Students brainstorm a list of things they already know about the history of Fairfax County, Virginia. After reading a primary source document, they discuss the similarities and differences between their prior knowledge and what they...

Traveling through space is an amazing experience, but it definitely takes a toll on the body. After reading an article and watching a brief video, learners perform an experiment that simulates the effects of zero gravity on the...

How do you know there is air? Can you see it, smell it, feel it? To begin the investigation, learners watch a video and discuss what they know about air and the atmosphere. Then, they participate in five different hands-on, inquiry-based...

Third graders practice brainstorming with their classmates as they discuss a role-play situation.  In this group discussion instructional activity, 3rd graders must present ideas of ways to survive on a deserted island by discussing...

Students create an exercise and nutrition program. In this interdisciplinary lesson, students use calculations of exercises plus their corresponding effects on the body and nutritional values of food to derive a health plan. Students...

Help young scientists connect with nature and learn about trees with a fun life science lesson. Heading out into the school yard, children choose a tree to adopt, taking measurements, writing descriptions, and drawing sketches of it in...

Fifth graders recall prior knowledge about rocks. In this igneous rock lesson, learners work in cooperative groups to perform experiments to classify the properties of igneous rock. They write a detailed paragraph and illustrate the rock...

Students investigate different purposes for manipulating DNA. After reviewing the structure and functions of DNA, students explore topics related to the use or manipulation of DNA and the potential benefits and problems, later making a...

Young scholars study the differences between an acid and a base.  In this pH instructional activity students view a demonstration then test chemicals in groups.

Carbon dioxide is a very important gas; it is present in the air, used in cooking, and supports plant and animal life. Scholars investigate the properties of carbon dioxide with three different activities. They experience a color change,...

Does it ever seem like time is slipping through your fingers? Model the passing of time with an hourglass activity in which individuals determine whether hourglasses are the most efficient way to measure time.

Exactly how fair are the board games children grow up playing? Young mathematicians investigate this questions as they work their way through this five-lesson series on basic probability. 

Your pupils may believe that you and their parents are the oldest things in the universe, but surprise! There are elements of the universe that are even older. Elementary scientists create a class timeline to demonstrate the...

Eleventh graders explore the different steps in the engineering process. In this physics lesson plan, 11th graders design an experiment based on topic given. They prepare a presentation and share it with the class.

Take a virtual field trip to the Plymouth plantation. Using the site linked in the lesson, discover how people lived during the 17th century in this part of the country. Discuss the role of the pilgrims and native Americans in the...

Students explore the history of hurricanes. They discuss the worst hurricanes that have formed. Students examine what to expect during a hurricane and the preparations they should make. They learn about evacuation routes, shelters, and...

Students use yarn to create a timeline of the first Thanksgiving. After a class discussion, they view pictures of artifacts and Native Americans to identify the tools and items present during the first Thanksgiving. In groups, they...

Fifth graders construct data graphs based upon sets of data. In this graphing lesson, 5th graders read the text If the World Were a Village and discuss how types of graphs accurately represent a large population. Students construct their...

Fifth graders conduct a mystery bag experiment and use the scientific method and inquiry skills to solve the mystery. They discuss how to make scientific "guesses," and in small groups use their five senses to try and figure out what...

Students explore journalism by analyzing current events. In this news report lesson, students identify important questions to ask during an interview and discuss a fictitious news story about a missing teacher. Students read published...

Young scholars discuss their perceptions of magnetism and explore the background ideas of magnetism.

Young scholars examine the United Nations Declaraction on Freedom of Religion and Beliefs. As a class, they distinguish between the definitions of worship, observance, practice and teaching. In groups, they evaluate the definitions of...

Students listen a variety of books on butterflies and are introduced to their life cycle. In groups, they describe the life cycle in the correct order and watch the life cycle from larva to the butterfly in a demonstration. To end the...

Learners identify the parts of the male reproductive system. They explore the functions of the male reproductive system. Students demonstrate the connection between reproductive health and the ability to reproduce. Learners prepare...