Cornell University
Renewable Resins and Composites
Merge chemistry with environmental science to study biodegradable materials. An engaging activity allows learners to experiment with different resin concentrations and composites. Through experimental tests, scholars test their creations...
Serendip
UV, Mutations, and DNA Repair
How effective are cells at repairing UV damage? An inquiry-based lesson has learners experiment with organism by exposing them to various levels of UV light and then examining their DNA after a period of time. Pupils test different...
Curated OER
The Lepidoptera Project
Learners are introduced to Scientific Inquiry and discover how to design an experiment that answers critical questions using butterflies as the topic. They design experiments that compare the number of species of butterflies in a vacant,...
Curated OER
Palace for Pill Bugs
Students build a palace fit for pill bugs. In this experimental design lesson, students design an experiment to determine which shelter is preferred by the pills bugs. Students are creating a testable hypothesis, collecting data,...
Curated OER
The UPS Experiment
Pupils calculate the speed using metric measurements. In this geometry lesson, students calculate speed, distance and velocity using metric measurements. They gain inquiry and problem solving skills in this assignment.
Curated OER
Analysis of Grooming Behavior in Drosophila melanogaster
Learners engage in a lab that focuses on animal behavior in an open ended inquiry based laboratory experience. They build an ethogram, display a transition matrix and analyze a Markov Chain. They remove wings from the drosophila and...
Curated OER
What Can You Make of It?
Students investigate the various uses of a paper cup. In this scientific inquiry instructional activity, students investigate various ways to use a paper cup by identifying its characteristics. Students sketch their discovery.
Curated OER
Walking Magic
Students investigate surface tension using water striders. In this inquiry lesson, students develop a researchable question about the topic. They explain the environmental consequences of lowering water surface tension.
Curated OER
Current Thinking About Magnets
Students construct their own magnet and wire device. In this inquiry lesson plan, students investigate the factors affecting the strength of magnetic forces. They manipulate different variable to determine their effect.
Curated OER
Beginning Statistical Inquiries into the Scientific Method: Jelly-Side-Down
Students describe what happens when a piece of jellied toast is dropped off a table. From these observations, students pose a question concerning which side of the jellied toast land on the floor.
Curated OER
Inquiry in Science Using an Animal Behavior Model
Young scholars observe a planaria without a microscope and with a stereoscopic microscope. They draw the planaria and describe its motion and eating habits. Students research planarias various body systems and behavior. They design an...
Curated OER
Scientific Inquiry: Periodic Motion
Students construct their own pendulum. In this physics lesson, students design an experiment to find the factors affecting its period. They formulate a conclusion based on experimental data.
Curated OER
Using technology to engage students in science through inquiry research
Students study animals and their behaviors. In this animal behavior lesson plan students divide into groups and collect data and research animal behaviors.
Pyro Innovations
Beach Exploration
Little ones will absolutely love this lesson. It's all about the beach and what they can find while sifting through the sand. A large bucket of sand filled with hidden items is brought into the classroom. Learners will discuss what kinds...
Curated OER
Tie Dye
Students practice writing research proposals to test the color fastness of a dye once it has been exposed to a t-shirt. Each proposal needs details of experimental design, length of treatment, and means of cleaning the shirt. All...
Curated OER
Ohm's Law
If your future physicists know how to construct simple circuits, include resistors, and use a multi-meter to measure voltage, then you might employ this lesson on Ohm's law. Each lab group investigates the relationships among voltage,...
Curated OER
Scientific Method Unit: Bacteria
Students discover how to apply the steps of the inquiry process through the study of bacteria. Working in groups of four, they cooperatively read an article about bacteria and complete a graphic organizer. Group members share with others...
Curated OER
Window Gardens
High schoolers use a plastic sandwich bag containing a damp paper towel taped to a window as a model system to observe the germination and early growth of radish seeds. They are challenged to pose a question about seed germination and...
Curated OER
Friction of a Block Weight
Fifth graders hypothesize and design an experiment to study the relationship between a block weight and the number of washers it takes to pull a block across various surfaces. Students graph results and apply their findings to a...
Curated OER
Aluminum Foil Boats
Learners design a boat of aluminum foil and calculate the density of the boat. Washers are added to the boat until it sinks. Students then redesign boat to hold more washers and recalculate the new density.
Curated OER
Changing Ramp Heights
Students conduct an experiment to determine how the change in ramp height affects the distances a ball is able to move a stationary cup. Data is collected from several trials and recorded and analyzed.
Curated OER
Experimental Archaeology: Making Cordage
Students make a cordage and use an activity sheet to experience a skill that ancient Native American in North Carolina neded for everyday life.
Curated OER
Bronze: Scientific Inquiry through Chinese Art
Students examine the use of bronze and porcelain in Chinese art and commerce through in-class activities, role play events, and small-group discussions in this exciting Social Studies/Arts lesson.
Curated OER
Paper: Scientific Inquiry Through Chinese Art
Learners create replicas of Chinese hanging scrolls in an attempt to understand the technology behind the creation and use of paper in Ancient China. This three-day lesson includes enrichment ideas.