Curated OER
Conservation vs. Economic Growth
Investigate the choices people make between economic growth and personal growth and development using the ethical/decision making model. Small groups create and present a position paper describing their feeling for or against the...
Curated OER
Ant Bodies
Learners name the three parts that comprise an insect body. In this ant lesson, students make connections regarding the curiosity of insects as it touches upon the learners' personal perspectives. Students then observe ants in class and...
Curated OER
"Logs of Straw: Dendrochronology"
Students act as dendrochonologists working to reconstruct a 50 year climatic history. They make a personal timeline.
Curated OER
Animals in the Media
Sure to activate young minds, this resource asks learners to consider how media influences their personal points of view. Pupils examine how animals are portrayed in the media to understand why they feel the way they do about those...
NOAA
Vertebrates II
Mammals of the ocean unite! Or not. The 20th installment of a 23-part NOAA Enrichment in Marine sciences and Oceanography (NEMO) program investigates how warm-blooded marine mammals survive in water. In the class activity, learners use...
Curated OER
DNA/Genetics
Students delve into a study of DNA. In this science lesson plan, students gain an understanding of DNA, which is the genetic material for every person and every other living thing.
Curated OER
Germs and the Importance of Washing Your Hands
Students determine the importance of hand washing through experiments. In this hand washing and germs instructional activity, students listen to a reading of Germs! Germs! Germs! by Bobbi Katz, and discuss what they learn about germs....
Curated OER
Launching Rockets
Second graders discuss experiences of watching a rocket launch either on television or in person before making paper rockets. They make and color rockets which they attempt to launch using a strong breath blown through a straw at the...
Safe Drinking Water Foundation
Types of Water Pollution
In groups, young environmentalists investigate water samples that are contaminated with different types of pollutants. Each group presents their findings to the class and fills out the "Types of Pollutants Chart." This lesson is meant...
DiscoverE
Launch It
Launch pupil interest in rockets. Scholars build rockets out of straws and balloons to learn about Newton's Third Law of Motion. Their task is to hit a target five feet away. It's not as easy as it seems!
Newspaper Association of America
Cereal Bowl Science and Other Investigations with the Newspaper
What do cereal, fog, and space shuttles have to do with newspapers? A collection of science investigations encourage critical thinking using connections to the various parts of the newspaper. Activities range from building origami seed...
Curated OER
Ice Cream in a Bag
Here is a good version of this classic chemistry activity. Learners are given a simple recipe for how to make home-made ice cream by putting all of the ingredients into a ziploc bag. Before doing the activity, I would recommend having a...
Curated OER
Castaway or Survivor
What a clever idea! Chemistry learners imagine themselves deserted on an island with a radio, but no batteries. They also have a few odds and ends in their pockets and storage chest. They are challenged to create a battery that will...
Curated OER
Dirt Cups
After a hard day examining and dissecting worms, why not put your feet up and snack on a few? Here is a really cute idea that can be used to celebrate Earth Day or to accent a thematic learning experience. Kids use clay pots, gummy...
Curated OER
Murder Mystery
High schoolers examine how to capture foot prints while they simulate a criminal investigation. They discover how the clues are needed for identifying or eliminating murder suspects.
Curated OER
Rate Determining Step and Catalyst Activity
Students work in groups to stuff as many envelopes as they can in 3-5 minutes. They use an assembly line method. Envelope stuffing is compared to a chemical reactions. The idea of catalyst is considered, and students determine a way to...
Curated OER
Burn, Baby Burn (Or Not)
Physics learners apply the concepts of fluid pressure input and output to firefighting. Divide your class into small groups and give them each a few cards that list nozzle type, hose length, hose size, and structure dimensions, They are...
Curated OER
Is There Life Before 121?
Students observe microbial growth in the lab. For this biology lesson, students determine the conditions suitable for bacterial growth. They explain the methods of sterilization and bioburden testing.
Curated OER
Matter Matters!
Second graders experiment with heating and cooling and research the states of matter (solid, liquid, gas).
Curated OER
Weight Lifter - An Air Pressure Experiment
First graders participate in a study of air pressure in which the investigate if air has the strength to lift heavy objects. They work in teams to develop a hypothesis about whether air in bags would be able to lift a stack of books....
Curated OER
All About the Brain
Students use eggs, cooking oil, foam balls and more to create a simulation of the brain and record what happens in each step. In this brain lesson plan, students learn about protecting the brain, the brain's ability to learn, and reflexes.
Curated OER
Basic First Aid
Students listen to basic first aid information. In this first aid instructional activity, students discuss CPR, Choking, Severe Bleeding, and Shock. They research the steps and how they can help in an emergency situation.
Curated OER
Washing Hands
Students read stories, conduct experiments and create graphs as they consider the importance of proper hygiene in maintaining their health. They identify the best way to wash hands and design handwashing posters for classroom placement.
Curated OER
Oobleck
First graders explore Oobleck. They manipulate and observe the properties of Oobleck. Students discuss the differences between solids and liquids. They investigate Oobleck. Students write a sentence describing what they observed about...