Here is a clever way to get your pupils thinking about a science topic they'd like to research for a report, or a project they'd like to do for a science fair. The three-step process is easy to follow, and it really should help your...

Give young scientists a new appreciation of fresh, clean drinking water. After learning about the ways astronauts recycle their air and water, your class will work in small groups creating and testing their very own water...

Educate scholars on pollution—air, water, and land—with a series of lessons that begin with a thorough explanation of each type. Learners then take part in three activities to reinforce the importance of reducing pollution. They...

Are you looking for a shockingly good lesson? Check out one that has middle schoolers recreate four of Benjamin Franklin's experiments. Groups investigate, observe, and draw conclusions about static electricity and electrical current....

Math and science to the rescue! Some basic math concepts help scientists predict wildlife populations. Using tokens, groups simulate tagging a wildlife population. They then use proportions to estimate the population of the wildlife.

If I change the length, will they work better? After brainstorming the variables of wind turbine blade design, groups choose one variable to isolate and test. The groups then present their data to the class in order for all to have the...

How do you teach kids to "science" effectively? Inquiry cubes are a "sort of" puzzle with no answer—promoting even more questions! Group members work together to use the evidence on the visible sides of each cube to infer what lies on...

Ever wondered what motivates a roundworm? Introduce your biology class to C. elegans, a non-parasitic model organism that can help them understand behavioral stimuli. Paired pupils design an experiment to test the worm's reaction to...

Can you find a match? Scholars review the 12 principles of green chemistry by playing a matching game. The second lesson of the series reinforces the principles from the first lesson. Individuals play the matching game and also complete...

A person wants to buy a car but is having a hard time making a decision. What is getting in the way? Learners turn to psychology to explain what is driving the ambivalence using materials from College Board. A second query asks scholars...

Scholars watch a video and meet a scientist who is studying sharks as she explains her observations about the sharks and provides her hypothesis to explain their behavior. Learners then act like a scientist as they watch an aquarium...

Leaf toughness can add to its herbivore appeal. Learns design an experiment to quantify leaf toughness and then perform their procedures. They follow the experiment with a set of questions that ask them to think about how leaf toughness...

Time to soak up some learning! A hands-on lesson teaches learners about the absorbency properties of substances. They conduct tests by dipping different materials in water to determine which hold water and then complete a handout to...

Build problem-solving skills with science! Step-by-step videos walk investigators through each stage of completing a science fair project. Scientists learn to formulate a testable question, design an experiment, collect data, draw...

How does nature select some adaptations over others? Scholars experiment picking up seeds with two different types of tools simulating beaks. After practicing, they experience a drought where one type of seed suddenly isn't available....

Are sickle cell disease and malaria related somehow? Scholars learn about both illnesses and the hypotheses that they are related. They discuss, view a video, and answer questions to demonstrate understanding. The resource includes an...

Explore a variety of science concepts in an interactive textbook created for middle school scholars. A lengthy table of contents takes readers to pages comprised of a subject overview, outline, and summary. Follow links further to find...

Students investigate scientific methods by analyzing an article from the Natural Inquirer.  In this data analysis lesson, students read an article from the magazine and discuss at least 2 scientific methods that could be used to...

Students use the scientific method to conduct an experiment to test how a ball bounces. In this inquiry-based physical science and scientific method instructional activity, students drop a ball from specified heights and record the...

Young scholars investigate pH levels in bodies of water and experiment with acid/base reactions. In this water and pH lesson plan, students observe changes in pH levels of a sample solution and observe a Bronsted-Lowry reaction. Young...

Students will use scientific reasoning to formulate ideas about the formation of the universe using the Big Bang Theory. The use of critical thinking skills is part of the activity and the foundation of the scientific method will serve...

Second graders experiment to find if pollinators have color preferences.  In this plant and bug lesson, 2nd graders gather information about how flowers pollinate. Students participate in a pollination experiment using the...

Students recognize the parts used to construct a car.  In this mythbuster lesson, students will use the scientific method to complete an experiment with student constructed cars to bust a myth. Students will reflect on what they...

In this scientific method learning exercise, learners perform an experiment to determine the speed at which they can chew a piece of gum. They record data, calculate speed and answer reflection questions.