Lesson Plan
California Academy of Science

Composting: A Scientific Investigation: California Academy of Sciences

For Teachers 2nd - 8th
Garbage, recycle, compost: Does it really matter where we put our trash once we are done? By making detailed observations over seven weeks, kids will see which materials break down naturally to become a healthy part of the soil, and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Crash of Flight 111

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Students identify the locations on a map of the airplane crashes discussed in this lesson. After watching a video, they discuss the importance of an investigation after a plane crash. They use the same information as the investigators...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Rusting-A Form of Oxidation

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students conduct an experiment to observe oxidation. In this chemistry lesson, students explain how rusting happens. They rank metals according to their conductivity.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Comparison of American Colonies

For Teachers 3rd - 12th
Learners explore the lifestyles of the American colonies. They conduct various activities according to their grade level including jigsaw research and creating a poster. Lesson includes primary source readings related to the topic.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Insulators

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders examine properties of four types of spoons, record observations, and apply their knowledge by designing the perfect hot chocolate cup.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Rusting-A Form of Oxidation

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students observe the rusting process in the lab. In this chemistry lesson, students rank metals according to their conductivity. They give real world applications of this activity.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Alessandro Volta: The Invention of the Voltaic Pile (The First Electric Battery)

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students conduct a series of experiments on electricity. In this physics lesson, students study the work of Alessandro Volta particularly his experiment on the the Voltaic Pail. They build their own Voltaic Pile to recreate his experiment.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Electrolysis

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students conduct a series of experiments on water electrolysis. For this chemistry lesson, students explain what happens to the molecules during the process. They cite real world applications of electrolysis.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Aluminum Adventure

For Teachers 9th - Higher Ed
Chemistry aces use an electrochemical cell to anodize a strip of aluminum. They apply an organic dye to it. In a practical application, they design a piece of jewelry out of the anodized metal and describe the process. Thorough notes...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Elements Commercials

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Student teams use a digital camcorder and iMovie to create a commercial about an element. They also use the Internet and their textbook to gather the following information about their element: the name, the symbol, the atomic number, the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Water Filtration

For Teachers 6th - 8th
As an example of nature's water filtering system, young ecologists conduct an experiment in the lab. They construct a funnel out of a plastic bottle, fill it with specified layers of materials that simulate layers of soil, then run muddy...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Keeping Warm?

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders explore conductors and heat loss in different materials. In this Physical Science lesson plan, 5th graders will be measuring the temperature drop of water in four containers. The class will then discuss what an...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Sink or Float

For Teachers 2nd - 4th
Students explore water properties by conducting a class experiment. In this buoyancy instructional activity, students make predictions as to whether or not specific objects will sink or float in water. Students conduct the experiment and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Old Made New

For Teachers K - 3rd
Students explore recycling. In this science activity, students sort everyday objects based on their properties. Students view examples of items made from recycled paper. Students create recycled paper.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Sunlight and Warm Air

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Young scholars discuss radiant energy from the sun, performing a simple experiment with sun glasses and bright light to demonstrate the concept. Students further participate in simple in-class experiments to demonstrate: air density as...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Electromagnets

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students conduct a series of experiments on electromagnets. In this physics lesson, students build their own electromagnet and explain how it works. They determine the factors that affect its strength.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Lemon Battery

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Learners construct their own battery made of lemons. In this electrochemistry activity, students explain why lemons conduct electricity. They perform a series of experiments to investigate its conductivity.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Heat and Matter

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd
Students explore liquids and solids by conducting in class experiments. In this matter instructional activity, students define the properties of matter and how heat can change those properties. Students experiment with heating objects...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Pop Around the World

For Teachers 1st - 5th
Students study the origin of popcorn. They locate countries where it is grown on a world map. They color the world map and glue kernels of popcorn onto the countries from which popcorn originated. They write the names of common items...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Project Energy

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers explore multiple types of energy. For this energy lesson, students prepare a science fair project through completing a WebQuest. Middle schoolers investigate radiant, thermal, and biochemical energy.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Hitler's Lost Sub

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Students watch a video clip about German submarines lost during World War II. They work together to create their own submarine out of a plastic bottle. They test the buoyancy of the submarine in different activities.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

PICTURE PERFECT PYRAMID

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students create a model of the USDA's Food Pyramid Guide, using shoe boxes. They bring an assortment of shoe boxes from home. Students are given a copy of the "Food Guide Pyramid." They wrap boxes for the bread group in white, the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Introduction to the Periodic Table

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders investigate the different elements of the Periodic Table. In this chemistry lesson, 8th graders pick an element to research, then present to the class using a powerpoint presentation or a poster.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Water Cycle

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders investigate water formations by conducting an experiment. In this water properties lesson, 3rd graders utilize pie tins, sponges and salt shakers to create an evaporation and saturation experiment. Students collaborate in...