Curated OER
Weather Tools
Students explore Earth science by participating in a weather identification activity. In this scientific instrument lesson, students identify several weather related tools such as the weather vane, thermometer and rain gauge. Students...
Pennsylvania Department of Education
Pennsylvania’s Energy Supply
Third graders become familiar with the various types of energy and which types are found in Pennsylvania. In this Pennsylvanian energy resources lesson, 3rd graders, identify wind and water as sources of energy. Students complete an...
Pennsylvania Department of Education
Wind and Water Wheels
Students identify wind and water as natural resources that create energy. In this natural resources and energy use lesson, students work in groups to construct a pinwheel, then explore the effects of wind and water on the pinwheel....
Curated OER
Shine On, Moon
Pupils explore space science by conducting an experiment in class. In this Moon lesson, students define a list of space science vocabulary and read the book The Moon. Pupils utilize shoeboxes and string to conduct a sunlight experiment...
Curated OER
Frog Metamorphosis
Students play 20 Questions with animal characteristics and then view an animation of how a tadpole changes into a frog. They consider the importance of camouflage to frogs and write out the story of a frog from tadpole to adult.
Curated OER
Thematic Unit on Cats
Students discover in which climates the cats of the world live in. They review the different climates of the world and use maps and globes to help them locate continents.
Curated OER
What Beautiful Caterpillars!
Second graders investigate the life cycle of the caterpillar. They create a caterpillar habitat and care for it. Students make daily observations that are recorded in a writing journal. During the process of observation the students...
Curated OER
How Many Cells Are Born in a Day?
Students predict the number of cells after a series of cell divisions. In this cells lesson students create a graph of their results and create a patterned drawing.
Curated OER
Collecting Compost
Students observe a composting box. In this soil lesson plan, students create a composting bin by using a bin, newspaper, worms, and food scraps. Students create a composting food web.
Curated OER
DNA Extraction Lab
Students extract DNA and test for its presence from unroasted (raw) wheat germ using a prescribed procedure. They modify the procedure to provide a less expensive, easier method. They also extract DNA from different available plant,...
Curated OER
Biology: Butterfly Activities
Second graders examine various types of butterflies and insects around their school. They identify differences between beetles and butterflies. Students examine books about butterflies, complete symmetry drawings, and make ladybug key...
Curated OER
Which Way to Roots Grow?
Second graders explore roots and how they grow. They observe as seeds planted in various directions grow and record their observations. Students discuss the direction in which the roots are growing.
Curated OER
Snail Observation Exercise
Students are given a pond snail in a clear glass and asked to make observations on the snail's form and behavior. One of the key ideas is that seemly common subjects (like snails) often have surprising or interesting properties.
Curated OER
The Water Cycle
Students are introduced to the components and importance of the water cycle. They are shown how groundwater moves using a model. Students list 9 places on earth where water is found. They define the terms cycle and water cycle.
Curated OER
Genetic Engineering
Students examine the advantages and disadvantages of genetic engineering. In this genetics activity students simulate the genetic engineering of a human insulin gene.
Curated OER
Check Out Lights and Shields with Beads
Students explore Ultraviolet detecting beads and conduct several investigations with them. For this investigative lesson students participate in an experiment to see the harmful effects of UV light and discuss their findings.
Curated OER
Scavenging the Sandy Shore
Students explore oceanography by examining a beach. In this living things lesson plan, students define the terms abiotic and biotic and practice identifying living and non-living things that have been previously found on a beach....
Curated OER
Fungus
Students study fungus, its reproduction and uses. In this eukaryote lesson students complete several fungal experiments.
Curated OER
The Structure of A Flower
Students study the structure of flowers. In this biology lesson plan, students observe the structure of a flower and find out what function each of the structures serve.
Curated OER
Extract Your Own DNA from Cheek Cells
Students observe their own DNA. In this DNA lesson, students learn the simple method of DNA extraction and explain why DNA extraction is important to scientists.
Curated OER
What's Dancing in the Water?
Students learn about watershed, as well as the different forms and uses of water. In this water forms lesson, students brainstorm water sources and uses. Students read the book Water Dance and discuss water examples. Students complete a...
Curated OER
Acid Rain: Where Have All the Rainbows Gone?
Students study the pH scale and sources of acid precipitation. In this acid rain lesson plan students complete a lab on acid rain then complete a handout.