Hi, what do you want to do?
National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network
Can Small Pollutants Harm Aquatic Organisms?
Nanoparticles have toxic effects on plant and animal life—even though you can't see them. The second instructional activity of a two-part series has young scientists conduct an experiment that exposes plant and animals to nanoparticle...
Baylor College
The Variety and Roles of Microbes
Mini microbiologists play a card game in which they group microorganisms by groups: virus, fungus, protist, or bacteria. Then they identify the roles different microbes play in the natural world and explore how humans effectively use...
Curated OER
Bacteria
Students study food borne illnesses and what foods are more likely to carry them. In this investigative instructional activity students examine harmful bacteria.
Curated OER
A Healthy Environment
Students market healthy environments. In this healthy environment lesson, students participate in an activity that requires them to examine the food web. Students then research healthy and unhealthy environments and use their findings to...
Curated OER
Health: Food Borne Illnesses
Students discover how to inhibit food borne illnesses by practicing safe food-handling techniques. Among topics they examine are the advantages and disadvantages of using wooden or plastic cutting boards. After studying for the test,...
Curated OER
The Rotten Truth: Healthy Food from Healthy Soil
Students investigate methods of decomposition in order to make compost. In this decomposition science lesson, students set up compost bags using food and materials which decay over time. The initial lesson is approximately 30 minutes,...
Curated OER
Funky Food Farm
Pupils research about ways to keep food from spoiling. In this health science instructional activity, students design an experiment to keep the ice cubes from melting. They present their designs and results in class.
Curated OER
GM Crops: Friends or Foes?
Genetically modified crops—How do you feel about them? Here, explore the benefits and risks of GM crops to inform your opinion.
Science Matters
Crawly Composters
Get your hands dirty with an interactive activity that showcases the process of decomposing and returning nutrients back into the soil. After building a compost pile, pupils regularly observe the...
Curated OER
Picnic Safety
Pupils plan a picnic menu using the food safety rules. They pack a cooler with different types of cold packs and also pack a basket with food that does not have to be kept cold.
Curated OER
Protecting Our Planet
Students examine the impact of pollution. In this pollution lesson plan, students watch Protecting Our Planet, then participate in a simulation of the effect of pollution on a variety of organisms.
Curated OER
Peregrine Falcon
Young environmentalists study the effects that pesticides have on birds, such as the peregrine falcon. They also look at predator/prey interactions. Some wonderful in-class activities accompany an inventive lesson. After an activity that...
Curated OER
Eutrophication
Students observe the effects of eutrophication and determine why it is harmful to aquatic ecosystems. They create mason jar ecosystems to observe the growth of algae in pond water. In addition, they observe the effect of introducing...
Curated OER
Be Kind to Your Teeth
What kinds of food can be bad for your teeth? Kindergartners and first graders explore dental health with an interactive science inquiry. Given a choice of foods such as celery, cake, and milk, kids choose which ones are better for their...
American Museum of Natural History
Feed the Birds
Scholars use a large carton, string, an emery board, and bird food to create a hand-made bird feeder. After completing the craft, pupils keep a journal to track their observations.
Alabama Wildlife Federation
Wildlife Habitat Checklist
Take a walk on the wild side with a project about animal habitats. After kids observe a chosen animal in its home, they describe the animal's food and water sources, shelter, and how it raises its young. They then write a short fictional...
US Environmental Protection Agency
Aquifer in a Cup
Young scientists create their very own aquifers in this science lesson on ground water. After learning about how some people get their drinking water from underground wells, young learners use sand, modeling clay, and aquarium rocks to...
Messenger Education
Snow Goggles and Limiting Sunlight
Why would someone need contact lenses that offer UV protection? With a 28-page packet full of instruction and worksheets, students discuss solar radiation and its potential harm to eyes. They make snow goggles similar...
Curated OER
The Amazing Ant
Students explain that ants are an important element of nature's balance. Ants eat many insects and are food to other animals. They watch a video and conduct hands-on activities that give them an excellent overview of the ants role in...
May Media Group
Treatment Plants
Young scientists explore nature's water treatment plants in this simple science demonstration. By placing a stalk of celery in a cup of water mixed with food coloring, children are able to observe how plants absorb nutrients and...
Curated OER
Point- vs. Non-point Pollution
Young scholars differentiate between point and non-point pollution and determine how the different types of pollution are harmful to aquatic ecosystems. They complete a series of tests on a sample of "polluted" water and a sample of...
Curated OER
The Dragonflies of Summer
The best thing about dragonflies is that they make great topics for informational texts. Get those readers excited with a fun and interesting insect-related text passage that can help them increase their comprehension skills. As children...
Virginia Department of Education
Predator-Prey Simulation
Do your pupils have the misconception that environmental predators are "bad" and harm smaller creatures? The simulation explains, in detail, the important role predators play in maintaining a stable ecosystem. Through web-based research,...
Smarter Than Smoking
Secrets They Keep Poster
A colorful, thought-provoking infographic identifies 12 harmful chemicals found in cigarette smoke. It provides a sober warning for smokers and those exposed to secondhand smoke.