Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mechanical Properties of Chocolate: How Hard is your Chocolate?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students calculate, measure and identify the hardness of various chocolate bars. They determine the hardness of the chocolate bar using quantitative data. Students make observations of the hardness of chocolate while dropping the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Create a Cloud in a Jar (Hands-on Version)

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine the conditions necessary for cloud formation.  In this clouds lesson students complete an activity that shows them atmospheric pressure.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Geological Maps of the Western Regions

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students study the geological makeup of the West.  In this geological maps lesson students creat a map that includes a key and present it to the class. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mapping the National Parks

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students research national parks. In this science lesson, students view a video about the national parks and discuss the environments found within the national parks.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

World Projections

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students identify map projections and examine polar maps. In this map skills lesson, students use a flat world map to identify various projections and calculate the distances between locations by using a map scale.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

I Spy

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders investigate the properties and uses of rocks. They sort magazine pictures into the categories of living and nonliving, play a game of I Spy for objects made of rock, and make rubbings of the rock items for their Rock...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Learning Planet Sizes

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Pupils utilize the concepts of greater than, less than, and equal to, in order to classify student height, object size, and planet size. They build scale models of the planets based on their discoveries of planet size.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

How Can We Help?

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students explore ocean animals and their environments. In this environmental stewardship lesson, students read a story and discuss the environmental needs of animals. Students think of ways to help clean up the environment and to make...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

I Spy

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders play the game I Spy to help identify objects made from rock. They investigate the properties and uses of rocks and go on an I Spy search on the playground. They sort pictures according to living and nonliving objects.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Hold on Tight!

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students explain how manufactured products depend on its function for a purpose.  In this sticky tape lesson students test the strength of different tapes, take measurements and record data. 
Lesson Plan
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Ancient Cultures

For Teachers 2nd - 6th
Students develop archeological skills in order to explain how scientists determine what ancient cultures were like. They develop an appreciation of the work that is involved in finding out about our past.
Lesson Plan
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The Lake Effect

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders conduct an experiment demonstrating the effects of water and air temperature on precipitation. They create graphs demonstrating their findings using Claris Works for Kids.
Lesson Plan
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Plants of the Past

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders explore ecosystems by examining plants of the past. They discuss ways in which we interact with plants in our daily lives. Students discuss the role plants play in providing food for animals and the significance they had...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Climb a Mountain, Raft a River on Your Own Land

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students are introduced to the characteristics of a map. As a class, they discuss the uses of public lands in their community and develop symbols for each feature. They use the symbols to create a map showing the recreational uses of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Finding Your Way Using Maps and Globes

For Teachers 2nd - 4th
Students identify the similarities and differences between different maps and globes. Individually, they create a map of their classroom along with a compass rose. They also practice reading maps as a class and finding specific locations.
Lesson Plan
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Where Are the Dinosaurs?

For Teachers K - 3rd
Students study dinosaurs by completing two activities and group discussion. In this dinosaur lesson plan, students discuss dinosaurs and extinction as a class. Students make dinosaur dioramas, a hatchable dinosaur egg after watching a...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

CO2: How Much Do You Spew?

For Teachers 6th - 10th
Students analyze the energy consumption of a household to see the amount of carbon dioxide they add to the atmosphere each year.  In this energy consumption lesson students calculate carbon emissions and discuss sources of carbon...
Worksheet
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Help Maggie Rebuild Her Airplane!

For Students 4th - 8th
In this airplane activity, students build airplanes out of paper and test their accuracy while flying them. Students build 6 planes and fill out test logs to go with them.
Lesson Plan
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Design a Space Station

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders investigate living in space. In this science lesson, 6th graders discuss what it is like to live in space and create their own space station or space city of the future.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Milky Way and Beyond

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students consider the scale of the Milky Way Galaxy. In this Milky Way lesson, students hypothesize the length of time necessary to cross the Milky Way.
Lesson Plan
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The Little Ice Age - Understanding Climate and Climate Change

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders receive data about tree ring records, solar activity, and volcanic eruptions during the Little Ice Age (1350-1850). From this data, they draw conclusions about possible natural causes of climate change
Lesson Plan
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Eyewitnesses to Change

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students explore recent changes in the Artic's climate that have been observed by Artic residents. They watch videos, take notes and create a concept map. They also look at historical weather data from a specific Artic community. The...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Seasons

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Learners name the 4 seasons, discussing the weather, plant life, animal life and and activities of each. Students read the book titled, "Hello Arctic," and and discuss changes in seasons that accompany the story. Learners complete...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Climate Comparison

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students explore climate regions. For this climate lesson, students examine the climate regions of Alaska as well as the state of Hawaii. Students research selected Internet sources to gather information regarding the climates present in...