Activity
Noyce Foundation

Double Down

For Students K - 12th Standards
Double the dog ears, double the fun. Five problems provide increasing challenges with non-linear growth. Topics include dog ears, family trees and population data, and geometric patterns.  
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

My Family and Me: Our Similarities and Differences

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Young scholars are introduced to basic genetic information to discover how they acquired the traits they have. Individually, they develop a family tree and identify the similarities and differences between two poeple. In groups, they...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Where'd You Get Those Genes?

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Really a unit, this resource exposes middle schoolers to genetics at their level. They read interviews and biographies, trace a family tree, play games that simulate inheritance concepts, and more! Teacher's procedures, student...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Human Origins: The Prehistoric Human Race

For Teachers 9th - 12th
When it comes to the origin of the human species students are full of misconceptions. Clear up the hominid confusion with this evolutionary activity focused on assisting students in understanding prehistoric man and his family tree....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Tracing Genetic Ancestry Using DNA Microarrays

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High school learners read and discuss an article about genetic ancestry and genetic ancestry testing. They complete a paper and pencil activity that mimics the function of a DNA microarray and consider the ethics of genetic testing in...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Chromosomes

For Teachers K - 12th
Learners explore genetics, chromosomes and DNA.  In this genetics lesson plan students design a chromosome and identify a family tree through genetics. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Fall Slumbers

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students observe changes in a selected tree leaf near their homes during the fall. Twice each week students record changes in the leaf using words, pictures, and numbers.
Lesson Plan
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Genealogy Research

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Personalize history through genealogy. Get your scholars examining their family's past by utilizing resources at your local genealogical society. Learners complete family pedigree charts and choose to do one of the following: research...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Where is Everybody?#135

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students examine the human uses of school spaces through a variety of activities. They draw the playground during recess and not during recess. They determine how many people use each room at different times before graphing the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Learning To Look

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders investigate a flower plant and the plant cycle. They extend observational skills when looking at a tree by observing, questioning and sharing ideas. They observe a living and nonliving flower and compare and contrast how...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Look At Those Leaves!

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students collect, observe, sort, and measure leaves. In this leaf lesson, students take a walk to collect leaves. They bring the leaves back into the classroom to observe, sort, and measure them. They visit a website to learn more about...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Changing Families Lesson Plan

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners examine the increase of multigenerational families living under one roof. In groups, they discuss how more generations are affecting younger generations and how the family structure affects the relationships in families. They...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Spring Awakenings

For Teachers 2nd - 4th
Students observe changes in a selected tree bud/leaf during spring. They record changes in the bud/leaf using words, pictures and numbers. They understand that trees adapt to changes in temperature, light, and moisture by sprouting leaves.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Games Children Play

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Help your middle schoolers recognize the similarities and differences between the games they play and those played by pioneer children. Using the Internet, they research a game of their choice and discover how it has evolved over time....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Seeds in Fall...Collect Them All!

For Teachers 2nd - 4th
Classify seeds by attributes such as size, shape and color! Learners classify seeds using a dichotomous key. They identify human behaviors that have a positive impact on preserving seed and plant biodiversity.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Classification of an Echinoderm

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students study starfish through dissection. For this biology lesson plan, students explore the lives of starfish as they view a slide show, observe parts of echinoderms, and compare the classification of the starfish with other...
Lesson Plan
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Creative Classroom Creatures

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students are introduced to the five kingdoms and discover why there is a need for a classification system. Using the internet, they examine how scientific names are created and practice putting animals into their correct classification....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

George Washington Birthplace National Monument

For Teachers K - 5th
Learners examine the importance of the George Washington Birthplace National Monument. As a class, they complete a K-W-L chart about George Washington and write about what they believe is going on in a picture they are shown. They are...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Fossils-Where Should We Place Archaeopteryx?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers explore an interactive computer activity that provides the opportunity to look at features of various groups of animals and determine where an extinct organism might be classified.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Where Should We Place Archaeopteryx?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students classify Archaeopteryx using pictures of actual fossils and scientist representations of how the animal might have looked. They compare Archaeopteryx's characteristics to those of the five extant vertebrate groups to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Composting

For Teachers 2nd - 8th
Students discover the concept of decomposition. They examine how it makes the soil more fertile and how it helps plants. They put a compost bin in their backyard and record their observations.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Earth Day - Bursting Beans

For Teachers K - 6th
Students fill jars with dried beans and water, cover the jars, and wait to see what happens in this excellent Science experiment ideal for Earth Day (April 22nd). Emphasis is placed on discovering the reactions of seeds to water.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Cardinal Directions

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students discover cardinal directions through the use of digital cameras, compasses, and file folders in this technology-based lesson plan for early elementary students. Emphasis is placed on student practice and inquiry.
Lesson Plan
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Grab Hands and Run: Understanding Human Rights

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders read the novel Grab Hands and Run by Frances Temple. They explore the effects of war on human rights. Students explore the idea that human rights are protected by the United Nations. They identify the human rights that were...