University of Colorado
The Moons of Jupiter
Middle schoolers analyze given data on density and diameter of objects in space by graphing the data and then discussing their findings. This ninth installment of a 22-part series emphasizes the Galilean moons as compared to other objects.
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Magnetic Discovery Bottle
Students examine how to conduct simple investigations and use simple equipment to gather data. In this magnet activity students decide what types of objects are attracted to magnets.
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Measure for Measure: Time & Temperature
Young scholars examine scientific inquiry. In this time and temperature lesson students create a template to solve scientific problems and work through a science problem.
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Mathematical Jeopardy
Middle schoolers use the popular game of Jeopardy to explore different mathematical concepts. They are highly engaged with the use of technology for this lesson. They function using higher-order thinking skills in order to create their...
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Red, Green, and Blue Mystery Liquids! Hypothesis or Inference?
Eighth graders are actively involved in the scientific method and inquiry as they form quick hypotheses based upon a teacher set of mystery liquids. They determine the need to make additional observations of the liquids.
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Determining the Age of Fossils
High schoolers examine the concept of radioactive dating. In this radioactive dating lesson, students investigate how to determine the ages of fossils and rocks as they learn about half-life radioactive decay.
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Gridding a Site
Students establish a grid system over an archaelogical site. They label each grid unit. They determine the location of artifacts within each grid unit. They construct a scientific inquiry concerning the location of artifacts on the site.
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Can You Get A Charge Out Of Matter?
Students observe and demonstrate how objects can be charged positively and negatively and how static electricity works. They observe a teacher-led demonstration, and in small groups rotate through various static electricity activities,...
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Biotechnology: An Agricultural Dilemma
Students investigate the types of genetically modified crop plants there are and the benefits and risks of such plants. The agricultural needs in developing nations for this biological knowledge to resolve societal issues is also...
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Will Biotech Crops Solve World Problems?
Students read an online article to examine what biotechnology and agricultural biotechnology are. They answer questions and complete worksheets based on the article's information.
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What is Wrong with My Pond?
Students examine various pond water samples to identify water quality. In this water quality lesson, students will identify levels of nitrates, ammonia, pH, hardness,and alkalinity in pond water. They will explain importance of water...
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Reading the Dna Code: Making Protein
Young scholars study DNA decoding and protein synthesis. They use the amino acid table to translate DNA, break DNA strands into three nucleotide codes, and translate nucleotides into amino acid protein codes. They research the importance...
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A Breath of Fresh Air
Students explore the primary function of the respiratory system in multiple activities. In this respiratory system lesson, students build a model of the respiratory system to investigate how the lungs work.
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Exploring the Beach
Students explore the beach. In this marine habitat lesson, students inspect sand grains, design beach profiles, classify marine life, and examine natural beach habitats. Students use spreadsheets to record data from their activities at a...
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Classification and Attributes
Middle schoolers classify objects based on their attributes. They explain how archaeologists use classification to help answer research questions.
Friends of Fort McHenry
Cannons During the War of 1812
During the Battle of Baltimore in the War of 1812, only 25% of the bombs and rockets fired at Fort McHenry actually reached their target. Using an interactive online simulation, combine your historical study with physics and discover why...
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Rain, Rain, Go Away
Students conduct a number of experiments involving evaporation and condensation. They view and discuss a video about the water cycle and then design posters about the rain based on the book "Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs".
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Hatching Chickens
Students learn the importance of caring for eggs as they hatch chickens. In this egg hatching lesson, students observe what happens when eggs are hatched into chickens by completing a e-worksheet and watching a web based movie.
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Long Term Temperature Changes Essay
Students interview Elders in their community about how temperature changes have affected their lives. In this temperature change lesson plan, students interview the Elders about the societal and environmental changes that have occurred...
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Backyard Bacteria
Students demonstrate safe ways to handle bacteria, prepare agar plates, and grow bacterial cultures. They identify different kinds of bacterial colonies, and devise a controlled experiment.
University of Minnesota
Dendritic Spines Lab
This is your brain on drugs ... literally! Your neuroscientists-in-training examine the evidence of drug use on the human brain and how neurons change their connectivity when altered by drugs. They then work together to create testing...
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Process Skills Review: Observation, Inference, and Predictions
A simple activity asks science learners to define five terms and identify five statements as predictions, observations, or inferences. This would be a supportive assignment when introducing elementary-levle scientist to inquiry practices.
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Dissolved Oxygen and Respiration
Students are presented with the question, "Do plants that grow underwater use oxygen?" They create an experiment to test the presence of dissolved oxygen in the water using provided materials. Student experiments include a control jar as...
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Change Since 1609
Students recognize how the climate of the Hudson Valley has changed since the last glaciation. They explain these changes using a reconstruction of the land use changes in the Hudson Valley composed of confetti, Ziploc bags and other...