Statistics can be manipulated to say what you want them to say. Teach your classes to be wise consumers and sort through the bias in those reports. Young statisticians study different statistical reports and analyze them for...

How accurate is data collected from a sample? Learners answer this question using a simulation to model data collected from a sample population. They analyze the data to understand the variability in the results.

We know that sample data varies — it's time to quantify that variability! After calculating a sample mean, pupils calculate the margin of error. They repeat the process with a greater number of sample means and compare the results.

Media often misrepresent data and statistics to their advantage. This lesson asks scholars to analyze an article with misleading statistics. They use margin of error and mean data in their studies. Once they complete their analysis,...

Allow your classes to research what interests them. An engaging STEM lesson, the fourth in the series of six, asks individuals to choose a topic of interest and analyze the data through regression models. The regression equations allow...

The difference between accuracy and precision is fundamental for high school science learners. Using test kits for nitrate concentration in water, they compare readings with each other. They consider the accuracy, precision, and bias of...

Collaborative groups examine the importance of energy resources on quality of life by researching different energy sources and alternative energy sources through data analysis. They make a comparison of different countries and cultures,...

A set of instructions and a 100-point grading rubric have been designed for writing lab reports. Appropriate for middle schoolers, this lays out what to include for each of the six steps in the scientific method: title, hypothesis,...

Young scholars make a prediction. In this applied science lesson, students guess the number of items in a jar. Young scholars create a bar graph to show the predictions and the actual amounts.

Sometimes the best view is from the farthest distance. Satellite imaging makes it possible to create altitude maps from far above the earth. A three-part activity has your young scientists play the role of the satellite and then use...

What can math say about natural phenomena? The fifth STEM lesson in this project-based learning series asks collaborative groups to choose a phenomenon of interest and design an experiment to simulate the phenomenon. After collecting...

Students construct bar graphs using the results from various experiments. In this graphing lesson, students review data from a previous experiment and demonstrate how to construct a bar graph. Students use a checklist to ensure...

Students discuss parachutes and write a procedure to determine the effect of different size parachutes and different masses on the time it takes the masses to fall. They record all their data from their experiment then write three...

Looking for an estimation activity a bit more involved than the typical "guess the number of jellybeans in the jar" game? Here, learners use a picture to estimate the number of people at a large event, look for potential problems with...

Students experiment with primary colored water to mix new colors. They record new colors on a simple data sheet and share opinions on their work.

How much is a million? This unit has a set of lessons investigating large numbers on the order of millions and billions. A culminating project has groups creating a slideshow and poster about large numbers found in the school and/or...

Young scholars discuss the scientific method and construct their own Mobius Strips. They examine their Mobius Strip, and write observations and a hypothesis on how many strips of paper they have when they cut the strip in half length-wise.

Sixth graders engage in problem solving, communicating, reasoning, and connecting to represent and solve problems, using geometric models.

Students develop procedures to explore the behavior of fish.  In this scientific experiment lesson students from a hypothesis, write a question, identify different variables and controls in their experiment. 

Sixth graders investigate the cost of throwing a party.  In this cost of throwing a party lesson, 6th graders have to throw a going away party for 2 exchange students given a $350 budget.  Students work in groups to determine...

Students explore the physical properties of density. In this hands-on lesson, students calculate density and distinguish between intensive and extensive properties.

Learners engage in a laboratory lesson plan in order to increase understanding of the impact of phosphates at the chemical and ecological levels. The lab exercise is completed with the goal of getting them to predict the outcomes and...

Students measure muzzle velocity, and predict range of a projectile device.  In this motion lesson students complete a lab and explain the outcomes of their experiments. 

Take young scientists into the depths of the world's ocean with the second lesson plan of this three-part earth science series. After first drawing pictures representing how they imagine the bottom of the ocean to appear, students...