First graders make daily observations about clouds, write in their cloud books, make cloud charts, and make a poem about clouds.

Students experiment to determine the effect of light on cyanobacteria movement. They graph the data of the experiment for further analysis. They watch a time-lapse video of cyanobacteria motility at a NASA website.

Students examine the difference between magnitude and intensity in earthquakes. They complete map work and write a first hand account of a person living in each level of intensity on the Modified Mercalli Scale.

Students identify basic similarities and differences between B- and T-lymphocytes, stressing function, location, and role. They complete a worksheet that requires them to apply knowledge about ELISA and antibodies.

Students identify and describe the aquatic exotic species found in Illinois. Using the internet, they research the species origins and discover their effects on native species in the area. They discuss how appropriate it is to introduce...

Students examine the advantages and disadvantages of renewable and non renewable energy sources.  In this engineering lesson students explain what it means for a house to be "off the grid".

Ever heard of the battle to save the Derby Bus Station? Built in 1933 by Charles Herbert Aslin, its art deco design was unique and The Beatles once dined at the café. The station closed in October 2005 and was scheduled for demolition...

Students explore the rate at which ice melts. In this science activity, students place ice cubes on colored index cards and place them in direct sunlight. Students observe which ice cubes melt fastest and slowest.

Learning about Native American culture? Consider using this matching exercise either as a quiz (as it's labelled) or simply independent practice. Kids recall the meanings of 11 vocabulary words: compromise, wampum, ceremony, hogan,...

If your class is learning about Native American culture or life, a vocabulary sheet might come in handy. There are 12 terms, each with a full definition included. Terms include buffalo, tepee, hogan, wampum, prairie, tribe, myth,...

Have you been wondering how to use that natural trail at or near your school? This activity gets kids outside with a purpose: learn about ecological succession through field observations and collecting seed and soil samples. The resource...

Middle schoolers examine the characteristics of a tornado. They practice using new vocabulary and participate in a question and answer session. They use the internet to gather more specific information.

Students work together to identify marine debris. They explain the effect of the debris on various ecosystems. They draw different types of ocean currents as well.

Learners investigate the three types of material stress related to rocks. They identify the three types of stress, conduct a simulation by breaking bars of soap using only their hands, and complete a worksheet.

Students research separate elements of the theory of Plate Tectonics, then share that information with each other, drawing conclusions from the culminated information.

Students experiment to gain understanding of how a greenhouse retains heat.  In this greenhouse instructional activity, students work with soda bottles and simulate a greenhouse. Students compare data from a vented and intact...

Students use the Internet to examine earthquakes. They discover the theory of tectonic plates and analyze faults throughout the world. They also examine the science of seismology to explain how earthquakes are measured.

Students complete a worksheet while viewing a video about the oceans. They locate the oceans on a map and identify positive and negative ways in which humans have impacted them. They discuss any questions at the end of the lesson.

Students inspect the causes and effects of earthquakes and examine how seismic waves travel. In this earthquake lesson, students determine where earthquakes happen and why, before determining how to build an earthquake resistant...

Students minerals and how they form. They investigate the classification of minerals according to physical properties. Students watch a video about mineral characteristics. In groups, students participate in hands-on activities and...

Fifth graders study early explorers. In this World history lesson, 5th graders draw an outline of a map labeling each part, build geographical features out of dough, and paint each of the land and water features.

Studnet identify examples of conduction, convection and radiation. They develop an example of a building envelope. They also describe how heat transfer mechanisms can affect home energy costs.

Students explain the different heat transfer mechanisms and how they influence the building envelope. They develop ways in which the building envelope can be improved and test hypotheses about building envelope designs.

Students investigate the three types of material stress related to rocks. They watch a PowerPoint Presentation, view an online animation of the three types of rock stress, identify the various types of rocks, answer true or false...