Curated OER
Sugar and carbohydrates, protein, fat and water - that's what little plants are made of!
Students identify photosynthesis as the mechanism by which plants convert sunlight energy into a usable energy source for plant processes. They identify photosynthesis as the mechanism by which plants create a molecule that can be used...
Curated OER
The Class Trip
Mrs. Moore's class is trying to earn money for a trip to the science museum, but how much more do they need? Solve this problem with your own class as they develop their ability to model real-life situations algebraically. As an added...
NASA
Pop Can Hero Engine
Hang a soda can from a string and watch it spin by the force created by water streaming out of slanted holes. This plan provides background information, detailed materials and procedures, discussion questions, a lab worksheet, and...
Curated OER
Snowflake Bentley
Young scholars explore crystals through the story Snowflake Bentley and then create crystal pictures of their own. In this interdisciplinary lesson, they create a crystal web chart on chart paper, design artificial snowflakes, and write...
Curated OER
Eggs'ceptional Experiments
Students see evidence of chemical reaction and follow the scientific method to hypothesize, observe, and reach conclusions. They conduct a series of egg based experiments such as forming crystals and complete journal activities as a...
Curated OER
Solar Kit Lesson # 12 - Calibration Curve for a Radiation Meter
Scientists need to have mastered algebraic slope-intercept concepts in order for this lesson to be effective. They will measure and graph solar panel output as a function of the amount of radiation striking it, discovering that there is...
Ocean Explorer
Living with the Heat
Young oceanographers study the Submarine Ring of Fire, which is a series of deep-water volcanic vents that come up from the ocean floor. Learners take a close look at the unique ecosystems that are associated with these areas, how these...
Curated OER
Cycles of Life
Students begin their study of insect life cycles by listening to a read aloud of Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar. They learn the vocabulary of metamorphosis including egg, larva, pupa, chrysalis, and adult. They observe actual...
Curated OER
Comparing Seeds
Students explore the process of growing plants from seeds. In this hands-on science experiment, students observe different seeds (store bought vs. those directly from food items) and predict growing patterns.
Curated OER
Volcano Research Project
Eighth graders research about different types of volcanoes. In this earth science lesson, 8th graders create PowerPoint presentation on the information gathered. They share findings with the class.
Curated OER
Survival in the Land of Batzilla
Students experience a guided inquiry into the workings of an ultrasonic motion detector. They are led to study something they cannot see, hear, feel or taste. Students design strategies to avoid becoming prey of the predatory "Batzilla."
Curated OER
Organ Systems
Students examine organisms that are composed of tissues, organs, and systems. They dissect a fetal pig and explore the assigned organs systems such as the skeletal, muscular, and circulatory organs. Students identify and explain their...
Curated OER
The Living Environment
Students explore the cycles of an ecosystem. In this environmental science lesson, students work in groups to research the nitrogen cycle, the water cycle, or the oxygen-carbon dioxide cycle. Students prepare a PowerPoint or other...
Curated OER
Energy Inspiration Document and Website Production
Seventh graders conduct a web quest to find information on types of energy found in US. In this earth science lesson, 7th graders investigate the environmental consequences of using these resources. They develop a creative presentation...
Michigan Sea Grant
Fish Life Cycle
Fish are no different when it comes to a living being's primary objective—to reproduce. They do differ, including from fish species to fish species, in their life cycles, survival tactics and reproductive strategies. After discussion of...
Curated OER
Nature Art
In this nature art lesson plan, students take a nature walk and collect items with different sizes, textures and colors. Students use the items they collect to make a collage.
University of Kentucky
The Great Spider Debate
Poor, misunderstood spiders! They are feared, disrespected, and detested by many people, yet they do so many positive things. A great addition to any insect unit, learn about some of the more common spiders, while hopefully dispelling...
Curated OER
Scientific Method
Start your school year in science with these activities and worksheets related to the scientific method.
Curated OER
Drake's West Indian Voyage 1588-1589
Middle schoolers investigate several maps detailing Sir Francis Drake's voyages. In this geography lesson, students practice reading maps and locating the precise locations of where Sir Francis Drake visited. Middle schoolers...
Curated OER
Virtual Field Trip
Fifth graders are introduced to the concepts of weathering and erosion. In groups, they rotate between different stations to discover how each process effects different landforms. To end the lesson, they discuss each change in the...
Curated OER
Understanding Bernoulli's Principle
Fifth graders explain why we fly. For this space science lesson, 5th graders discuss Bernoulli's prinicple and its relation to flight.
Curated OER
Ethics Search Project
Students question, imagine, and investigate certain scientific environmental issues. They organize their data and present a PowerPoint presentation. They include include a complete analysis of St Ignatius commitments and ideas.
Curated OER
How Animals Prepare for Winter
Second graders study which animal hibernate and which migrate. They observe the weather conditions related to each and complete the associated worksheets and web activity.
National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science
A Tale of Two Houses
Does it cost more per year to heat Bill's home in North Dakota or to cool Bubba's home in Georgia? Using heat transfer concepts, mathematical equations, and critical thinking skills, young engineers work in groups to determine who is...