Curated OER
Waterwheel Work
Students investigate the history of the waterwheel and common uses for water turbines today. They construct an experimental waterwheel using a two-liter plastic bottle, measure the rate of revolution of a waterwheel, and complete a...
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Series and Parallel Circuits
Young scholars study simple circuits. After a demonstration of parallel and serial circuit designs, students work in teams to predict the difference between two circuit designs. They build examples of two different circuits and test...
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Poor Richard's Almanack
Students discover what "Poor Richard's Almanack" is and identify at least one element of good writing used by Benjamin Franklin and his work. They then identify what makes some of Benjamin Franklin's sayings applicable today and create a...
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What’s That, I Can’t Hear You?
Students investigate forms of energy as well as light and sound. In this science instructional activity, students participate in hands-on activities that require them to evaluate how sound affects astronauts in flight. A video of this...
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Biomass: The Energy of the Future
Students research renewable fuels. In this alternative energy lesson, students compile information and create a comparison chart on renewable resources. This lesson includes additional suggested readings, vocabulary, and a Biomass...
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Using Compare and Contrast to Write in Science
Fifth graders investigate and compare the behavior of magnetism using magnets. In this physics instructional activity, 5th graders write about the similarities and differences of a variety of magnet types.
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MAGNETS
Students identify magnetism and describe its meaning. Students discuss different types of magnets and list various ways magnets can be used. Students record observations of each magnet, like and different, and whether one has a larger...
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Applied Science - Technology Pre - Lab (inventions)
Students read the book Icky, Sticky Gloop by Morgan Matthes. In this scientific exploration lesson, students compare the fictional character in the book with Benjamin Franklin (both are inventors). They discover why and how inventions...
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Collecting the Rays
Learners investigate the affect shape has on the ability of a solar panel to collect sunlight. In this collecting sunlight using a solar panel lesson, students determine which solar panel shape collects the most sunlight. ...
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Voltage Vantage
Students measure the voltage discharge of robots as the motors are used. In this physics lesson, students explain how to use a multimeter to measure voltage. They graph the voltage change over time and present their findings in class.
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Teaching the Scientific Method Using Adhesives
Students research on the history of adhesives. In this science lesson, students select one test to use in finding the stickiness of adhesives. They collect data and formulate a conclusion.
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What is pH and Why is it Important?
Students investigate acids, bases, and pH, and related this knowledge to the problem of acid deposition.
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Beams and Bones
Fifth graders learn how parts of the human body interact and how bones and muscles work together.
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Wyclef Jean for VH1 Storytellers
High schoolers use recordings of Wyclef Jean's music to study and explore different styles and techniques.
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How Long Will It Last?
Students turn on a flashlight and leave it on until the energy is used up (12-36) hours. They estimate or preduct how long they think the energy in the batteries will last. They then estimate how long a birthday candle will burn, giving...
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Frankenstein's Monster
Students read Mary Shelly's Frankenstein. Using situation and question prompts, students write various essays, letters, and articles concerning the events in the story from different character's point of view.
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Energy Transformation
Students identify different kinds of energy such as heat energy, kinetic energy, potential energy, and magnetic energy. They investigate the concept of conservation of energy.
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The Life Of a Sailor
Students gain information on how sailors, and to a larger extent how people in general, lived in the 18th Century. They are shown how the life of the sailor is different from their life, so they can see how different people live.
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Build a Simple Circuit
Students construct an extremely simple series circuit that powers a lamp on and off with a switch. They are in groups of 4 and are given a set of components and have to build the circuit working together as a group. Finally, they have to...
National First Ladies' Library
Eli Whitney: A Top Ten Inventor?
Students conduct research and present their findings in a persuasive manner. Then they work in groups to enhance the development of cooperative work skills. Students also present their findings through persuasive skills in writing and/or...
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Proportional Problems 1
Eighth graders explore representing fractions as ratios and proportions. They model proportions through the use of blocks, LEGO gears and activities with bicycle gears and pedals. Students work with bicycle gear boxes to observe and...
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Crossword Puzzle: Benjamin Franklin
In this crossword worksheet, students complete a crossword puzzle by solving clues about the Benjamin Franklin. For example, "Two of his inventions include the stove and..."
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Water Exploration Station
Students explore the characteristics of water. In this water exploration instructional activity, students participate in various learning centers to inquire how water drains and how to increase the flow of water. Students use estimation...
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Go Fly a Kite!
Students study kites. In this social studies instructional activity, students discover the history of kites and what kites are made of. Students create their own kites to fly.