Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Gumdrop Crystal Models

For Teachers 9th - 12th
A great way to learn about molecular structures is to make a model. Gumdrops and toothpicks are used to construct crystal models. The models are based on theories of crystal shapes that occur because of positive and or negatively charged...
Lesson Plan
Perkins School for the Blind

Chromosome Models- Karyotyping

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Create your own karyotypes with clay in a kinesthetic genome activity. This tactile experience was created for visually impaired pupils, but can be used for all hands-on learners who are beginning to study chromosomes. The preparation...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Tasty Treats

For Students 9th - 10th
In this biology worksheet, students construct a model of a plant or animal cell using edible materials that will remain fresh at least three days. They identify and label each part to include various organelles as listed. Students also...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Design a Plankton

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students explore animal and plant adaptation.  In this ecosystems science lesson, students view websites to gain information about plankton and its  interdependence within ecosystems. Students identify ways in which plankton...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Using Models to Communicate

For Students 7th - 9th
In this models worksheet, students read about how models are used to communicate events or principles in science. They are given an example and answer 4 questions about models. They discuss accuracy and inaccuracy of models. They create...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Looking Inside Cells

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders analyze and identify the role of the cell membrane and nucleus. They create flash cards to help them review cell structures. They also compare plant and animal cells.
Activity
DiscoverE

Heart Valve Replacement

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Put your heart into it. Scholars design and build replacements for mitral heart valves. Obviously, they can't test their creations on a real heart, so a box with marbles (to represent blood cells) will suffice.
Lesson Plan
Chymist

Batteries

For Students 9th - 12th
Young scientists study the construction of a battery through experimentation. They engage in five experiments which combine to create a thorough study of the history of batteries beginning with a model of the first battery.
Lesson Plan
Middle Tennessee State University

The Invention of the Telephone

For Teachers 6th - 8th Standards
All of the people in your class would agree that life would be different without the invention of the telephone! Study Alexander Graham Bell's most famous and influential invention through the primary source document of his...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Edible Cells

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders construct edible models of a plant cell and an animal cell and state the functions of the organelles. They are to write a short sentence describing the function of each organelle.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Cells, Building Blocks of Life

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders, in groups, explore cells, the basic unit of all living things.
Lesson Plan
Virginia Department of Education

DNA Structure, Nucleic Acids, and Proteins

For Teachers 9th - 12th
What is in that double helix? Explain intricate concepts with a variety of creative activities in a lesson plan that incorporates multiple steps to cover DNA structure, nucleic acids, and proteins. Pupils explore the history of DNA...
Activity
Serendip

Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
How does energy from the sun make plants grow? Scholars move step by step through the processes that promote plant propagation during a detailed lesson. The resource illustrates ADP production and hydrolysis, then allows learners to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Domino Effect

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Young scholars model the transmission of neural impulses with dominoes. In this nervous system instructional activity, students construct a device with dominoes. They use the device to model the way a nerve impulse is propagated from...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

It's All About Scale

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders investigate scale models of toys.  In this scale models of toys instructional activity, 6th graders bring in toys from home to measure.  Students discuss scale and what scale is used with their toys. ...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Cell-a-bration

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders study the structures of a plant cell and animal cell. They create a graphic organizer and a food model. Finally, they write an essay comparing and contrasting plant and animal cells.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

How Genes Work Lesson Plan

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students define the key terms that are the structure and function of DNA. In this genetics lesson students complete a lab activity in which they construct a model DNA structure.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Genetics, Birth Disorders, and Pregnancy

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students in an alternative school setting for pregnant teens examine various facets of pregnancy including prenatal and postpartum testing, genetic influences, and additional risk factors. Through videos, hands-on activities, and small...
Lesson Plan
Cornell University

Bacteria Take Over and Down

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
Bacteria outnumber all other forms of life on Earth. Scholars observe the growth of bacteria in petri dishes to understand their role in maintaining good health. Then, they observe the growth of bacteria after they introduce...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Honey Bee's Home

For Teachers K - 3rd
Students are introduced to the members and workings of a honey bee colony. They describe the structure of a comb, the day-to-day activities of honey bees, and name the four stages of bee development. They construct a honeycomb model.
Lesson Plan
Space Awareness

Climate Zones

For Teachers 5th - 11th Standards
The climate at the equator is hotter than the climate at the poles, but why? The instructional activity goes in depth, explaining how the angles of illumination relate to the heating rate at different latitudes and seasons. Scholars use...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Create a Microbe

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students construct models of microorganisms recognizing size relationships-comparing the size of viruses with the sizes of bacterial and eukaryotic cells. They put into perspective just how small microbes are by comparing the size of...
Lesson Plan
University of Minnesota

Virtual Neurons

For Teachers 5th - 12th
It's electric! Young anatomists use Virtual Neurons software to build, control, and analyze complex nerve circuits within the body. Colorful and packed with content, class members enjoy interacting with the nervous system...
Activity
Serendip

How Do Muscles Get the Energy They Need for Athletic Activity?

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
Every muscle movement requires energy, but where does that energy come from? Scholars answer this question and more as they complete a worksheet. By following the directions, completing research, and discussing it as a class, they begin...