US Department of Energy
Geothermal Energy
With Earth Day quickly approaching, as well as many science fairs, why not challenge your class to investigate geothermal energy or other renewable energy resources? There are five driving questions explored in depth here, as well as...
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Classroom Science Fair Project
Students explore the skills and information needed to complete a science fair project. They follow guidelines to create an document their science fair project.
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Organic Farming / Agriculture
Want an organic farming resource packed with experiments, background information, science fair projects, and topics of interest for further research? Here it is. Young environmental scientists can explore concepts involved in organic...
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Quality of Life Investigations: Risk Reductions
Students participate in a discussion of recent environmental issues affecting their own community or ones nearby. In groups, they research the role of food additives and the purpose of adding them to foods. They also determine their...
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Designing the Perfect Science Fair Project Webquest
Sixth graders examine the Scientific Method and define their topic of interest. Students familiarize themselves with how to utilize their resources and create note cards. Students create their written report and display of their...
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Energy Efficiency Ambassadors
Students research energy conservation devices. They also create their own light efficiency project and presents their findings on science fair night.
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Nutritional Influence on Illness and Disease
Students examine nutritionally related diseases and illnesses, evaluating studies and developing topics for a science fair project. They investigate bacteria, researching how it can be harmful or helpful, and create illustrated displays.
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Beyond Science?: Healing Touch
Young scholars apply the scientific method by building a "Proposal for Study." They label the Observation, Hypothesis, and Prediction columns. Students listen as the teacher introduces the alternative healing methods of therapeutic touch...
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Water Cycle
Young scholars identify the different stages in the water cycle. In this earth science instructional activity, students calculate the residence time of water in oceans using a mathematical formula. They explain how this cycle regulates...
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"Stick to It!" Properties of Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Tapes
Students investigate the strength of different adhesives. In this physical science lesson, students compare the force needed to peel adhesive tapes from a surface. They analyze collected data and make a generalization.
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Computer Based Energy Projects
Students use the Internet to research renewable energy. In this science lesson, students work on projects to help them understand how we use energy around the globe. Students analyze distribution of renewable and non renewable...
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Biology Biographies
Students create a project about a famous Biologist in order to appreciate the humanity of the people involved in doing science. They create scientist biography "cards" roughly modeled after baseball cards or create a scrapbook of a...
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Genetically Modified Food (GMF)
Explore genetically modified foods through various experiments. In this biology lesson, students discuss the safety issues related to GMF's. They conduct a PCR analysis to identify the presence of genetic modification.
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Simple Machines, Engines and the Environment
Fourth graders calculate the mechanical advantage of an inclined plane. In this physics lesson plan, 4th graders identify the different types of simple machines and their uses. They give examples of compound machines.
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Catalase and Catalysis
High schoolers explore enzyme catalysis through a series of experiments. In this chemistry instructional activity, students determine the factors affecting catalysis. They explain the different uses of this process.
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Plant Hormones
Students identify different plant hormones and explain their function in plant development. In this biology lesson, students investigate how IAA affect root growth. They study the history of auxin discovery.
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Bioluminescence
Students differentiate chemiluminescence from bioluminescence. For this biology lesson, students explain how fireflies and other animals emit light. They discuss the applications of engineered bioluminescence.
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Proteins
Students conduct a variety of experiments to explore protein. For this biology lesson, students solve a mystery by testing for the presence of glucose, protein starch and triglycerides. They explain how DNA transcription and translation...
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Earth's Magnetic Field and Magnetosphere
High schoolers investigate the magnitude of Earth's magnetic field using PASCO. In this physics lesson plan, students describe the features of the magnetosphere. They explain how atmosphere layers protect the Earth.
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Compact Fluorescent Lamp Experiments
Students conduct a series of experiment on incandescent and fluorescent bulbs. In this physics instructional activity, students explain how they operate. They compare the efficiency and power rating of both bulbs.
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Allelopathy Experiments
Learners explore how allelopathy works in plants. In this botany instructional activity, students explain how this phenomenon affect other organisms. They read and analyze an article about allelopathy and discuss its flaws.
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Endangered Species
Students create a postcard about endangered species. In this biology lesson, students identify how human activities endanger other species. They research and recommend ways to help protect them.
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Disposable Diaper Comparison and Mystery Powder Identification
Students investigate which diaper is the most absorbent. In this chemistry instructional activity, students calculate how much water is absorbed by diapers. They identify an unknown powder based on physical and chemical properties.
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Trajectory and Range of a Projectile
Students investigate the factors affecting projectile trajectory. In this physics instructional activity, students calculate the range, time and speed of projectiles using mathematical equations.