Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Ecosystems Beneath the Surface

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders create a KWL chart about microorganisms. In this biology lesson, 6th graders create and label a diagram on a microbial mat. They investigate the processes involved in the carbon, oxygen and sulfur cycles.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Applied Science - Physics Lab

For Teachers 2nd - 12th
Students define reflection and refraction. In this Physics lesson, students compare a variety of items to find properties of reflection or refraction. Students record their findings.
Organizer
Curated OER

Life In the Soil: Home Sweet Home: Red Worms

For Students 3rd - 5th
In this soil worksheet, students complete 2 pages about the importance of soil in plant growth. Kids read about red worms and answer 2 questions about composting. Students fill out a chart with their observations of plants planted in...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Jello Cells

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students create a three dimensional model of a cell. In this cellular structure lesson, students use gelatin, plastic bags, plastic containers, and fruit to construct a model of a cell. They compare the cells structures and stack them to...
PPT
Normal Community High School

Golf Ball Lab

For Students 9th - 12th Standards
The first golf balls were made of wood and would only last for a few games. Modern golf balls last a lot longer but they don't float. The presentation provides the directions for a lab to determine the minimum amount of salt needed to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Fossil Fuels (Part I), The Geology of Oil

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Junior geologists work through three mini-lessons that familiarize them with the formation and location of fossil fuels. Part one involves reading about petroleum and where it comes from via a thorough set of handouts. A lab activity...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Evidence of Photosynthesis

For Teachers 7th
Hands on science is the way to go! Learners conduct a lab experiment to help them explain how plants make food through photosynthesis. They test for the presence of starch in leaves using iodine solution and identify the basic things...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Eutrophication

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students observe the effects of eutrophication and determine why it is harmful to aquatic ecosystems. They create mason jar ecosystems to observe the growth of algae in pond water. In addition, they observe the effect of introducing...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Plankton Parade

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
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...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Monterey Bay

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students read background information about Monterey Bay, California, and conduct related experiments. In this ocean in motion lesson, students read information about the location, wildlife, and characteristics of Monterey Bay. They...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mighty Macroinvertebrates

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders identify the names and features of macroinvertebrates found in Turtle River.  In this ecology lesson students use digital microscopes and take pictures of invertebrates. 
Lesson Plan
California Academy of Science

Carbon Cycle Role Play

For Teachers 3rd - 12th Standards
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...
Lesson Plan
Nuffield Foundation

Dissection of the Ventilation System of a Locust

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Jiminy cricket! If you find yourself plagued by fear of dissection, these locust respiratory system dissection directions will walk you through everything you need to know. Teens inspect a living locust to begin with, then jump over to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Life in a Mini World

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders observe, describe, and classify microorganisms found in water sources. In small groups, they make their own slide, observe the Protozoa under a microscope, and record and classify the microorganisms.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

DNA Extraction

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Students explore biology by participating in a fun science experiment. In this DNA instructional activity, students discuss what DNA is and where it comes from. Students utilize two bananas, a blender and a microscope to view the DNA of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What Is an Egg Without its Shell?

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students observe osmosis, a cellular process that normally can't be observed without a microscope, and use scientific method to observe osmosis in a chicken egg.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Rotten Truth

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students complete activities to study decomposition. In this decomposition instructional activity, students work in pairs to observe a decay buffet experiment. Students keep compost bag journals. Students define and discuss the process...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Does a change in pH affect the growth and survival rate of aquatic plants?

For Teachers 9th - 11th
Students determine if changes in pH affect the growth and survival rates of aquatic plants. They evaluate the optimal pH levels for the growth of aquatic plants.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Temperature and Brine Shrimp Eggs

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers determine the optimal temperature at which brine shrimp eggs hatch and develop. They evaluate the changes, if any, which occur in a brine shrimp culture at various temperatures.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

DOES A FLUCTUATION IN TEMPERATURE IFFECT THE GROWTH AND SURVIVAL RATE OF AQUATIC PLANTS?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students determine if different temperatures effect the growth and survival rates of aquatic plants and evaluate the optimal temperature for the growth of aquatic plants.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

pH Change and Brine Shrimp eggs

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students determine if brine shrimp eggs hatch and develop more readily in an environment which has an acid or a basic pH. They evaluate the pH level which is optimal for the hatching and development of brine shrimp.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Invisible Life

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
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...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Plankton in the Air

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Here is a lab activity adequate for use with any full lesson on environmental factors that shape animal adaptations or marine animal characteristics. Pupils will discuss the role plankton plays in the environment and filter-feeding...
Lesson Plan
Cornell University

The Science of Snowflakes

For Students 6th - 8th
Who can grow the best crystals? Challenge class members to develop strategies for enhancing growth in the crystals. Through a lab investigation, learners study the properties of crystals and test the effectiveness of different...