California Academy of Science
Kinesthetic Astronomy: Longer Days, Shorter Nights
A lamp, four globes, and some signs taped around the room are all you need to set up a solar system simulation for teaching how Earth's tilted axis creates the seasons. (Sticky dots are also needed, but not mentioned in the materials...
Wild BC
The Greenhouse Effect: The Role of CO2
Though this is meant to be second in a two-part instructional activity, the two are not dependent on each other. Pupils play the roles of visible light rays, light or dark surfaces, and carbon dioxide molecules. They interact and react...
Curated OER
What is Science?
Young scholars explore physical science by conducting a plant experiment. For this scientific method lesson, students discuss questions scientists ask in order to properly explore certain subjects. Young scholars utilize two plants and...
ARKive
Nocturnal Animals
How do those nocturnal animals see in the dark? This perplexing question does have an answer. First, little ones use their sense of touch to determine the name of a mystery object, then they listen closely to identify various animals by...
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
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
Yesterday in Energy
Clever! Collaborative groups of environmental scientists create a museum exhibit and presentation for an energy-using activity such as heating a home or transportation. They must compare past to present use of energy for that particular...
Curated OER
Sowing Seeds
Students observe earth science by participating in a planting activity. In this seeds instructional activity, students identify the process for seeds to transform into plants which eventually produce food. Students sow seeds in the...
Curated OER
Particle Man and the Photon
Students simulate photon transmission, scattering and absorption. In this physics lesson, students explain why some objects appear bright while others appear dark. They define photon and radiation in their own words.
Curated OER
Plant Lifecycles
Students examine the life cycle of plants. For this plants lesson, students identify the various stages of plants and their parts. Students compare the life cycle of a plant with that of an animal. Activities suggested can be modified...
Curated OER
Earth's Rotation
Fourth graders investigate the Earth's rotation. In this Earth's rotation lesson, 4th graders realize that the rotation of Earth causes the days and nights on Earth. Students break into groups and use a flashlight and a sphere to...
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
Cruzin' to the Arctic
Young scholars, in groups, study life in the Arctic Region and connect their own life experiences to the experiences of students in the Arctic.
Curated OER
Lesson Plan Seven: Sensorama
Students identify five senses, and use their senses of touch, sight, hearing, smell, and taste to distinguish different objects, sounds, smells and tastes, and write their answers in the booklet.
Alabama Learning Exchange
Exploring Plant Leaves
First graders investigate plants and leaves by taking nature walks and researching the Internet. They examine the similarities and differences in the plants and leaves. They create their own leaves at an interactive Internet site and...
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
Earth, Sun and Moon
Students investigate that the sun is at the center of the solar system through role play. One student is the sun and one student is the Earth. The students then show how the Earth orbits around the sun. Students view a flashlight and...
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
Protecting Treasures
Students explore electricity by creating an alarm. In this circuitry lesson, students analyze a diagram of a circuit based alarm which detects sunlight. Students utilize electrical equipment to recreate the circuit and practice using its...
Curated OER
A Visit to Price Chopper
Pupils visit the grocery store to purchase items to make trail mix which are connected to Kansas agriculture. They problem solve to determine which products to buy, then create, advertise and sell the trail mix to the student body before...
Curated OER
Karyotype Alternatives
High schoolers study karyotyping, which is a process in which chromosomes are cut out from an enlarged picture and arranged in decreasing order of size. They use a template to arrange and glue chromosomes to data sheet, indicate sample...
Curated OER
Digital Plants...Alike and Different!
Third graders. in groups, take pictures of plants and turn them into a learning game.
Curated OER
Dull Duck, Dashing Duck
Students examine the different colors and patterns found on animals bodies, specifically birds. Through discussion, students discover the use of the colors and patterns for protection from predators and the advantages while hunting prey,...
Curated OER
A Visit to Southern Africa - Volcano
Learners examine a cookie that represents pumice and lava in order to realize that lava is a composite of many rock particles. They compare and contrast pumice to the cookie by estimating, weighing, measuring and dissecting the cookie...