Set the stage for a unit or lesson on the African savanna by creating a cute habitat diorama. Cheetahs, lions, zebras, and elephants are all present in a shoe-box-sized craft that requires your learners to color, cut, and paste. These...

Each group talks about how to test unknown liquids based on their findings in the previous experiment. In this second of four activities, they test unknowns on wax paper, newspaper, and construction paper. As a stand-alone, this lesson...

Students brainstorm a list of science discoveries and inventions that they think are important. They work in small groups, students examine 1-3 science discoeries more closely. Each group needs a recorder, and they answer three...

Students experiment with photovoltaic cells and determine the energy use of their appliances. In this renewable energy lesson, students calculate the energy emitted by a photovoltaic cell through an inquiry-based lab. They keep track of...

Students study the structure and features of the sun. In this earth science lesson, students explain how the sun's energy drive the processes on Earth. They perform temperature conversions using appropriate equations.

Fifth graders participate in a review discussion of the parts of a lever, resistance or load, fulcrum, and effort. Next, they complete activities at six experiment stations while collecting data that they share with the class. While...

Third graders investigate Bernoulli's Principle. In this Bernoulli's Principle instructional activity, 3rd graders examine blowing air through a tube and the movement of the ball. Students make inquiries into what effect the air has on...

Students investigate our water system and how it is filtered. In this science lesson, students perform a laboratory activity to investigate the process that goes into filtering water. They relate this activity to other subject areas...

Eighth graders compare and contrast weather and climate. In this earth science lesson, 8th graders research weather data site and analyze historical data. They present their findings in class and explain identifiable trends.

Ninth graders create a model of greenhouse effect in the lab. In this integrated science lesson, 9th graders investigate the different variables affecting this condition. They research about global warming and prepare a PowerPoint...

Students work with "ice" in order to gain a practical application of math concepts that evolve into an inquiry-based study. They determine if the dimensions of the ice make a difference in the way the ice floats in the water.

Young scholars analyze an apple. In this lesson plan about developing inquiry skills, students do an experiment with an apple. Young scholars make several observations about the apple. Students answer questions to help them improve and...

Learners observe leaves for patterns and similarities. In this science lesson, students sort through a pile of leaves to find patterns and take measurements. Learners make leaf rubbings to view the details of the leaves.

Students identify the different objects that orbit Saturn. In this space science lesson, students plot the graph of orbital speed and distance. They explain why planets and asteroids remain in orbit around the sun.

Seventh graders respond to key questions about a science inquiry in groups. In this Peanut Calorimeter paper lesson, 7th graders recall information from a science inquiry and answer questions that will be part of a larger...

Young scholars explore how wave energy that is generated and transferred in the ocean. They explore the aspects of a wave and how its energy affects the ecology of the seashore. Students engage in an activity that uses the nature of...

Students form hypotheses and carry out an investigation in order to answer a central question: Does soap float? The focus of this lesson is on scientific inquiry, but it incorporates scientific topics such as sinking and floating.

Learners conduct a hands-on experiment growing crystals to demonstrate the nature of science as inquiry. They discuss and test variables that affect crystal growth. They research mineral crystallization and mineral formation on the...

Students read about how forensic entomologists use maggots to solve murders. In this forensic science lesson, students read an article and answer questions. They go to different websites about evidence and fingerprinting. 

Students are able to use inquiry to answer the essential questions. They are able to predict and test configurations of a battery, bulb, and wire that make the complete circuit. Students craft a group and individual theory of a...

Students observe the characteristics of bubbles. In this scientific inquiry lesson plan, students use a bubble solution and a wand to make bubbles and observe their characteristics. Students identify the shape and the color of the bubbles.

Students observe seeds growth and examine the different parts of the seedling. In this biology lesson, students compare the growth of seeds planted in soil and in hydroponics. They record their observations in their science journal and...

Learners investigate how seeds sprout. In this scientific inquiry lesson, students make predictions on which seeds will grow the fastest and observe the seeds over a period of time. Observations are recorded into a journal.

Students locate and access data to help them with their science inquiry.  In this geographical positioning lesson plan students evaluate and compare data sets.