Don't have an electron microscope? Have your classes build the next best thing! A hands-on lesson asks scholars to build a model of Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). They then use their models to identify the function of each...

Students examine a microscope from the 18th century. In this microscope lesson, students investigate how it works, what it was used for and how the tool has evolved through the years. Students also build knowledge on how compound...

Students explore vision by experimenting with lenses in equipment. In this optics lesson, students define the different technology that enhances vision such as microscopes, telescopes and cameras. Students experiment with these devices...

Students explore magnification. In this scientific observation skills lesson, students observe sea life items and draw pictures of what they observe. Students predict which lens will have the strongest magnification when given three...

Students predict, observe, and explain the details of salt as they view it under a variety of magnifications. They observe salt with the naked eye, and then under a hand lens, microscope, and the electron microscope.

High schoolers view macroinvertebrates, or discuss previous collection activity. They graph data on macroinvertebrates in the Hudson River. Students discuss the relationship between habitat, environmental changes, and invertebrate...

Students discover proper microscope use. In this microscopy lesson, students create picture books that show the detail of organisms as seen with the human eye, through a hand lens, and at each power of the microscope.

Students conduct an experiment using a small sample from a local water source. They introduce fertilizers and pesticides, separately, and carefully examine the results in their simulated aquatic ecosystem.

Students assess macro-invertebrates from a stream. For this science lesson plan, students observe, classify and identify organisms found in a stream. A lab station is constructed at the stream sight and students study the different...

In this microscope lesson students explore the compound light microscope. Students discover techniques concerning cleaning, storage and proper use of the microscope. Students discover the working parts of the compound light microscope as...

Fifth graders characterize insects and classify insects according to the Linnaean system. They use hand lenses or microscopes to examine insect body parts.

Students determine if changes in pH affect the growth and survival rates of aquatic plants. They evaluate the optimal pH levels for the growth of aquatic plants.

Students complete a sand analysis project.  In this sand grains lesson, students learn background information on how sand is formed and what sand grains are made of.  Students are given bags of sand and use them to complete a...

Students examine and sort seeds. In this life science lesson, students make general observations of a tub of seeds, then develop sorting criteria for sorting the deeds. Lesson includes extension activities.

Students make observations about mealworms using hand lenses, rulers, and cotton swabs. Students complete their own mealworm observation chart, then they share their observations with the class. This is one station out of five in an...

Student groups rotate through four stations to examine light energy behavior: refraction, magnification, prisms and polarization. They see how a beam of light is refracted (bent) through various transparent mediums. Students investigate...

Students dissect seeds. In this seed dissection lesson plan, students discover the anatomy of seeds. After dissecting seeds, students hypothesize and design the perfect seed to survive in a dry forest.

Students explore the concept of anti-counterfeiting measure.  In this economics lesson, students use science equipment to discover anti-counterfeiting designs.  Students then explore other denominations of bills. 

Students observe different animals with bilateral symmetry. In this biology instructional activity, students compare how these animals move. They discuss the evolutionary history of observed animals.

Students investigate with sea urchins. In this ocean habitat lesson, students observe sea urchins and other ocean grazers. Students work with lab equipment to examine the anatomy of these creatures.

Students work together to compare and contrast sand particles. They identify what sand grains are composed of as well. They complete writing activities to complete the lesson.

Learners participate in a series of activities in order to explore the diversity of insects. They explore how insects are grouped and categorized.

Young scholars conduct a hands-on lab activity in which they analyze a sample of water from a local stream or pond. They introduce a fertilizer solution into the sample and analyze and describe their findings.

Students examine soil. In this science lesson plan, students recognize different populations in a soil sample, demonstrate and observe water and wind erosion, and construct a levee flood control technique.