Students learn how tools help us accomplish things. In this tool discovery lesson, students review the function of tools. They then make a class chart and categorize different types of tools found in the classroom. Finally, they create a...

Students explore materials and their properties. In this matter lesson, students identify objects and describe their properties. Students test and sort materials using an interactive whiteboard, followed by a group discussion of what was...

Young scholars predict whether objects will sink or float in water. They classify objects as sinking or floating in water. Students identify and explain similarities between objects that sink and float.

Challenge young learners to cut the clutter with this fun engineering project. As employees of a home and office supply company, young engineers are asked to develop devices that organize everyday items. After participating in a...

With the help from an interactive timeline, scholars discover the time and order in which inventions came to be—popular items from eyeglasses to the compact disc. 

Students research and answer questions on how organisms are classified and how their needs are met through their environment. They work in small groups and create a poster, chart, rap, PowerPoint, or brochure demonstrating how organisms...

An outstanding activity on triangles awaits your math scholars. Learners focus on the triangle, which is the strongest of all polygons. They see the role that triangles play in the design of buildings, and learn about triangle...

Middle and high schoolers explore the concepts of architectural rigidity. They analyze a variety of polygons, and explain why some shapes add more strength to structures than others. The PBS video, "Building Big," is utilized in this plan.

Students build a Lego design and then work with a partner to reproduce that design. They guide the building of the reproduction by description only and then check their work.

Fifth graders investigate coral reefs and the dangers they face by labeling and drawing.  In this oceanography lesson plan, 5th graders view a PowerPoint presentation of photographs of coral reefs in Belize.  Students...

Young scholars work collaboratively to design and construct a roof out of Legos for a house that was built in a previous instructional activity. The roof must be structurally sound and pass certain criteria determined by the teacher.

Sixth graders assess how a Native American's environment and the geographic region where they lived influenced their food, clothing, shelter and the overall culture of a tribe. They study the impact of conservation, family, rural life,...

Young scholars are introduced to the notion of surface area and volume. Students review surface area and volume by finding the area of a two-dimensional shape. They practice using the computer to create different surface area shapes.

First graders look for geometrical shapes in nature to help them appreciate the diversity of the natural environment.

Students identify and examine various Lego building materials. They discover how to measure Lego blocks and cut out and paste pictures of the Legos on the Engineer's Parts List sheet.

Fourth graders research, analyze and complete a writing project on the history of Virginia. They are assigned a famous Virginian to research utilizing a variety of resources and then prepare a written report and an oral presentation to...