Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Big "Why"

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students examine the Q.& A. article found each week in the Science Times, focusing on how the answers present scientific data in a clear and logical manner. They write their own questions and answer other classmates' questions in the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Making Prehistory

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students create mock fossil records based on current scientific theories about prehistory. By learning about what fossil records teach us about different prehistoric time periods, students gain a greater understanding of theories of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Charles Darwin

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers research Charles Darwin and the process he used to develop his theory of evolution. They keep a journal about the skill of observation and make a newspaper of their learning.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Cloudy With a Chance of...

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders will write a story. In this writing and meteorology lesson, 2nd graders read the story Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs, then use KidPix to create a weather picture. The picture is imported into a word processor and the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Teen Angst

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students gain a broader understanding of new scientific research about the life cycle of the Tyrannosaur, and translate their knowledge into the creation of an illustrated studenT book produced and created by the entire class.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Trade Secrets

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students identify research methods in health-related issues. They read and analyze studies. They identify problems associated with the studies.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Whole New World

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Young scholars work in small groups to investigate statistics regarding the solar system and participate in a 'scientific conference'. They explore available information about the extrasolar planet and assess the importance of this...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Get a Life!

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students read a New York Times article associated with the issue of the decoding for genomes, the creation of life in scientific laboratories and various genetic engineering topics. They present speeches of the pro's and con's of these...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Science of Aging

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Young scholars reflect on the lives of older people they know, then research and debate the key issues surrounding scientific experimentation in anti-aging. They write a short story that reflects their own philosophical beliefs on aging...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Whose "Truth" Is Out There?

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students read article It's a Fact: Faith and Theory Collide Over Evolution, and examine different ways people arrive at what 'the truth' is, focusing on the evolution vs creationism debate that has been a hot topic throughout the 20th...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Parts of a Tree

For Teachers K
Students create a tree model. In this parts of a tree instructional activity, students read A Tree is a Plant, then discuss what trees are used for. Students use various materials to build and label their own tree.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Variable Skies

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students examine factors which affect a vortex and create model tornadoes. They identify variables, pose a testable question, and perform an experiment using the scientific method. After they collect their data, students write a complete...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Rock Sorting

For Teachers 1st
First graders observe rocks, record their observations about the rocks and classify them according to their observations. As a class, 1st graders create a list of observable characteristics of rocks. They sort a group of rocks...
Lesson Plan
Kenan Fellows

How Do Chemists Measure?

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
Young chemists create gold nanoparticles as they learn to measure accurately with the metric system. They create an advertisement for the application of nanotechnology to complete the first lesson in a series of six.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Beauty in the Eye of the Scientist

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students research science's 10 most beautiful experiments and the historical periods in which these experiments were conducted. Then, students create magazine covers for issues of a fictional magazine.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Student Weather Journal

For Teachers 8th - 10th
Students recognize different types of cloud patterns and associate these patterns with certain types of weather. They predict the weather for the next 6 to 24 hours. They then improve their observation skills as they check on the weather...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Athabaskan Migration & Bering Strait

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students study Athabaskan migration patterns and the Bering Strait Land Bridge theory. They investigate the importance of the expansion of trade and compare the differences between American Indian oral tradition accounts of origin and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Sun: An Introduction

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Pupils write entries in their Science Journals as they explore the Sun.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Science Under Control

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students investigate and assess scientific issues for which government regulation has been or might be enacted. Using their research, students write letters to lawmakers supporting or contesting related legislative efforts.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Children Actively Investigating Rocks and Minerals

For Teachers 2nd - 5th
Students follow directions to set up their own record keeping journal. As a class, they are introduced to the characteristics of crystals and identify three types of crystals they see in their everyday lives. They examine materials they...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Is Organic Food Worth the Extra Cost?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers calculate the amount of pesticide residue in selected foods for two pesticides and determine if these levels are safe. They read an article about a research study looking for metabolites of these pesticides in children....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Ecosystems: Biotic and Abiotic Factors

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders examine proper journaling techniques, and record observations about at tree after listening to a read aloud of "Four Worlds: The Dine Story of Creation." They study the difference between living and non-living things, and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Encouraging Inquiry-Based Research

For Teachers K - 4th
Students categorize questions they generate in preparation for pursuing answers that expand their existing knowledge. They create KWL charts and respond to journal questions to enable them to inquire to their fullest capacity.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Lorax and Forest Park

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Students read The Lorax by Dr. Seuss and identify situations where there is a risk to the community. During a class discussion, students predict types of liter they will find in a park. Students take a field trip to the park to collect...