Curated OER
Use Your Nose
Students explore how their senses work. In this senses lesson, students use the sense of smell to observe various spices. Students discuss their findings.
Curated OER
Look At Those Leaves!
Young scholars collect, observe, sort, and measure leaves. In this leaf instructional activity, students take a walk to collect leaves. They bring the leaves back into the classroom to observe, sort, and measure them. They visit a...
Curated OER
Will It Sink or Float?
Students perform experiments to see if items will sink or float. In this sink or float lesson, students work in groups to make predictions, and record the results. After the experiments are complete students make a book of the results.
Curated OER
The Scientific Method
In this scientific method worksheet, students complete a crossword puzzle given 21 clues about the steps of the scientific method. Topics include observations, hypotheses, variables, inferences, results and conclusions.
Curated OER
The Magic School Bus Gains Weight
Students learn along with Ms. Frizzle's class. In this Magic School Bus lesson plan, students test whether gravity makes heavier things fall faster than lighter ones.
Curated OER
Beginning Research
Students view and discuss a video segment to discover the importance of researching a topic before writing about it. They use the topic of plants to research information by looking through picture books and observing potted plants in...
Curated OER
Will It Sink or Float?
Learners conduct a science experiment to determine whether a variety of objects will sink or float. They discuss the concept of density, and then make predictions about whether the objects will sink or float. They then conduct the...
Curated OER
Tree Hunt
Students identify the common trees of Iowa and make observations while creating a key. In this tree hunt lesson, students write a letter to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to receive a pamphlet of Common Trees of Iowa. Students...
Curated OER
Exploring Science Fiction
Twelfth graders read a variety of science fiction short stories. Using the text, they identify the components that make it science fiction and a well written piece of literature. They record their observations and share them with the...
Curated OER
Insect Anatomy
Students explore the anatomy of an insect. In this activity the characteristics of insects, students explore parts of an insect. Students gain knowledge through pictures and charts showing insects and their body parts. Students will...
Curated OER
Examining Spectra
Students examine the spectra with the use of light while constructing their own spectroscope. They make observations about the colors and visible wavelengths of light and then conduct classroom discussions. As an extension students read...
Curated OER
Sands of Time
Young scientists take a close looks a samples of sand that come from three different beaches. They use microscopes to view the three slides, and make observations on a worksheet. At the end of the lesson, learners share their...
Center for Learning in Action
Density
Explore the concept of density within states of matter—gases, liquids, and solids—through a group experiment in which young scientists test objects' texture, color, weight, size, and ability to sink or float.
Curated OER
Virtual Venus
Students practice using the tool of remote telescopes in order to make observations in space. The lesson includes the best times of year to make observations. They use the internet to obtain information and to initiate the use of the...
Omaha Zoo
I Like to Move It
What do lemurs do best? They move! Lemurs like to jump, run, hop, and climb and it's your class's job to document seven fun lemur behaviors. The class starts by discussing why lemurs are considered primates, and then they isolate seven...
Curated OER
Dining Out With Fishes and Birds of the Hudson
The class will make observations to determine how environment has shaped the way particular birds and fish eat. They will view a series of photographs, read two short articles, and then consider how food availability has determined how...
Curated OER
Nailing Rust
When your upper elementary or middle school class is learning about chemical changes, these activities help demonstrate the concepts. In Part A, they submerge and place a nail partially underwater, then after a week they make...
Education Outside
Honey Tasting
Young scientists will be abuzz as they sample and compare the tasty treats produced by Apis Mellifera.
PBS
Curious George: Fan and Blow
What kind of wind works best to make things move? After watching a short video from Curious George, super scientists answer the question by testing various wind-making tools. Learners observe, record, and share their findings.
Curated OER
Bug's Eye View
Investigate the life of bugs and how they interact with the environment in this integrated science and language arts lesson. Young scientists construct mini environments in cages in order to make observations. This data forms the basis...
Biology Junction
Scientific Method
Break down the scientific method to get a better grasp on the proper way to use it. A short presentation walks through each step in the scientific method and the proper vocabulary associated with each. Scholars complete the worksheet to...
Curated OER
Solar Car Series: during What Part of the Day Can the Most Sun Power Be Collected?
In preparation for solar car races, middle schoolers attempt to discover what time of day the most solar energy can be collected. Begin by demonstrating the use of a voltmeter for measuring solar cell output. Take them outdoors to take...
Concord Consortium
Forming a Molecule
What does it look like when two atoms bond? Mol-e-COOL! Aspiring chemists observe the interaction between two atoms forming a bond in an easy-to-use interactive. Individuals move atoms closer together and observe changes in attraction...
Lesson Snips
Who Killed the Flowers?
This could be really good, or it could be really bad! The crime to be solved is, "Who went pee in the flowerpot?" Given four imitation urine samples, young chemists or crime scene investigators perform pH, glucose, and turbidity...