California Academy of Science
Color Vision Genetics Evolution Simulation
At one point, all mammals carried only two color receptors, but now most humans carry three. An informative presentation and hands-on activity demonstrate how this evolved through genetics. By participating in the activity, pupils...
CK-12 Foundation
Rose Colored Glasses
How can we change the color of what we are seeing? The simulation allows individuals to change the color of a car's paint, the color of light pointed at the car, and the color of glasses the person is wearing. Each combination creates a...
PHET
Color Vision
Humans can only see visible light, but some insects can see ultraviolet light. Through a simulation, pupils explore how we see colors using one bulb. It moves on to demonstrate how we see colors by mixing three different bulbs (red,...
CK-12 Foundation
Flashing Neon Light
How does a neon light work and does it actually contain the gas neon? An enlightening simulation encourages pupils to play with circuits and neon lights. They control the capacitance, resistance, and color of the bulb, and the simulation...
Astronomical Society of the Pacific
Getting Ready for the All American Eclipse!
Give your pupils a front row seat at the biggest light show in the sky this year! In addition to admiring the total solar eclipse, young astronomers can explain the phenomenon with a little help from an inquiry-based lesson. The focus of...
NOAA
Ocean Zones
How can organisms light up in water? Bioluminescence is light produced in a chemical reaction that can occur in an organism's body. First, learners determine what happens to light/color as you move into the deep ocean. In groups, they...
Curated OER
Underwater Hide and Seek
Students explain why color patterns that are easy to see above water may be difficult to detect under water and experience the problems predators face when searching for camouflaged prey.
Curated OER
Sampling Rocks
Students explore Earth science by identifying types of rocks in their schoolyard. In this geology lesson, students collect a group of rocks from their playground and categorize them based on color, shape and size. Students read the book...
Curated OER
Insect Camouflage
Students investigate insect camouflage and mimicry. In this animal science lesson, students discuss how camouflage helps an insect survive. Additionally, students use the included template to color and cut illustrations of insects....
Curated OER
Greenhouse in a Bottle
Young atmospheric scientists create models of an atmosphere with and without clouds to determine the effect of cloud cover on Earth's temperatures, as well as figuring out whether dark or light surfaces absorb more energy. You may wish...
Curated OER
What's the Frequency, Roy G. Biv?
Introduce starting space scientists to the electromagnetic spectrum, expecially the portion of visible light. Teach them about wavelength and frequesncy. Then give them a roll of adding machine tape and a manila folder to make a...
Curated OER
Fibers Lesson Plan
Young scholars explain how to use a light microscope, describe how to care for a microscope, and solve a forensic science problem, using a microscope to analyze data and draw conclusions.
Curated OER
Group Foraging
Students explore co-operation by researching ocean life. In this fish science lesson, students identify many vocabulary terms associated with oceanography and discuss what group foraging means among fish. Students utilize paints and...
Curated OER
Summer Camp in the Classroom
Students explore wildlife plants and summer activities. For this natural science lesson, students identify plants and animals and create a scrapbook of their findings.
Curated OER
Winter is All Around Us
Students present what they have learned on Antartica. Students identify deciduous and evergreen trees and plants; identify and study about the habitats of animals that migrate, hibernate, and adapt; study the Aurora and Aurora Borealis...
Curated OER
How Old Are the Stars?
High schoolers determine the age of a star cluster by observing, measuring, and plotting astronomical data. They examine the Jewe lbox cluster, located within the southern constellation Crux and determine its age.
Curated OER
Be A Planet
Learners identify the name, order and attributes of the planets. They role play the position of planets, and draw pictures of the planets as well.
Curated OER
Honeybee
Young scholars investigate honeybees and the importance of honeybees to humans. They identify the various parts of a bee's body using velcro parts, role-play a hive, and answer review questions.
Curated OER
Photosynthesis
Fourth graders discuss and identify the components of photosynthesis and the products of this process. They participate in a class discussion about the importance of oxygen, and in small groups act out the process of photosynthesis. ...
Curated OER
Digital Plants...Alike and Different!
Third graders. in groups, take pictures of plants and turn them into a learning game.