Students examine how rocks are formed, used, and how to collect them. They listen to and discuss the book, Let's Go Rock Collecting, sort rock samples, and collect rocks from home.

Students examine how rocks are composed of different minerals. They analyze rock samples, then examine cookies, sorting out the simulated mineral ingredients from the cookies and identifying the mineral ingredients.

Look around and explore. Little ones use their five senses with some day-to-day activities designed to guide observation and apply STEM strategies. Young scientists learn through comparing/contrasting and...

Students classify rocks into groups after they observe the rocks and identify properties that can be used to divide them into groups. They then identify other properties that could be used to classify other objects into groups.

Students create a classification tree based on grouping candy with eight different properties. This allows students to understand how living things are classified.

Learners examine fossilized owl pellets to determine how a species environmental preferences allow us to reconstruct probable past environments. Differences in anatomy are used to identify species in this activity.

Second graders explore bird classification, specifically owls. They dissect their own owl pellet and explain the predetor and prey relationship.

Second graders sort insects into groups by determining similar characteristics. They role play as Entomologists to sort insects.

Fifth graders select an insect and create a page for an Insect ABC book to display their research. They choose an insect from a given letter of the alphabet and use KidPix to illustrate. They write 2-3 sentences describing their insect...

Students explore the diversity of life forms and the role that interdependency plays in our world through a mult-segmented unit. This segment introduces the unit.

Third graders utilize computers and other technology to explain the solar system. Ten different stations involve students through laserdisc, research, art, GeoSafari, space toys, and the computer.

Students use a light microscope to observe the organisms living in a sample of ocean or fresh water. Students create a drawing of the organisms that they observe. Students then discuss the different body plans of the organisms and the...

Students explore the dangers of eating high levels of mercury and how small amounts of mercury in water accumulate in greater quantities in organisms higher in the food chain. They list the health of effects of high levels of mercury on...

Young scholars complete a study guide using a website which is an animated primer on DNA, genes, and heredity. The Web site is organized around key concepts. The web links and study guide are included.

Students explore the endocrine disruption theory. They work in groups to research and develop a persuasive oral argument to support one side of the endocrine disruption theory. Students engage in debate and other activities to analyze...

Students devise a rock word web and sort rocks by applying the categories they discuss.

Students investigate how rocks are composed minerals by dissecting rock cookies.

Students investigate the use of rocks in past and present societies. They examine how important rocks are.

Eighth graders visit the Virtual Earthquake Web site and complete activities that demonstrate how geologists locate the epicenters of earthquakes. The site uses actual data from historic earthquakes.

Second graders work together to examine different types of rocks. They sort rocks according to their characteristics and properties.

Young scholars predict the appearance of a geode's internal structure based on its mass and density. They form a hypothesis based on the data they collect. They also identify common minerals found in Illinois.

Students define raptor, explain why raptors are important, describe unique physical characteristics of various types of raptors, and explain life cycle of raptors. Students then play Habitat Game, describe food and hunting habits of...

Students will develop goals for inquiry. They will also improve content area reading and research skills. The context of studying dinosaurs will help learners to distinguish from organisms that live presently and those from the past...

Middle schoolers perform a handwashing experiment to see if a difference can be detected in the number and types of microbes on our hands after various types of cleaning. They will also demonstrate that they have learned the whys and...