Curated OER
The Rotten Truth
Students study the process of decomposition using lunch leftovers and soil. They complete the inquiry over set periods time as they observe the how composting takes place and finally, they sort the materials into biodegradable,...
Curated OER
How Does Climate Affect Our Shelter Needs?
Fourth graders investigate how weather influences shelter choices. They explore the concept of insulation and discuss some traditional Native American shelters. They discuss the shelters used by the Okanogan people during the various...
Curated OER
Measuring Rainfall
In this activity, students will make a gauge to measure rainfall and see how much rain falls over several days.
Curated OER
Pecan Fingerprints
Students investigate the traits that make them individuals. They study that natural items have traits that make them unique by looking at pecans. They make fingerprint animals which they use to design fingerprint cards.
Curated OER
De"compost"ition Activity
Students investigate the decomposition process and the parameters which influence the rate at which it occurs. They design a "controlled" experiment by comparing decomposition rates between two compost piles. Analysis questions include...
Curated OER
The Compost Bucket
Students recognize that plants and soils have a close relationship. They view a photo essay on the common practice and natural process of composting. Afterwards, they observe the process of plant decay over the course of several days.
Curated OER
Lesson 4, Spring Migration. Milkweed Monitoring
Students monitor the growth of milkweed plants. The observations are made to help make conclusions about growth and development.
Curated OER
Cavern Life: The Food Web
Students explain the importance of elements on a food web. They realize that without light there can be no life. They perform various activities based on grade level.
Curated OER
The Mystery Constellation
Students decipher two teacher chosen mystery constellations a month. They listen to stories, explain what they know about constellations and name the mystery constellation.
Curated OER
From Lake to Lake
Fourth graders investigate the formation of the Great Salt Lake. They conduct research using a variety of resources. The information is used to construct a timeline of the history. Each phase of history should include facts and...
Curated OER
Everyday vs. Extreme Relationships with Nature
Young scholars examine the interactions with nature and the environment. They discover where water comes from and ways to conserve water. They also examine energy sources and consumption.
Curated OER
Genes and Aging
Students explore genes and the way we age. They assemble a worm collection device called a Baermann Funnel. Students collect Caenorhabditis elegans or other active nematodes from local soil samples. They observe the appearance and...
Curated OER
How Fast Does This Tree Grow?
Students work together to determine how fast trees go. They make predictions and complete simple measurements. They answer questions to end the lesson.
Curated OER
Season's Readings
Young scholars use descriptive language to write riddles on their favorite seasonal subjects; they illustrate the "answers" to their riddles using the medium of their choice and compile both riddles and illustrations to create a book.
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: What Color Are the Leaves Really Turning?
Everyone loves the beautiful colors of fall, but where they come from and how they change color is a mystery. In this project, you will uncover the hidden colors of fall by separating plant pigments with paper chromatography.
Science Made Simple
Science Made Simple: Why Leaves Change Color
This is a site that offers answers to some often hard to answer questions such as why do leaves change colors. Provides an easy to understand answer to the question along with a section that students can read on their own, a puzzle,...
Science Fun for Everyone
Science Fun: Changing of the Leaves
Learn why leaves change colors in the fall with this science experiment.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Celebrating Fall
Explore the autumn scene while learning math, literacy, and science at the same time! These fall-themed resources highlight ways to make traditional fall activities - like visiting the apple orchard, going on nature hikes, and collecting...
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Celebrating Fall: Collection
Explore the autumn scene while learning math, literacy, and science at the same time! These fall-themed resources highlight ways to make traditional fall activities -- like visiting the apple orchard, going on nature hikes, and...
US Department of Agriculture
The Science of Color in Autumn Leaves
Coupled with a beautiful photo gallery, the National Arboretum sets out to explain the science behind why leaves of deciduous trees change their color in the autumn months. While temperature effects the colors, learn here what happens in...
Exploratorium
Exploratorium: Science Snacks: Avalanche
In this activity, pour a salt-sand mixture into a CD case to notice how the particles separate themselves. Observe the effect known as granular convection as the smaller sand particles fall beneath the larger particles leaving a layered...
Other
Catch the Science Bug: Colors in a Leaf [Pdf]
Activity involves collecting leaves to compare green leaves with fall leaves that have changed color. Students will record data on an observation sheet.