Fifth graders compare two different vehicles and determine why the cars are designed differently. They write four facts learned from the field trip in their science journals including a fact about how force affects the performance of the...

First graders observe rocks, record their observations about the rocks and classify them according to their observations. As a class, 1st graders create a list of observable characteristics of rocks. They sort a group of rocks...

For any pupils who live in the state of Arkansas, this would be a fabulous educational experience to help them get to know their state better. Through the use of activities in literature, art, mathematics, science, social studies, and...

Here is a fascinating lesson about the life cycles of plants and animals, and other cycles found in nature. Learners explore the cycle of the moon, the tides, and other sequences of events in every day life. The big activity is the...

Sixth graders classify candy according to observable characteristics. They use a dichotomous key to identify their bag of "treats." Thus, describe how dichotomous keys help to the identifying of organisms. Design a self-generated...

Students make a parachute. In this air resistance lesson plan, students create a parachute using materials they think will work the best. Students try out their parachutes, noting which one worked the best. Students discuss how the size,...

Get your class outside to observe their surroundings with a lesson highlighting weather patterns and seasonal changes. First, learners take a weather walk to survey how the weather affects animals, people, plants, and trees during...

What caused the collapse of the environment on Rapa Nui (Easter Island)? Who constructed the Moai? What was their purpose? Class members assume the role of investigators and use evidence drawn from field studies, ships' logs, and...

Learners simulate classifying rocks using different colored skittles. In this earth science instructional activity, students create a Venn diagram according to their compiled information. They share this diagram in the class.

Fifth graders create their own constellations using pin holes and black paper. For this space science lesson, 5th graders write a story about their constellation. They share their project with the class.

Fifth graders are introduced to the various planets, stars and moons in our solar system. Using photographs, they place the planets into the correct order from the sun. In groups, they research one planet, create a fact sheet and make...

It's cloudy with a good chance of learning! An inquiry-based lesson begins with an exploration of transparent, translucent, and opaque materials. Young scientists then connect their learning to the different cloud types as they take the...

In this biology methods worksheet, students will explore the scientific method, including creating a hypothesis and setting up an experiment. This worksheet has 3 short answer questions, 5 matching questions, and 8 fill in the blank...

Prepare your class for a unit on Ray Bradbury's The Martian Chronicles with an activity that works for pre-reading, during reading, and post-reading. Learners fill out a K-W-H-L chart to reflect on what they already know, what...

Words matter. Words frame thought. Words are symbolic. Readers of Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale examine how the words In Gilead's "New Language" reinforce the power of the government and provided insight into the symbolic level...

Students create a soil center on their school grounds. They begin to write in their science journals. They participate in an experiment that helps the community begin their own gardens.

Fifth graders research soil, its nutrients, and plant growth. In this soil activity, 5th graders create soil journals, trace flowers, and include nutrient information on each petal. Students read an excerpt from "McBroom Tells the...

Young scholars examine a science journal to develop an understanding of graphs in science.  In this data analysis lesson, students read an article from the Natural Inquirer and discuss the meaning of the included graph.  Young...

Students investigate how to create secrete messages through filters. They view pictures with red and green filters and discuss what they observe. They select the color filter that works best to read secret messages. They view pictures...

Eleventh graders conduct Internet research about basic ecological principles and current environmental issues. They participate in a variety of outdoor experiences and develop an "Outdoor Experiences Journal" that they keep for an...

Young scholars write a research paper on hurricanes. In this weather instructional activity, students use a science text book to write down facts about hurricanes on note cards and then outline their essay. Young scholars use the outline...

Middle schoolers compare and contrast the different characteristics of animal-like, plant-like, and fungus-like protists. They list examples and describe the characteristics shared by the three protist groups. They create a brochure or...

First graders investigate the causes of thunderstorms and create the sounds of a thunderstorm.

Fourth graders explore the basic needs of living things. They observe a variety of living things and identify the basic needs of each living item. Students create food balls of peanut butter and nuts to feed animals. They hang their food...