Purdue University
Design of a Door Alarm
How does electricity work? Budding scientists explore the concepts of electrical currents and open and closed circuits with class discussion and a hands-on activity using a battery to turn on a light bulb. Learners also make predictions...
National Science Teacher Association
Middle School Sampler: Science
Focus on inquiry-based learning in your science class with a series of activities designed for middle schoolers. A helpful packet samples four different texts, which include activities about predator-prey relationships, Earth's axis...
LABScI
Freezing Point Depression: Why Don’t Oceans Freeze?
Can you go ice fishing in the ocean? Learners examine the freezing point of different saltwater solutions. Each solution has a different concentration of salt. By comparing the freezing points graphically, they make conclusions...
Space Awareness
The Fibre Optic Cable Class
Many people know that fiber optics are used in delivering the Internet, but are surprised to learn they are also used in astronomy. Scholars explore light, reflection, and fiber optics through hands-on activities. They discuss...
Curated OER
The Right Tool for the Job: Diagnosis Spectrum
Pupils watch a section of a medical TV show and individually make a written recommendation of appropriate imaging techniques to be used and explain why they chose these techniques. They participate in a discussion revealing their...
Curated OER
The Coral Reef
Fourth graders discuss life in a coral reef, and view photographs and a computer program about coral reefs. They design and create colorful watercolor, ink, and crayon drawings of coral reefs.
Curated OER
Survival Under a Rock
Students investigate ways that animals adapt to their environments through hands-on activities using isopods and an interactive video.
Curated OER
Your Weight on Other Planets
Students explore their weight on other planets. In this science activity, students view a presentation about the other planets and complete a worksheet in which they make predictions about their weight on the moon and other planets.
Curated OER
Planets or Not, Here We Come!
Pupils, working in groups, research planets in terms of the size, temperature, number of moons, and potential for life. They use packets and worksheets as guides for their research. Students may role-play as aliens visiting their...
Curated OER
One Grain at a Time
Students investigate deserts. In this geography lesson, students create a KWL chart about deserts and research information on deserts by using reference books. Students record the characteristics of deserts and the wildlife which lives...
Curated OER
Great Salt Lake
Fourth graders make an ecosystem that brine shrimp can live in and take data as to what level of salinity the water is, how cold it is, and other data that students may think is important. They also hypothesize and predict the outcomes...
Curated OER
Density Lab Activities
Young scholars participate in several density lab activities in order to clarify the misconceptions that solids sink and liquids float. Students work with triple beam balances to find mass of objects to calculate density.
Curated OER
Let's Find Out About Money
First graders investigate the uses and development of money as part of the study of finance. They focus upon the recognition of different coins and identify the value of each. Then students solve problems involving money and coins.
Curated OER
The Water Cycle and Global Warming
Students study the flow of water in the environment. In this water cycle lesson students evaluate the consequences of changes in the water cycle using data.
Curated OER
Deducing Density
In this deducing density worksheet, students follow the procedures to set up an experiment about objects floating in water and liquids of different densities, answer questions, collect data and complete charts.
Curated OER
Solid Water
Students turn solid water (ice) into liquid water. In this solid and liquid water lesson plan, students use water, ice, cups, and heat in order to change water from one state to another. They draw their findings as well.
Curated OER
Make a Snowflake
Students study the design of snowflakes. In this snow lesson, students discover the different shapes of a snowflake, and their similarities. Students study snowflakes outside, then create their own with popsicle sticks...
Curated OER
Ecosystem Damage from Household Cleaners
Third graders assess the damage done to various ecosystems by cleaning products and discover how scientists test water quality. Using stream water and common household cleaning agents, they work in groups to test for pH levels. Once...
Curated OER
The Difference Between Comets, Meteors And Asteroids
Students use Venn diagrams to highlight the similarities and differences between comets, meteors, and asteroids.
Curated OER
Our Special Planet Earth
Students explore what is special about our planet. They explore the various climates that are found on the planet Earth. Students create an advertisement to convince people why their favorite environment would be the best place to visit.
Curated OER
Adventures With Super-Absorbers and Substance Solubility
Students understand the concepts of absorption, swellability and solubility and recognize that science is all around us in our everyday lives and is fun to explore.
Curated OER
The Chemical Nature of Water
Seventh graders simulate a Jeopardy game to examine the chemical nature of water. Among the topics featured are evaporation, water, salt, and temperature. finally, as review, 7th graders answer a battery of questions presented by the...
Curated OER
Mars Curriculum
Students study Mars and other plants in the night sky. In a planetarium setting using Digitarium planetarium system, students identify the Big Dipper and Polaris. They explore the major differences between the planets and the stars. ...
Curated OER
A-Z List
Learners practice using vocabulary terms about the Louisiana Purchase by creating a picture dictionary, an ABC book of terms, a word sort, or a game. Each project should include people, places and terms as they relate to the Louisiana...