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Using Compare and Contrast to Write in Science
Fifth graders investigate and compare the behavior of magnetism using magnets. In this physics instructional activity, 5th graders write about the similarities and differences of a variety of magnet types.
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Science Inventions
Third graders explore the world of inventions by describing their impact on their own lives. In this technology lesson, 3rd graders practice writing descriptive paragraphs about different inventions that they find...
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Capturing Light: The Science of Photography
Pupils create their own cameras to understand how artists use light to capture an image in a photograph. In this light lesson plan, students use tape, wax paper, rubber bands, and more to create their cameras.
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Fossil Fuels: Facing the Issues
Students explore energy by researching fuel usage on Earth. In this fossil fuel lesson, students define fossil fuels, the energy created by burning them, and the impact on the environment when using them. Students conduct pollution...
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Applied Science - Technology Pre - Lab (inventions)
Students read the book Icky, Sticky Gloop by Morgan Matthes. In this scientific exploration activity, students compare the fictional character in the book with Benjamin Franklin (both are inventors). They discover why and how inventions...
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Applied Science - Built Environment Pre Lab (Morse Code)
Young scholars study communication. In this telegraph lesson, students examine Morse code and the composition of an elementary telegraph circuit. They listen to a presentation and try to create Morse Code messages on a worksheet. This...
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The Path of Electrons
Students engage in an interactive "hot potato" demonstration to gain an appreciation for the flow of electrons through a circuit. They role play the different parts of a simple circuit and send small items representing electrons (paper...
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Potato Power
Students light a LED clock or light bulb using potatoes. They examine how a battery works in a simple circuit. They determine how chemical energy changes to electrical energy while experimenting with potato powered circuits.
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Properties of Salt
Students discuss certain properties of salt and how it is used every day as well as harmful uses. They experiment with salt to see it conduct electricity, form crystals and water freezing temperature. They complete a worksheet to record...
Pennsylvania Department of Education
Light the Bulb!
Third graders investigate electrical circuits and how light bulbs are powered. In this electricity and power lesson, 3rd graders study the vocabulary necessary which includes the different types of circuits, electrical currents, and...
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TE Activity: Yogurt Cup Speakers
Sixth graders build a speaker as they investigate the roles of electricity and magnetism. They discover the properties of magnets, create an electromagnet, and determine the direction of a magnetic field. They show cause and effect...
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Series and Parallel Circuits
Fourth graders explore electrical circuits. In this electrical circuit lesson, 4th graders research the history of the use of light and read a biography regarding Benjamin Franklin. Students the build basic circuits, series...
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Completing the Circuit
Students use a battery, wires, small light bulb and a light bulb holder to learn the difference between an open circuit and a closed circuit, and understand that electric current only occurs in a closed circuit. They describe the...
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The Founder of Electromagnetism
Students identify and study the founder of electromagnetism. In this magnetism lesson students complete several experiments including building a galvanometer.
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No Lights Tonight
Students explore use of batteries and electrical power on farms in the 1930s.
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Interactive Question Asker
Learners practice studying chapters from a unit by creating an electric circuit. In this electronic studying lesson, students utilize a file folder, hole punch, foil, light bulb and battery to create a wired circuit behind answers...
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Electromagnets
Students explore electricity by completing a scientific worksheet in class. In this electromagnetism lesson, students discuss the history of magnets and how electromagnets are most commonly used in our daily lives. Students complete a...
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Build a Tesla Coil
High schoolers explore tesla coil through various experiments. In this physics lesson, students build their own tesla coils based on a given procedure. They discuss its real world applications.
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What is An Electromagnet?
Students explore and define electromagnets. In this electromagnet lesson, students access an assigned web site to research what an electromagnet is and how it works. They complete a database with information from the web site and...
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Energy Generating a Culture: Early American Coal Miners and Coal Mining Culture
Young scholars calculate how much coal they use based on their electric power usage. In this environmental science lesson, students trace the history of coal mining in US. They write a letter to USPS to encourage them to create coal...
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Static!
Fifth graders explore static electricity. They listen to and discuss the book, 'All About Electricity,' participate in two experiments, and design and present a static electricity demonstration.
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Introduction to Magnets
Students explore magnetism, electromagnetism, and static electricity through a series of activities and experiments. In this magnets lesson, students use magnets to observe the forces of attraction and repulsion between different poles....
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Project Energy
Middle schoolers explore multiple types of energy. In this energy lesson, students prepare a science fair project through completing a WebQuest. Middle schoolers investigate radiant, thermal, and biochemical energy.
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Operating Kitchen Equipment
Students spend this lesson discovering how electricity makes the appliances in their kitchen operate. In groups, they explain how energy is being converted in a microwave oven and practice giving others directions to how to use them. ...