Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Can Fun Gus Help Plants/Trees Grow?

For Teachers K - 5th
Students participate in an experiment in which they test the growth of different types of plants. They discover how growth rates vary using inoculum. They draw pictures and are read books about plants to end the lesson.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Code Makers - Electron Configuration, Aufbau Principle

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Learners write the electron configuration of elements using the Aufbau principle. In this chemistry lesson, students build their own key that demonstrates the principle.
Handout
Other

Chemical Reax/exothermic Reactions

For Students 9th - 10th
A wonderfully complete primer on exothermic reactions in the context of chemical spills. Covers Reactions with Air or Water, Combustible Organics, Polymerization Reax, Decomposition, Corrosion, and much much more.
Lesson Plan
Michigan State University

Michigan State University: Lets Net: Worm Bin Project Unit

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Students learn about the worm life cycle and decomposition of life by creating small-scale worm ecosystems. Research groups share scientific data with groups at other schools using web-based communication tools.
Handout
BiologyWise

Biology Wise: A Brief Guide to the Steps of the Carbon Cycle

For Students 4th - 8th
Outlines the steps for the movement of carbon along the carbon cycle through photosynthesis, food chains, being dissolved into the ocean, the decomposition of organisms, fossil fuel formation, industrial use of fossil fuels, carbon...
Activity
American Geosciences Institute

American Geosciences Institute: Earth Science Week: Climate and Temperature

For Students 5th - 8th
In this experiment, students investigate what impact the composition of soil, its water content, and its location have on the soil's temperature, which in turn would have an effect on the rate of decomposition of organic matter in the soil.
Website
Other

New Brunswick Waste Management /"Backyard Magic"

For Students 9th - 10th
Comprehensive description of the environmental benefits of composting solid waste. Complete directions for composting, detailed description of composting chemistry, suggestions for applications of humus, question and answer page,...
Lesson Plan
Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy: Gardens Activity Guide: Soil

For Teachers 9th - 10th
In this lesson learners conduct a soil analysis to understand soil types and explore the relationship between the garden and healthy, fertile soil. Soil is a natural resource that is crucial to life on Earth and when managed properly, it...
Handout
Other

Paul's Garden World: The Science of Composting

For Students 9th - 10th
Very thorough description of different organisms involved in decomposing organic material through composting. Includes actinomycetes, bacteria, fungi, and a variety of macro-organisms which also function as decomposers. Also discusses...
Activity
University of Missouri

Microbes in Action: Classroom Activities: Composting by Microbes

For Teachers 9th - 10th
A science experiment to observe how materials decompose over time, By recording the smell, appearance, and movement of materials over three weeks, students will be able to make conclusions about their decompositions. Students will also...
Handout
Science Struck

Science Struck: The Various Types of Chemical Reactions

For Students 9th - 10th
A detailed description of the different types of chemical reactions in organic and inorganic chemistry.
Activity
Sheppard Software

Sheppard Software: Parts of the Food Chain: Producers, Consumers, Decomposers

For Students 3rd - 8th
Learn how scientists classify different types of organisms in an ecosystem or in a food chain by their role and function as either a producer, a consumer, or a decomposer. Then play a game that tests your understanding of these important...
Lesson Plan
University of Canterbury

Cs Unplugged: Divide and Conquer

For Teachers 1st - 5th
Imagine 31 numbers have been organized in ascending order in a list by a computer program. Now the program has to find a number in the list, but it can only look at one number at a time. Is it easier to find the number now, than if they...
Website
Other

Advanced Composting Systems: Phoenix Composting Toilet

For Students 9th - 10th
Explains how composting toilets work, their benefits to the environment, useful applications, and information on how to choose a system.
Handout
Other

Composting Practices (Pdf) [Pdf]

For Students 9th - 10th
This publication explains the agricultural and environmental benefits of composting household waste. It explains the difference between hot and cool composting systems. It also documents research indicating turfgrass benefits from humus...
Handout
Other

Stat Soft: Statistics Glossary

For Students 9th - 10th
Dozens of statistical terms are defined and illustrated in this glossary.
Handout
Wyzant

Wyzant: Reactions

For Students 9th - 10th
A good resource on chemical reactions, organized by topic: "Examples of chemical changes," "Chemical equations of chemical reactions," "Balancing equations," "Synthesis reactions," "Decomposition reactions," "Single replacement...