Curated OER
The Nitrogen Cycle
Fifth graders investigate the nitrogen cycle and examine the concepts of decomposition and nitrification. Students participate in a class discussion about the creation of waste and ammonia compounds, then using nitrogen cycle cut-outs...
Curated OER
What's In Crude Oil?
Students investigate crude oil. In this crude oil lesson, students investigate fractional distillation and use this technique to separate two liquids.
Curated OER
Genome: The Secret of How Life Works
Young scholars explain how DNA directs the production of proteins.
Michigan Sea Grant
Fish Life Cycle
Fish are no different when it comes to a living being's primary objective—to reproduce. They do differ, including from fish species to fish species, in their life cycles, survival tactics and reproductive strategies. After discussion of...
Curated OER
Temperature and Enzymes
Students compare the times it takes the milk in each of two cups to curdle. They are told that an enzyme that is added to the milk, rennin, is involved in the natural curdling process of milk. Students are asked to consider what...
Curated OER
Drops on a Penny
Eighth graders experiment to determine the number of drops of water a heads up penny hold. They create a stem and leaf graph of the class results and use the data for further experimentation on a tails up penny.
Curated OER
Causal Patterns in Air Pressure Phenomena
Students consider the relationship between pressure and temperature. They observe a demonstration and explore the relationship between heat and volume when pressure remains constant. Students discuss relational causality and consider...
Curated OER
Reading Labels For Fat Types
Students analyze a variety of cooking oils to determine the amount and types of fats included in each.
Curated OER
Insect Classification
Students compare and contrast the visible structures of three insects based on photographs. They differentiate characteristics of crane flies, ants, and wasps then create a simple classification system.
Curated OER
Causal Patterns in Density Phenomena
Learners consider the causes of density at a microscopic level. They then discover that one cause of density has to do with how many protons and neutrons the material contains.
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Is There Really Life on Mars?
Students examine the work of scientists and determine how they test their theories.
Curated OER
Jell-O Optics
Students observe an activity with Jell-O to learn about optics. In this investigative lesson students fill out a handout on the activity that helps them to investigate the index of refraction and the speed of light.
Curated OER
Extraction of DNA from White Onion
Students conduct lab test with minced onion to determine where chromosonal DNA is located within the cell, and whether or not it can be extracted.
Curated OER
How to Design an Experiment
Students work together to develop and implement an experiment. They investigate the properties of nylon and construct a mobile of organic materials. They share their experiments with the class.