Curated OER
Cicada Invasion
High schoolers consider how some animals, periodical cicadas, survive well in a particular environment due to the species' life cycle. They have a discussion about life cycles and how a particular species' life cycle helps it to survive....
Curated OER
Urban Heat Islands: An Introduction to Energy Transfer and Transformation
Elementary school physical scientists explore kinetic mechanical energy by dropping a golf ball on different surfaces. They discuss how human made materials might react to light differently from nature made materials. This lesson plan...
Curated OER
Microscope Investigation
Pupils explore physical science by participating in a science examination. In this microscope tutorial lesson, students read the book The Naked Eye and discuss the purpose for using a microscope in the field of science. Pupils identify...
Curated OER
What is Matter?
Students create a definition of matter. In this physical science lesson, students work in pairs to sort items printed on cards into several categories (matter, non-matter, and unsure) and agree on a definition of matter.
Global Oneness Project
Learning with Nature
Think outside the box - and think about education beyond the classroom walls - with a resource that has your critical thinkers watching a video about a nursery in Scotland that lets youngsters roam wild in a forest. Viewers reflect on...
Curated OER
Rocks and Soil
Students explore the physical properties of rocks. They explore the three different types of rocks and are able to compare and contrast their different properties. Students simulate the creation of sedimentary rock, they also...
Curated OER
Action and Reaction
Students experiment with Newton's Third Law of Motion. In this physics and motion lesson, students complete two experiments to illustrate force and its equal and opposite reaction. Students first work in pairs to exert an equal force on...
Cornell University
Exploring Rocks and Minerals
Investigate the properties of rocks and minerals through a rockin' hands-on activity. Learners test rocks for various properties and, using a guide, attempt to identify different samples. They use various properties including hardness,...
Curated OER
Marshland Ecosystem
Students classify animals based on their physical characteristics and eating habits. In this animal identification lesson plan, students investigate the life forms shown on a Parisian ceramic basin, and discover ecosystem the artist was...
Curated OER
Changes in Nature
Fifth graders explore changes in nature. They identify chemical and physical changes in the water cycle, carbon cycle, and weathering. Students explore a chemical or physical change based on a chemical formula. They examine the effects...
Curated OER
Glurch II
Learners make glurch using materials provided. In this chemistry lesson plan, students identify the physical properties of glurch. They compare its properties to commercially prepared ones.
Curated OER
Race the Track! Super Slope (Lesson One)
Fifth graders utilize basic physics concepts to calculate speed of an object set in motion from various heights. For this basic physics lesson, 5th graders make observations, calculations, record data, and conclusions throughout experiment.
Curated OER
Plant Nutrition and Nutrients
Students observe seeds growth and examine the different parts of the seedling. In this biology lesson, students compare the growth of seeds planted in soil and in hydroponics. They record their observations in their science journal and...
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Pop Rocket - Trash to Treasure
First off, Newton's laws of motion aren't often taught at 2nd grade, so this activity may be more appropriate for upper elementary learners. It begins with a discussion and demonstration of the laws of motion, and then has individuals...
Curated OER
Chick Chock's Pollen Problem
Students analyze how allergens effect the body and how air borne substances can effect people.
Curated OER
Science: Different Levels of Density
Students observe experiments in density and describe the results. In the experiment, milk, corn syrup, and oil are added in different orders to three glasses, while one other glass contains only water. As objects are dropped into each...
Curated OER
Magnets
Second graders classify objects and create hypotheses regarding their magnetic properties. They watch a video about magnets and finally use a magnet to test their hypotheses created earlier.
Curated OER
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.
Curated OER
Weathering
Second graders explore weathering and how the water cycle plays a part in weathering. In this weathering instructional activity, 2nd graders put gravel and sugar cubes in a jar and shake, simulating weathering. Students use the...
Curated OER
Magnetic Field
Students explore how compass and Gauss meter detect a magnetic field. In this physics lesson plan, students build their own Gauss meter and sensor based on given procedure. They cite real world applications of magnetism.
Curated OER
Kite Experiments and Building Information
Students build their own kite following certain procedures. In this physics lesson, students explain the aerodynamics concepts involved in flying kites. They trace the development of aviation.
Curated OER
Magnetic Levitation
Students conduct a series of experiments on magnetic levitation. In this physics lesson, students discover how Maglev trains operate. They explain how magnetism make even simple objects levitate.
Curated OER
Electromagnets
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.
Curated OER
Homopolar Motor Experiments
Students construct a homopolar motor following certain procedures. In this physics lesson plan, students explain how generators and motors work. They compare and contrast the characteristics of both.