Curated OER
Target Earth
Space scientists use water displacement to determine the mass of a cubic centimeter mini meteorite, and then use it as a small-scale representative of an asteroid. They figure out the orbital velocity of an asteroid. Then they use a...
Curated OER
What is Air?
Learners investigate air by participating in a class experiment. In this matter measurement lesson, students identify air as a gas which consists of mass. Learners utilize a windsock or balloon to measure oxygen and explore it's true...
Curated OER
Spoonfuls, Cupfuls and Handfuls
Explore the use of non-standard units for measuring volume with elementary learners. They fill a container and count the number used using cups, spoons, and bottles, build with blocks and count the number of blocks used, and compare and...
Curated OER
How Long Does It Take?
Students investigate the lengths of time various activities take and calculate how long is spent on these activities in a week. They complete a worksheet for each activity that is timed, and calculate lengths of time for simulated...
Curated OER
Pounds and Ounces: It's All About Weight
First graders explore number sense by participating in a measurement estimation activity. In this weight lesson, 1st graders discuss the differences between measurement units, both English and Metric. Students examine a loaf of bread to...
Curated OER
Sum of the Parts
Fifth graders build objects using various materials. They estimate the weight of the object using individual building pieces. Then they weigh the actual object and then tear it apart and weigh the pieces. They compare the two weights.
Curated OER
Measure This!
Students estimate the measurement in centimeters for common classroom objects. They check their estimations, discuss the differences and write a paragraph summarizing the activity.
Curated OER
Force & Acceleration
Young scholars investigate the effects of weights on the motion of a toy car. In this force and acceleration lesson plan, students use different weights, a toy car, a paper clip and string to determine how a car will move as different...
Curated OER
Comparing Densities of Different Liquids
Students experiment with a variety of liquids to calculate density. In this integrated science and math lesson, students listen to a story in which the characters must prove and explain why 5 "mystery" liquids react in a certain manner....
Curated OER
Density
Young scholars find the mass, volume, and density of various objects. In this density measurement lesson, students observe how same-sized objects can have different masses, then use water displacement to find the density of each object...
Curated OER
TE Activity: Heavy Helicopters
Learners study the concepts of weight and drag while making paper helicopters. They measure how adding more weight to the helicopter changes the time for the helicopter to fall to the ground. They apply what they examine to the work of...
Curated OER
Fettucini Physics
Students design a structure capabl;e of holding a textbook. They demonstrate that the weight of a textbook is offset by the normal force exerted on the book by the structure.
Curated OER
What's Stronger? What's Stiffer?
High schoolers measure the length, width and height of different materials. In this design lesson students complete a lab to see what engineers need to consider when planning a structure.
Curated OER
Using the Balance
Students determine the mass of various objects. In this integrated math and science lesson, students use an arm balance to compare a known object to a combination of washers with a fixed weight. Students record data, construct a bar...
Curated OER
The Measurement Man
Students explore the measurements of capacity by constructing a creative project in the shape of a man. The man has body parts that represent different units of measurement and can be used to make conversions. This is highly concrete and...
Curated OER
Measurement Scavenger Hunt
Students review estimation, measurement, fractions, decimals while familiarizing themselves with a new classroom at the beginning of the year.
Curated OER
Shake, Rattle and Erode
Students measure how much mass is worn away during 15-20 minutes of shaking. They shake rocks for 15-20 minutes to simulate stream erosion. Students listen to music as they shake their rocks. They weigh out 100 grams of marble chips....
Cornell University
Predicting Chemical Reactions
Prove the Law of Conservation of Mass through a lab investigation. A well-designed lesson asks groups to combine materials and monitor indicators for chemical reactions. Measuring the mass of the reactants and products allows individuals...
Cornell University
Chemical Reactions
Investigate the Law of Conservation of Mass through a lab exploration. Individuals combine materials to initiate chemical reactions. They monitor for signs of reactions and measure the masses before and after the reactions for...
Curated OER
Oranges and Stopwatches
Students measure various attributes of an orange. They discuss the attributes of an orange that can be measured, develop a list of attributes and describe how they can measure it, and rotate through four stations measuring the volume,...
Virginia Department of Education
The Law of Conservation of Matter
The Law of Conservation of Matter can be complex for young scientists to fully grasp. Use this experiment to help simplify the process as pupils perform two experiments to determine mass: one that melts a substance and the other that...
Teach Engineering
Floaters and Sinkers
Whatever floats your boat. Young engineers learn about density by measuring the masses and volumes of boxes filled with different materials. Using their knowledge of densities, they hypothesize whether objects with given densities will...
Nuffield Foundation
Investigating the Effect of Concentration of Blackcurrant Squash on Osmosis in Chipped Potatoes
Model and explore osmosis using squash and potatoes. Young scientists expose chunks of potatoes to different concentrations of a squash solution. They compare the weights of the chunks before and after exposure to the solution and use...
Curated OER
What's My BMI?
Students construct the Metric Pyramid from the handout. They use the Metric Pyramid to convert from standard to metric measure and vice versa. They compute their own Body Mass Index.