Curated OER
Lenses
Young scholars explore vision by experimenting with lenses in equipment. In this optics lesson, students define the different technology that enhances vision such as microscopes, telescopes and cameras. Young scholars experiment with...
Curated OER
Measuring Permeability of Soil, Sand and Gravel
Middle schoolers investigate the different materials in their environment. In this geology lesson, students collaborate in groups to examine the differences in sand, soil and gravel. Middle schoolers utilize a magnifying...
Curated OER
Applied Science-Science and Math Lab
Students explore magnification. In this scientific observation skills lesson, students observe sea life items and draw pictures of what they observe. Students predict which lens will have the strongest magnification when given three...
Curated OER
Applied Science - Science and Math Post-Lab
Students use scientific tools. In this Applied Science lesson plan, students investigate the use of scientific tools to enhance observation and discovery. Students indicate how each tool assists scientific work.
Curated OER
Comparing Microscopic Organisms in Fresh and Polluted Water: An Invitation To Inquiry
Pupils have the opportunity to develop and formulate ideas and explanations through the scientific standard of inquiry. They identify organisms by using an identification key for specific aquatic geographical area.
Curated OER
Elaine Humphrey, Gwynne Thompson
Second graders become familiar with the parts of the microscope and how it works. In this microscope activity, 2nd graders experiment with different light and settings. Students answer questions based on their experiment.
Curated OER
Zoom into Microscopy
Middle schoolers discover proper microscope use. In this microscopy lesson plan, students create picture books that show the detail of organisms as seen with the human eye, through a hand lens, and at each power of the microscope.
Curated OER
Air Pollution
Learners collect and examine particulate matter found in the air. In this pollution lesson, students use microscope slides and petroleum jelly to collect particulate matter from several different locations, then use a microscope to...
Curated OER
Layers of the Forest- Leaf Litter
Students conduct an experiment. In this temperate forest lesson, students discuss what kind of animal life can be found in the forest. They read The Magic School Bus Meets the Rot Squad: A Book About Decomposition and complete an...
Curated OER
The Microscope
In this microscope lesson students explore the compound light microscope. Students discover techniques concerning cleaning, storage and proper use of the microscope. Students discover the working parts of the compound light microscope as...
Columbus City Schools
To Measure its Mass or Volume?
Atoms, elements, and molecules, oh my! Teaching the fundamentals of chemistry to curious sixth graders has never been easier to accomplish. Here is a resource that pulls together everything needed to get them off to a good start,...
eGFI
Crystal Study
Diamonds are a girl's best friend! Crystal labs can be a science teacher's best friend because watching crystals develop is fascinating, and it results in such a pretty product! This activity is unique because the crystals are grown...
Film Foundation
Film Language and Elements of Style
How do you read a frame? How do you read a shot? Here's a resource that shows viewers how to read films. As part of the study, class members examine the camera angles, lighting, movement, and cinematic point of view in Mr. Smith Goes to...
NOAA
Mud is Mud...or is it?
We know that the type of soil varies by location, but does the seafloor sediment also vary, or is it all the same? Scholars compare photos of the seafloor from two different locations: the Savannah Scarp and the Charleston Bump. Through...
Curated OER
Cell-ebrations in Science
Young scholars recognize that all living things are made up of cell and that they cannot easily be seen by the naked eye. Students become familiar with the use of microscopes as a tool for investigation.
Curated OER
Mighty Macroinvertebrates
Seventh graders identify the names and features of macroinvertebrates found in Turtle River. In this ecology instructional activity students use digital microscopes and take pictures of invertebrates.
Curated OER
Using Lines, Dots, And Shapes To Create the Illusion O
Students create the illusion of texture using lines, dots, and shapes in a rendering of an animal.
Curated OER
Invisible Life
By setting up an aquarium in the classroom, learners are able to describe some macroscopic and microscopic organisms that are found inside. This well-designed, and educationally rich lesson requires pupils to use microscopes to view...
Curated OER
Plankton Parade
Plankton isn't just a tiny cartoon character, it's also a very important food source for animals around the world. Budding scientists discuss the types and functions of plankton, including where they are found, how they are caught, and...
National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network
Taking a Closer Look at Objects
Take a close look at the world around you with an activity that magnifies everyday objects. Five explorations examine items under intense magnification and pose a series of questions that encourage critical thinking and following...
University of Minnesota
Beautiful Brain: Step Inside the Brain
Before digital microscopes, scientists hired artists to draw the things visible in the microscope. Through training in neuroscience and art, Cajal revolutionized the way we view the beautiful brain. The third lesson in a series of four...
Curated OER
Phytoplankton in the Gulf of Maine
Students use satellite data to see the correlation between sea temperature and sunlight in the Gulf of Maine. In this phytoplankton activity students use Excel to analyze data.
California Academy of Science
Carbon Cycle Role Play
Anytime you make concepts clear with role playing or hands-on experience, it's a win for the whole class. Ping-Pong balls are used to represent carbon in a carbon cycle role-play activity. In small groups, children first discuss what...
Curated OER
Sensational Seaweed
Students compare kelp and land plants. In this sea plant lesson, students look at the role of algae in aquatic environments. They research the properties of kelp and explore seaweed.