Lesson Plan
American Institute of Physics

When Computers Wore Skirts: Katherine Johnson, Christine Darden, and the “West Computers”

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
Did you know that people, known as computers, performed the complex calculations that are now done by electronic computers? Three of these human computers, Katherine Johnson, Christine Darden, and Melba Roy Mouton are featured in a...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

This Little Light of Mine

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Elementary schoolers discover how electricity travels and create an electron flow through a closed circuit. They work together to make a closed circuit and observe the electricity being made. This outstanding lesson plan is well worth...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Electronic Components

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students review new terminology and computer circuits and the value of a resistor. They complete three experiments, "Resistance Activities," Transistor Activities,"Diode Activities" and enter data, results and their findings on Student...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Electronic Components

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students describe how resistors affect the flow of electricity. In this electronics lesson students examine transistors and what they do and how they work.
PPT
National Woman's History Museum

The Women of NASA

For Students 9th - 12th
Human computers? Although it may sound like science fiction, the term was used to describe the women who made the NASA calculations before the advent of electronic computers. A 21-slide presentation introduces viewers to the women who...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Electronic Technology

For Students 6th - 10th
In this electronic worksheet, students complete 4 short answer, 6 fill in the blank, and 4 term identifications about electronics.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Destination Outer Space

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students investigate space travel. In this space travel lesson students examine space exploration history, engineers and scientists involved in space exploration, and Newton's third law of motion. Students make rockets.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Elements of Chemistry: Atoms: The Building Blocks of Matter

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore scientific theories and the works of scientists.  In this chemistry lesson students develop a timeline  that shows how scientists work was built on the ones before them. 
PPT
Curated OER

Magnetism

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
A wonderfully rich presentation teaches about magnets and magnetism. Each slide is packed with interesting information on the discovery, history, physics, and uses for magnets. Good photographs, and an emphasis on vocabulary are part of...
PPT
Curated OER

Biotechnology

For Teachers 9th - Higher Ed
A continuous cascade of information comes through this PowerPoint on biotechnology. The topic is defined, a history is presented, and basic genetic engineering techniques are explained. The topic is covered in an objective manner,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Matter: Atoms and Molecules

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students investigate how information about the atom has been determined. In this atomic structure lesson, students draw what they think an atom looks like. They conduct Internet research about the types of atomic models and how...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Biogeochemical Cycles

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students research an assigned biogeochemical cycle. For this cycle activity, students need to determine that all cycles need energy to continue. The students will look at a given cycle to describe it, research and draw an assigned cycle,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Electromagnetic Bomb (E-Bomb)

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explain how E-bomb works. In this physics lesson, students simulate the effects of e-bombs on electronic targets. They discuss its potential harmful effects when used as a weapon.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Applied Science -Physics (4A) Post Lab

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders explore the history of electricity. For this electricity lesson, 4th graders review the connection between electricity and magnetism. They do a research project on the history of electricity. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Flambe Elements

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders discuss atoms and electrons as well as atoic structure. They view atomic structure via the computer. Students watch a demonstration in which the teacher demonstrates glass tubing turning yellow in a Bunsen Burner flame....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

An Introduction to Classification

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders explore, analyze and study the history of classification systems and the scientific processes that influenced modern classification methods. They evaluate why classification and binomial nomenclature are necessary to the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Story of the Transistor

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students brainstorm on how certain items have become smaller as technology advances. They watch a video about the history of the transistor.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Chemical Element Interview

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students interview the chemical elements. They research information about their element, such as: stable isotopes, valence electrons, number of subatomic particles. They create a yearbook page for their element, and a format to present it.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Tools of the Trade

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Learners construct functional replicas of oceanographic tools and demonstrate and explain their use.
Lesson Plan
1
1
PBS

Stories of Painkiller Addiction: Prescription Drug Abuse Awareness Campaign

For Teachers 6th - 12th Standards
The I-STOP law was designed to regulate the distribution and tracking of prescription drugs. After reading an article about its signing and implementation, middle and high schoolers work together to come up with their own ideas for an...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Electricity Lesson Plan

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Students conduct experiments on static electricity using the Internet. They compose a 30 second electricity safety jingle to be aired on a local radio station.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The "Science" of Racism

For Teachers 9th - 12th
How can we keep racism out of our society? Analyze the factors that lead to racism today and research previous scientific findings that impacted social policy. Your high school students identify ways to prevent past mistakes from...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Genes at Work

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Young scholars explore and discuss genetics stories and answer questions about genetic outcomes of offspring. In this genetics lesson, students read genetics stories on a web site. Young scholars use a chart to answer questions regarding...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Energy Eccentricity

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students assess their own energy use to help develop an awareness of the different types of natural resources affected by consumers. Their calculations show them how much they are personally impacting the Earth. Very meaningful and...