Human fingerprint patterns are the result of layers of skin growing at different paces, thus causing the layers to pull on each other forming ridges. Here, groups of learners see how patterns and fingerprints assist scientists in a...

So many shapes in our vast oceans. Young explorers can discover new shapes in a variety of ways in this lesson. One way is having free exploration with a pattern shape kit handed out by the teacher. Another is by viewing a...

Art can mimic life, and animals are always interesting subjects. Learners create large soft sculptures (stuffed) birds using paper, paint, and other basic collage materials. They view images of birds, and discuss bird traits and shapes....

Off they go — launching rockets is fun. The lesson plan contains templates to build paper rockets that can be launched from a PVC pipe launcher. Individuals or groups build the rockets and determine the shapes for their fins. Included...

Students investigate topology. In this Applied Science lesson students explore higher, more abstract mathematics using tangles. Students make topologically related shapes.

Students comprehend the meaning of "pixel." They recognize patterns using pixels. Students observe how land use can be determined from a pixel. They measure off a 30 x 30-meter area to show the size of the surface area of one pixel....

It's time to boldly go where your class has not gone before! The introductory lesson in a five-part series takes young oceanographers aboard the NOAA Ship Okeanos to begin a study of ocean exploration. The lesson includes a comparison of...

Fourth graders become aware and comprehend number relationships among those numbers most commonly found in geometric applications. They work in groups, 4th graders arrange themselves in order form the least to the greatest number in...

Students complete a table of values and plot points, as well as construct a graph on a coordinate grid. They construct two graphs on the same coordinate system, and identify the point of intersection. Students represent and record...

Students explore how bees make honey and why the hexagon is the best basic pattern for the honeycomb through the use of a video and hands-on activities with honeycombs and geometric shapes.

This is an integrated lesson plan that incorporates Social Studies, Science, and Mathematics. In Social Studies, 7th graders complete an online interview and complete an online worksheet about latitude of sites on the Anza trail. In...

Students explore the patterns of nature. In this interdisciplinary lesson, students examine beauty in nature and participate in a hands-on simulation that demonstrates how human preferences for beauty have led to an increased frequency...

Students explore optical illusions. In this Applied Science instructional activity, students view optical illusions and record the data of what they see. Students graph the data that they collect.

Students explore the pattern of the unit cell. In this science instructional activity, students color the unit cells on a worksheet and create a pattern using unit cells.

Fourth graders access prior knowledge of rocks and minerals. In this petroglyphs lesson, 4th graders become familiar with artwork on rocks. Students create original artworks using rock art.

Students build a map of the Atlantic Ocean floor and mark the different depths.  In this ocean floor lesson students identify parts of the ocean floor that they created and discuss patterns that they see.

A great way to learn about molecular structures is to make a model. Gumdrops and toothpicks are used to construct crystal models. The models are based on theories of crystal shapes that occur because of positive and or negatively charged...

Fourth graders investigate ecosystems. In this ecosystem instructional activity, 4th graders explore producers, consumers, and decomposers and study the interdependence of each.

Students investigate ways to enhance an object's flying ability.  In this model construction lesson, students construct two paper airplanes, one of which is twice as big as the first.  Students compare and contrast the two...

Students use plaster of Paris, talc, and cornstarch to create their own chalk. They hypothesize what mixture of ingredients produce the "best" chalk. Students discuss what they think are the characteristics of the "best" chalk.

Students explore the observable properties of matter and utilize them in classification. They use a binary classification system to divide objects, then justify their scheme.

In this enthalpy and entropy worksheet, students read about the differences between enthalpy and entropy and answer three critical thinking questions about the reading.

Learners explore symmetry.  In this geometry and scientific inquiry lesson, students design paper airplanes with middle line symmetry, as well as right, obtuse, and acute angles.  Learners measure the plane's angles using a...

Experiment with optical resolution using an inquiry-based lesson plan. Young researchers calculate fellow classmates' optical resolutions. They apply the information to understand the inner workings of optical instruments.