Sixth graders complete a unit of lessons on the solar system. In small groups, they participate in a Webquest, watch movies, complete graphic organizers, and answer questions, create a model of the planets, and develop a Powerpoint...

Students examine human impacts on the water cycle. They compare/contrast the permeability of various materials for the purpose of engineering landscape drainage systems, and answer discussion questions.

Students compare and contrast the properties of salt water in the oceans/seas and freshwater elsewhere on the planet. They also analyze mixing caused by currents in the ocean, including the effects of warm and cold water as well as with...

Students continue their examination of the existence of life on Earth. In groups, they determine the role of the water cycle and other biogeochemical cycles play in keeping balance on Earth. They participate in experiments to discover...

Fifth graders recall prior knowledge about rocks. In this igneous rock lesson, learners work in cooperative groups to perform experiments to classify the properties of igneous rock. They write a detailed paragraph and illustrate the rock...

Learners recognize the importance of natural resources and that we need to conserve, reuse and recycle them. In this conserving natural resources lesson, students are given one object and must create something with it. Young scholars...

Young scholars dissect an owl pellet. In this rodent and bone structure lesson, students work in groups to take apart an owl pellet. Young scholars separate all the tiny bones from the fur and use the bones to reconstruct the rodent on a...

Students analyze soil for types of pollen to determine the probably climate conditions. For this earth science lesson, students make conclusions on what a climate is like based on soils samples. Students use a model soil...

Fourth graders study the components of soil. They observe the basic components of soil and relate the components to plant growth. They record color, texture, and kinds of materials on their profile log (light color, denser, grittier -...

Students explore the diversity of living organisms. They research an animal found in the zoo and plans a 10-card HyperStudio project about his/her organism.

Students explore the human muscular system. In this science lesson plan, students discuss how engineering is related to the field of bio-mechanics and human movement.

Students explore cell division through auditory, visual and tactile stations that each describe a stage of cell division. Then they apply the information from the stations in a mini-homework project that is tailored to one of the...

Groups analyze and interpret their data from previous research in order to develop individualized findings. The teams then use guidelines to help determine what aspects of their research to include on a poster. Class members...

Power up! Class members research a type of power production using a great resource featuring a real-world problem. Groups select a type of power generation and pretend that they represent an engineering firm for their chosen power type....

Pupils explore the freshwater ecosystem of Africa's Lake Victoria by creating a freshwater aquarium. They investigate factors affecting the aquarium's ecosystem and conduct lab activities.

Students learn how a pendulum works in the concept of an amusement park ride. In this pendulum instructional activity, students are introduced to Newton's first law of motion and how it works in an amusement park ride. Continuous motion...

Learners consider the effects of color on moods and feelings. They participate in a variety of demonstrations to explore the role of illusion and suggestion in human perception. They consider which color best represents their personality.

Fifth graders examine the differences between chemical and physical changes. As a class, they are read a scenerio and determine whether it was deliberate act or not. In groups, they observe the changes of an alka-seltzer tablet and...

Middle schoolers create a school-wide insect collection investigate the insect world. For this project, each grade level "adopts" specific orders of insects, collect specimens, create classroom collections, and complete related activities.

Pupils investigate the characteristics of different soil samples. In this physical science lesson, students play the role of forensics solving a crime by matching soil from the suspect's shoes. They formulate a conclusion after testing...

Students compare and contrast different spider species that they capture and maintain in the classroom for several days. They identify and research the species characteristics and living requirements then conduct an experiment on spider...

Students apply knowledge of soil, environmental impacts, economics, multiple human demands, and use given data for a proposed scenario in making land use decisions. They debate land use issues and/or scenarios and discuss a case study.

What exactly does an engineer do? Learners find out through a lesson that asks them to solve a problem that affects a target population. Aspiring engineers learn the steps of the engineering design process as they apply it...

Careful, that light bulb is hot! Compare heat and light energy using a simple light bulb. The exercise addresses energy conservation and presents actual calculations to determine the most cost-effective light bulb.