Carnegie Mellon University
Introduction to Climate
Begin a full instructional activity on climate change by demonstrating how carbon dioxide gas contributes to increased temperatures. Be aware that pressure inside the antacid-containing bottle in Activity 2 may cause the lid to fly off;...
Anglophone School District
Fluids: Force in Fluids
Discuss Archimedes' Principle and fluid forces with your young scientists as they describe the relationship between mass, volume, and density during a series of engaging activities. They use the Participle Theory of Matter to explore the...
Curated OER
The Water Cycle
Students create terrariums in containers in order to study the Water Cycle. They examine how the terrarium maintains life in the closed environment.
Space Awareness
Ocean Acidification
Learn the science behind ocean acidification and its effects on ocean wildlife. Young scientists conduct a laboratory investigation that monitors the acidity level of water. While burning a candle, learners capture the carbon dioxide in...
University of Minnesota
Manduca sexta: Caterpillar Dissection
Caterpillars have an amazing, yet tough job to perform in their short lives — eat much, avoid predators, and try not to let all those comments about being the unattractive stage of the life cycle get to them. How do they handle it all?...
Curated OER
The Movement of Water
Here is an excellent lesson plan on the water cycle and the states in which water exists. Learners identify the features of the water cycle, describe how water changes form, and look at ways that people affect the natural movement of...
Virginia Department of Education
Viruses
Germs, parasites, and viruses, oh my! Facilitate a lesson on viruses as individuals explore functions of Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya. They learn how viruses compare with other organisms in nature and how they contribute to health...
Curated OER
Running an Elementary Book Club
Combine reading with fun in order to create lifelong, literary-minded learners who love to read.
Curated OER
The World of Insects and Spiders
Students identify numerous insects and their body parts. In this insect life lesson, students practice using scientific vocabulary while comparing the different parts of spiders and insects. Students view several videos...
Curated OER
Animals
Second graders define and describe the characteristics of a mammal and a mammal's importance to man. They also describe the life cycle of a frog and compare and contrast a larva and an adult frog. Finally, 2nd graders study and explain...
Curated OER
Animal Homes
Students explore how an animal's relationship to its habitat affect the animal's survival. They discuss animal habitats and the animal's relationship to that habitat through the food chain, life cycle, community, and balance of nature....
Curated OER
Water
In this water worksheet, students read an excerpt about the effects of pollution on the life cycle of a lake. Then they describe how lakes are affected by the pollution. Students also define why pollution has become such a problem for...
Curated OER
Fall Lesson Plans
Students participate in various fall activities. For this fall lesson, students take a trip to a farmers market and purchase the ingredients needed for vegetable soup. Students paint fall scenes and create a fall story. Students discuss...
Curated OER
Nature Walk
Students participate in a mini field trip around the neighborhood to observe nature and changes that are occurring during fall. They collect leaves of various colors, shapes and sizes on their trip. Upon return to the classroom, they...
Curated OER
Bringing Up Birdy
Students explore biology by creating diagrams of animal life cycles. In this baby bird activity, students view video clips of birds being born from incubation to flying on their own. Students utilize the Internet to research birds and...
Curated OER
Larva and Adult Antlion Body Parts
Students identify the major body segments of antlions. Through the use of diagram worksheets, students label the various body parts of the antlion. They review the life cycle of antlions from the larva stage to adult. Several activities...
California Academy of Science
Rock Cycle Roundabout
After a basic introduction to the rock cycle and the three main types of rocks, young geologists can deepen their understanding of how rocks change through a fun learning game. Based on the characteristics and events shared by a reader,...
Curated OER
Water Cycle and Its Movement in the Soil
Students are introduced to the water cycle and water movement in soil. For this water cycle lesson, students explore how water moves through the water cycle and discuss water sources, natural reservoirs, soil...
Curated OER
Air and Water in the Environment
Young scholars explore the traits of water condensation and evaporation. For this water cycle lesson, students develop an awareness of the importance of water for sustaining life. Young scholars participate in a hands-on activity in...
Curated OER
Our Natural Resources
Young scholars investigate natural resources and man-made items. In this earth science lesson, students classify items from trash into man-made items or natural resources. Young scholars construct a flow chart to investigate the life...
Curated OER
Bring Science to Life With Lesson Plans for Eric Carle Books
An Eric Carle author study can lead students to study a variety of subjects including ocean life, life cycles, and symbiotic relationships.
Curated OER
Receding Waters
Learners explore the effect of environmental factors on ecosystems. In this wildlife and ecology lesson, students identify and describe the stages in a frog's life cycle. Learners participate in a simulation demonstrating the...
Cornell University
Let’s Raise Lacewings
Young entomologists explored beneficial insects and how they help control pests in the first lesson of the series. Now class members take a close look at the lacewing, which is a beneficial insect.
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...