Light Microscope
What better way to learn how to use a microscope than building your own? A lab investigation has scholars use lenses from magnifying glasses and sheets of cork to design their own compound microscopes. They calculate focal length and the...
NASA
Cosmic Microwave Background
Begin your next class with a BANG! Pupils discuss the formation of our universe and its expansion before proceeding with an activity designed to demonstrate what most likely occurred billions of years ago. They conclude with a discussion...
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
A Century of Plastics
After reading about polymer materials, engineer trainees examine how plastics have been integrated into everyday products. In groups, they compile a list of products made entirely without plastics and then, as a closing activity, try to...
National Geographic
Australia, Antarctica, and Oceana
Go on a traveling adventure throughout Australia, Oceana, and Antarctica! This textbook excerpt offers a full unit of study that can easily be supplemented by extra projects or research materials. Learners study maps, read about native...
Virginia Department of Education
Heat and Thermal Energy Transfer
How does radiation affect our daily lives? Answer that question and others with a lesson that discusses radiation and its use in thermal energy transfer through electromagnetic waves. Pupils investigate vaporization and evaporation while...