Virginia Department of Education
DNA Structure, Nucleic Acids, and Proteins
What is in that double helix? Explain intricate concepts with a variety of creative activities in a lesson that incorporates multiple steps to cover DNA structure, nucleic acids, and proteins. Pupils explore the history of DNA structure,...
Science Matters
Plot Study
Small groups investigate plots of land to discover how abiotic and biotic factors interact. After recording their findings, scholars share observations with peers and self-reflect on the learning process.
Virginia Department of Education
Adaptation and Evolution
Um may be the atomic symbol for confusion, but it won't be needed in this lesson. Scholars rotate through seven stations completing experiments, hands-on activities, writing exercises, and analysis. Stations include material on...
Space Awareness
What is Time?
Does it ever seem like time is slipping through your fingers? Model the passing of time with an hourglass activity in which individuals determine whether hourglasses are the most efficient way to measure time.
Science Matters
Crawly Composters
Get your hands dirty with an interactive lesson plan that showcases the process of decomposing and returning nutrients back into the soil. After building a compost pile, pupils regularly observe the...
Curated OER
Cycles Review
Eighth graders discuss the four major cycles of matter. In this general science instructional activity, 8th graders decide which of the four is the most important. They share their opinion in class.
Curated OER
Invertebrates
Students identify insect body parts and look for local insect life. They create an insect using recycled material and design a classroom mural with bug facts. They study Monarch butterflies and dragonflies.
Curated OER
History and Oceanography
Students identify the accomplishments in oceanography from 17th-19th century, construct a time line with the scientists in chronological order, and discuss the parallels of oceanographic contributions with those in other areas of science...
Curated OER
Salmon and the Non-Native Species
Students investigate the affect of non-native species on Pacific Salmon. In this non-native species and Pacific Salmon lesson, students participate in a competition and habitat loss game. They play the game in groups, while answering...
Curated OER
Deaf and Diverse
Students examine deaf culture and the role that American Sign Language plays in forging a sense of community.
Curated OER
Stanley Park and Aquarium Field Trip
Students explore the beauty of British Columbia by participating in a class field trip. In this ecosystem observation lesson, students investigate the Vancouver Aquarium and Stanley Park, one of the largest parks in North America....
Curated OER
Plants 'n' Bugs
Second graders experiment to find if pollinators have color preferences. For this plant and bug lesson, 2nd graders gather information about how flowers pollinate. Students participate in a pollination experiment using...
Curated OER
Magical Metamorphosis
Sixth graders compare and contrast incomplete and complete metamorphosis using a Venn Diagram. They predict, observe, measure, and record data on the life cycle of mealworms. Students write and illustrate the life cycle of the mealworm....
Curated OER
Become an Expert
Students practice their researching techniques by preparing a presentation with little notice. For this information research lesson, students utilize the Internet to research one of several subtopics concerning panthers....
Curated OER
VERTEBRATES
Seventh graders describe the main characteristics of warm-blooded vertebrate animals. They compare and contrast the two different groups of warm-blooded vertebrate animals by looking at external, reproductive, and growth characteristics.
Curated OER
A Giraffe Debate
Students study the life, adaptations, and habitats of giraffes. They investigate the issue of giraffe survival in the wild or in a wildlife sanctuary. They conduct a class debate and present position papers.
Curated OER
Michigan Ecosystems: The Web They Weave
Students examine the forest ecosystem and how all life in the forest depends upon itself. In this ecological lesson, students participate in a personal connections activity where someone pulls on a string and everyone feels it,...
Curated OER
Ecosystems and Habitats
Fourth graders go on a virtual field trip to five ecosystems. They investigate and videotape a temperate forest in the school's backyard.
Curated OER
What Lives In A Shell?
Second graders study the readily observable characteristics of marine invertebrates, 2nd graders research the invertebrates and complete worksheets in this series of lessons.
Curated OER
Plant Parts
Students use "Kid Pix" to explore plants. In this science and technology lesson plan, students become familiar with plant parts and label them on a plant. Students tell the functions of each of the plant parts.
Curated OER
All The Seasons
Students explore winter, spring, summer, and fall. In this science and technology lesson plan, students use "Kid Pix" to draw pictures that represent the four seasons.
Curated OER
More Lizard Snacks
Students listen to Chapter I, Chapter II, Chapter III, and Chapter IV of "The Forgetful Pony". They observe different stages of development of mealworms. The student sequences pictures to show the life cycle and draws the developmental...
Curated OER
There's a Watershed in my Backyard!
Students explain what the term watershed is by creating a model. For this science, geography lesson, students demonstrate how the water moves in a watershed. Additionally, students learn about point source and nonpoint source pollution....
Curated OER
The Impact of the Physical Environment on Stream Macroinvertebrates
Students explore the relationship between leaf packs in streams and macroinvertebrate populations. They experiment with hand exposure to stream macroinvertebrates in natural leaf packs and then make leaf packs of their own. The...