Science Matters
Static Electricity
Working with static electricity is sure to give the class a charge! Budding scientists experiment with balloons and different materials to discover how to create static electricity. They learn about the transfer of electrons and the...
Science Matters
Series Circuit and Switches
Lights out! Scholars build on their understanding of a simple circuit by adding a switch and creating schematic drawings. The eighth lesson in a series of 14 has pupils use everyday materials to create circuits and make observations as...
Science Matters
Parallel Circuits
The lights don't always go out when the switch is flipped. The 10th lesson in a series of 14 helps learners build a conceptual understanding of the flow of electricity through a parallel circuit. They then build their own parallel...
Science Matters
Hot Wire S’mores
The proof is in the marshmallows. Believing that electric energy can transform into heat energy can be abstract, but a hands-on instructional activity gives pupils a concrete example. Young scientists cut marshmallows with copper wires...
Science Matters
Motors
It's time to get moving! The 13th lesson plan in a 14-part unit on electricity and magnetism explores the relationship between electricity and mechanical energy. Budding scientists build motors and experiment with different...
Curated OER
Evidence of Chemical Change
In this chemical change worksheet, students conduct 4 experiments set up around the room. They follow the instructions at each station for each experiment and list the physical properties and observe any changes at each station. Students...
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The American Prairie
Students design an animal. In this prairie lesson plan, students learn about physical and behavioral adaptation, locate the Great Plains on a map, and design an animal that would be perfectly adapted for life on the prairie. ...
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Changes All Around Us
Sixth graders, in groups, observe the difference between physical and chemical changes and create a collage of pictures to show the difference.
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Chemical Changes
Fourth graders examine and identify chemical and physical changes in a variety of substances. They observe a vinegar and baking soda demonstration, and a water, laundry detergent, and Epsom salt mixture demonstration. They discuss the...
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Changes in the Copper Penny
Third graders explore the difference between a physical change in a substance and a chemical change. students study the volume, density, altering shape and chemistry of a copper penny.
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Edible Rocks
Students create meteorite models using candy bars. In this earth science lesson, students describe the physical features of a meteorite. They sketch it and write a short description about it.
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Big Enough?
Students explore the concept of density and buoyancy. In this physics lesson, students discover the different factors that affect an object's density and buoyancy in water. Students conduct several investigations to further...
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What's the Reaction?
Students combine baking soda and vinegar and observe the chemical and physical changes that this mixture can produce.
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What on Earth?
Second graders investigate the different living and nonliving things they can find on Earth. In this life science lesson plan, 2nd graders record their observations as they dig into the soil. They examine them under the magnifying glass...
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Somethin' Sweet
Learners make their own candy. In this science lesson plan, students observe how molecules interact with each other in physical changes and observe how the addition of heat can cause molecules to interact and form new molecules in...
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Characteristics of Matter
Students study matter. In this science lesson plan, students examine the relationships among gravity, weight, and mass, the metric measurement of distance and volume, and density and its application to physical properties.
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The MPA “GamePlan”
Eighth graders explore the purpose of having Marine Protected Areas. In this environmental science lesson, 8th graders simulate the planning process by playing a board game. They explain the positive and negative effects of trade offs.
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Climate Change Effects on Organisms and Ecosystems: You are the Experts!
Seventh graders research about the effect of climate on different ecosystems. In this life science instructional activity, 7th graders present their research by creating a poster, infomercial, skit or song. They discuss how organisms...
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States of Matter
Student explore states of matter. For this science lesson plan, students define matter, identify the states of matter, tell about the properties of each state of matter, and demonstrate an understanding of the difference between a...
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The "Heart" of the Problem
Young scholars explore mathematical operations while studying nutrition. In this physical fitness lesson, students explore calories, pulse rate, and the circulatory system. Young scholars use mathematical data to create a healthy...
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Properties of Minerals
Students research properties of minerals. In this science instructional activity, students search the web, create a folder, and store information on properties of minerals. There are many excellent worksheets and study guides embedded in...
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Global Warming
First graders discover the effects of global warming on polar bears. For this life science lesson, 1st graders model the polar bear's habitat and observe what happens as they raise the temperature. They record their observation in the...
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Magnets
Learners complete a series of experiments using magnets. In this physical science and magnetism instructional activity, students first predict and test the magnetic properties of various objects, then learners determine if the size of a...
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The Bouncing Ball
Students use the scientific method to conduct an experiment to test how a ball bounces. In this inquiry-based physical science and scientific method lesson, students drop a ball from specified heights and record the rebound, then record...