Curated OER
The Sun
Students draw diagram of sun and its layers, including photosphere, chromosphere, corona, convection and radiative zones, and core. Students then describe each layer in their own words, define sun spot cycle, and describe solar flares.
Curated OER
Foucault's Pendulum
Students investigate how the motion of the Foucault pendulum proves that the Earth is rotating. They research the Internet about pendulums and conduct an experiment online. They view a multimedia presentation about pendulums and read...
Curated OER
Time Machine: Evolution, Geology
Students are taken on a simulated "voyage" backward in time, to the beginning of our planet. They "witness" that beginning, the origin of life, and a number of key events from then to the present.
Michigan Sea Grant
Food Chains and Webs
Starting with a simple food chain, young scientists interpret the difference and interrelatedness between herbivores, carnivores and producers. They answer questions related to cause and effect of food chain disruptions, including the...
Curated OER
Weather Instruments
Third graders make predictions about weather and utilize weather instruments and weather reports. They match weather components with weather instruments, and demonstrate how to read a thermometer. Students also construct and use a wind...
Curated OER
Glaciers
Seventh graders summarize how Earth processes today are similar to
those that occurred in the past. They read excerpts from John Muir's "Yosemite Glaciers" and explain how slow geologic processes have large cumulative effects over long...
Curated OER
Sonar Simulation
Students compare and contrast side-scan sonar to other methods used to find objects underwater. In this underwater search lesson, students describe side-scan sonar and make inferences about the topography of an unknown landscape. This...
Curated OER
Sink or Float?
Students make and test predictions about sinking and floating, and classify objects according to whether they sink or float.
Curated OER
Classroom Cladogram of Vertebrate/Human Evolution
Students build a Colossal Classroom Cladogram of vertebrate evolution. After putting it together, they show the gradual, mosaic accumulation of the traits which we, as humans, possess.
Curated OER
Hazardous Chemicals in Your Neighborhood
Students examine the effect of hazardous chemicals on humans. They discover how the chemicals are cleaned up and the facilities in their neighborhood. They identify federal and local agencies that oversee environmental hazards
Curated OER
Sink or Float?
Students will determine whether various objects sink or float in water. They do not need to explain why objects sink or float. They are rather to be encouraged to observe that the same objects will sink or float every time, i.e., that...
Curated OER
Refrigeration Part 2 - How they work
Fourth graders investigate insulators and how refrigerators actually work to keep things cold through evaporation and pressure changes in the coolant. They create a box to keep an ice cube from melting, and observe a variety of...
Curated OER
Who Eats Whom in the Salt Marsh?
Seventh graders complete a virtual online salt marsh tour. In groups, they observe and identify the various types of animals found in the marsh. After categorizing the animals, they create a food web based on the animals role in the...
Curated OER
Does One Tree a Forest Make?
Students take a walk around the schoolyard looking at and identifying the trees. One leaf for each tree is collected. A chart is developed that represents the population of trees on the school ground. They keep journals and write an essay.
Curated OER
STATES OF WATER
Students identify the various states of water. They use hypothesizing and hands-on experimenting on changing the states of water, the properties of water, and the role of heating and cooling in the changes of state.
Curated OER
Metals or Nonmetals? The Families of Elements
Fourth graders, in groups, compile information on groups of elements. They study Alkali Metals, Alkaline Earth Metals, Halogens, and Noble Gases.
Curated OER
Community Video and Brochure about Horse Therapy
Students research basic information about horses, horse care and horse therapy effects on humans. They identify what horses need to be healthy and research needed supplies and funds. Students work in groups to prepare an educational...
Curated OER
Introduction to Work
Fifth graders define work, force, and energy and calculate work done using a simple formula. They observe the teacher using an Equi-beam and identify the fulcrum, calculate different work problems, and participate in a class discussion.
Curated OER
Its OK To Be a Clod
Students describe factors that affect the solubility of a chemical substance in seawater. In this sea environment lesson, student explain how information on the solubility of a substance can be used to measure water currents. They will...
Curated OER
Simple Circuits
Fifth graders investigate simple circuits and identify when a circuit is considered opened or closed. In small groups, they experiment with wires, batteries, and light bulbs to identify how to light the bulb. Students also experiment...
Curated OER
Insects: Bug Off
Students design and conduct an experiment to test three organic pesticides to control ants. They view a video that demonstrates ant behavior and the role of pesticides in insect control. In small groups, they set up behavior...
Curated OER
Ecosystems Connect
Learners investigate ecosystems near their school and across the world. They examine both living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) elements of each. They recognize ecosystems from various continents around the globe. The use of computers...
Curated OER
How Long Until Dirt
Third graders examine the difference between composting and wasting food. They problem-solve what to do about leftovers after lunches so good food doesn't go to waste.They study food storage techniques that are environmentally friendly...
Curated OER
Acceleration, Drag, Gravity, Motion, Forces, and Friction
Eighth graders build and run mousetrap cars in order to measure distance, time, and mass for their cars. They use these measurements to calculate average speed and kinetic energy, then create a slide show to visually explain how the car...