Always strive to make things better. The second of three activities in the Experimenting with Solar Heaters unit has learners design new solar heaters that are more effective compared to the simple models they used in the previous...

Middle and high schoolers use a spreadsheet to graph data. In this graphing instructional activity, learners determine how two parameters are correlated. They create a scatter plot graph using a computer spreadsheet.

Keep everything under control. The instructional activity, the 16th segment in a 22-part unit, provides a more detailed look at the parts of a plane, specifically the control surfaces. Pupils learn about the construction of the wings and...

If I change the length, will they work better? After brainstorming the variables of wind turbine blade design, groups choose one variable to isolate and test. The groups then present their data to the class in order for all to have the...

If changing one variable can improve a design, why not try changing more? Using the results from the previous activity, scholars decide on the variables that caused the most improvement in the effectiveness of the solar heater. They take...

Which modification is the best? Using the scientific method, pairs determine the effects of each control surface on the distance of a glider's flight. The activity, section 16 in a 22-part unit on aviation, allows pupils to gain a better...

Students explore Literal Equations. In this literal equations lesson, students use the Internet to connect to links and solve linear equations. Students investigate, analyze and record their findings on various activity worksheets.

Change one variable and try again. Teams build basic balsa gliders and collect data on their flight distances and times. Through collaboration, the team decides on two modifications to make to the basic design and collect data for the...

It's the law—every action requires a reaction, no matter how small. Pupils experience two demonstrations of Newton's third law of motion as it relates to thrust in the 10th segment of a 22-part unit on flight. Using their mathematical...

Let's get the herd to follow the rules. The activity associated with the second lesson in the unit introduces the class to the definition of a function. Individuals must gather in groups of zebras and rhinos defined by the general...

Young scholars explore parabolas.  For this algebra and technology lesson, students construct the equation of a specific parabola, then take digital photos of real-life representations of these parabolas.  Young scholars create...

Lift—it is about the wing's attack. Using a virtual wind tunnel, pupils investigate wing shape and angle of attack. Learners use worksheets to record their observations and to convert verbal relationships into mathematical equations in...

Students identify the advantages and disadvantages of a catapult as a weapon. In this physics lesson, students construct their own catapult. They investigate how changing one variable affects results.

Students analyze graphs to determine relationships between variables and rates of change. They determine the basic concepts about static reaction forces. They determine the slope and equation of a line.

You've got to pump it up! Using the equations for projectile motion and Bernoulli's Principle, class members calculate the water pressure in a water gun. The pupils collect data on the number of pumps and distance traveled in order...

What do logarithms have to do with bone density? Scholars learn that the equation for bone density includes logarithms. The majority of the third instructional activity of seven is devoted to logarithms and their properties.

What better way to introduce the idea of a sequence than with robots! An educational lesson plan explains the classic Fibonacci sequence before pupils build and program a robot to move. Additionally, the lesson plan challenges...

Students imagine that they own a sneaker company. They are asked how they would know if their company made a profit. Students determine the number of sneakers of each type they need to sell in order to "break even." They are asked how...

Students explore how to graph a linear inequality. They determine if a point is in the solution set. Students solve linear inquality application problems. They graph linear equations, and solve linear equations for a given variable.

Keep your hands on the wheel—at all times! Scholars learn why pilots use a flight computer through a high-flying demonstration. Making calculations for speed, distance, or time is automatic if you know how to use a flight computer. 

Scholars explore systems design and its relation to meal picking by using computer simulations to test systems designs. They learn about the Pick-to-Light System and calculate average picking times.

Eighth graders, while in the computer lab, access a web site to help them utilize manipulatives of cups and tiles to develop the skills necessary to understand multi-step equations. They assess the relationship between cups and tiles and...

Student are assigned one of the sections on whole numbers. After reviewing the content, they teach their assigned sections to other class mates. They publish their findings on a PowerPoint slide show to use when they teach their section.

Students practice graphing quadratic equations to find the vertex of quadratic functions. They determine if the graph opens upward or downward as well as convert quadratic equations to vertex form from polynomial form. A lab version is...