Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Sum of the Parts

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders observe some everyday common objects in order to attempt to learn about simple systems and how they fit together. They observe small details in order to identify the parts of a whole design.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

How Many Toothpicks?

For Teachers 8th - 10th
Students investigate different geometric patterns. In this geometry instructional activity, students create different shapes using toothpicks. They create different patterns and designs and complete a charts using different measurements.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Wheelies

For Teachers 6th - 7th
Young scholars design wheels for a coaster car to travel varying terrain. In this motion and friction lesson, students discuss friction and motion and test wooden wheels on a track. Young scholars then brainstorm how to increase friction...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Survival

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students determine the best material from which to make a jacket to keep the body warm in a cold, dry, windy climate. This task assesses the student's abilities to perform an entire investigation.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Potential and Kinetic Energy

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders explore potential and kinetic energy. In this science lesson plan, 6th graders assume the role of a roller coaster engineer and design a roller coaster. Students use their knowledge of kinetic and potential energy to design...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Home, Neat Home

For Teachers 6th - 10th
Students design their dream homes. In this housing design lesson, students visited selected websites to learn about a design contest and examine existing home plans prior to creating their own.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

High School Marine Science at its Best: Research Collaboration

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students formulate a more accurate understanding of the true nature of scientific research and the challenges and rewards of field investigations.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Historic Earth Science Innovations

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars research the demands or limitations on Earth scientists. In groups, they design and build a model that would be useful to them in the lab or field. They share their model and their ideas behind it to the class and answer...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Why Not Fabric?

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students investigate art from Native American culture by creating fabric. In this native art analysis lesson, students identify the art of Plains Indians and discuss how it is represented in their fabrics, beads and decorations. Students...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

CSI, Second Grade Style

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders conduct a classroom investigation. In this investigative lesson, 2nd graders spend their time observing, measuring, and collecting data. They simulate a forensic science lab by conducting a fingerprint, scent, footprint,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Experiences and Experiments - There is a Difference

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders plan and conduct an experiment on food spoilage. They design the experiment, create a display, record and analyze data, and make inferences regarding the results of the experiment.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Architecture and Democracy

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders contrast and compare ancient Greece to the U.S.A.  In this Greek History lesson, 5th graders investigate the buildings and designs of ancient Greece, as well as their democracy and government.  Students answer...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Spirituality of Matter

For Teachers 11th - Higher Ed
Students examine Kahn's process of designing a ceremonial building that serves as a political and spiritual symbol. In this architecture analysis lesson, students investigate architectural structures in various contexts. Students compare...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Muddy Waters

For Teachers 1st - 2nd
Young scholars read the book the Dirt Boy. In this design and problem solving lesson, students create a way to clean muddy water. Young scholars give their ideas and discuss them. The teacher shows a filter and demonstrates what it does...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Fossil Facts and Finds- Using the Magic Bag

For Teachers 3rd - 12th
Students investigate fossils. In this geology lesson, students study various types of fossils in rocks and identify the characteristics of the fossil. Students write a research paper on their fossil.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Exploring Simple Machines

For Teachers 2nd - 4th
Students investigate simple machines. In this simple machines lesson, students study how simple machines work. Students determine the function of various simple machines.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Saving Humpty Dumpty;Recycling, Environmental Science, Math, Ecology, Athletic Shoes

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students describe how shoe design, manufacturing, retailing, consumer use, and disposal impact environments and societies. They discuss ways to reduce, reuse, or recycle resources in the life-cycle for a shoe product.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Investigation - Staci's New Car

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders solve math combination problems. In this combination problem solving lesson, 6th graders participate in a teacher led session in which they use tree diagrams and organized lists to determine all of the possible combinations...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Investigating Electrical Circuits

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders draw and construct a complete circuit. In small groups they develop a list of questions about electricity, listen to a teacher-led lecture, construct a complete circuit, test circuits, and create an illustration of a...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Electromagnets- 6 Mini Investigations

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders discover the properties of electromagnets through experiments. In this electromagnet properties lesson, 3rd graders complete six tasks with an elctromagnet.  Students recognize that the wires will heat up when...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Designing Samples/Simple Random Samples

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students consider the advantages and disadvantages of various sampling techniques. They define a simple random sample and identify possible sources of bias in other types of samples. Answer Key included.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Using Technology to Design Animal Habitats

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students study the relationship between an animal and where it lives.  In this habitats lesson students research to obtain data and create a professional report. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Investigative Case - Los Angeles and the Future of Mono Lake

For Teachers 9th - Higher Ed
Students use this WebQuest to be able to comprehend the natural history and biological diversity of the Mono Basin, an environment directly affected by the needs of humans. They explain what makes Mono Lake unique, including the extreme...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Cardiac Arrest! Using Forensics to Investigate Cardiovascular Anatomy and Function

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students identify the different parts and functions of the cardiovascular system. In this forensics lesson, students collect and analyze evidence on a fictional crime. They describe different causes of cardiac arrest.