Curated OER
Science Fair Frenzy
Pupils examine the steps for developing science fair projects. They visit stations where they examine posters, books, and paper that describe how to research and design a science fair project. Additionally, they take notes on how to...
US Department of Energy
Geothermal Energy
With Earth Day quickly approaching, as well as many science fairs, why not challenge your class to investigate geothermal energy or other renewable energy resources? There are five driving questions explored in depth here, as well as...
Curated OER
Peer Review Meets D.I.Y.: Publishing a Student Science Journal
Peer review of science laboratory reports? You bet! First, learners work in pairs to review a scientific article. Then they trade lab reports for peer review. The end result is the publication of a classroom scientific journal!
Curated OER
Quality of Life Investigations: Risk Reductions
Middle schoolers participate in a discussion of recent environmental issues affecting their own community or ones nearby. In groups, they research the role of food additives and the purpose of adding them to foods. They also determine...
Cornell University
Making a Battery
Don't be shocked when your class has a blast making their own batteries! Science scholars examine a dry cell battery, then design and construct a wet cell battery. The activity guides them through the parts of a battery, the variables...
Curated OER
Classroom Science Fair Project
Students explore the skills and information needed to complete a science fair project. They follow guidelines to create an document their science fair project.
Curated OER
Gumdrop Crystal Models
A great way to learn about molecular structures is to make a model. Gumdrops and toothpicks are used to construct crystal models. The models are based on theories of crystal shapes that occur because of positive and or negatively charged...
National Wildlife Federation
It's a Green Revolution: An Introduction to Eco-Schools USA
Eco-schools is a project of the National Wildlife Federation and empowers schools to manage their schools with a green focus. Scholars work to define environment and sustainability and springboard this into learning the eight...
Curated OER
Properties of Minerals
Young scholars research properties of minerals. In this science lesson, students search the web, create a folder, and store information on properties of minerals. There are many excellent worksheets and study guides embedded in this...
ARKive
Plants
Here is a one-hour activity that helps learners remember the parts of plants. Not only will the class learn about plant parts, they'll also discuss seed dispersal and plant growth. A celery experiment is used to show how plants obtain...
Curated OER
Investigating World Cultures
Students, in groups, write research reports and create visuals about countries, put on a culture fair, and use PowerPoint to present their information.
Global Oneness Project
Bearing Witness
A controversial construction project in South America, the Belo Monte dam, is endangering local cultures, ecosystems, and communities. High schoolers create a concept map based on an online article they read before engaging in...
Curated OER
The New Haven Oyster Industry and Water Quality
Students examine the different types of water pollutants and how they affect the waterways. In this environmental science instructional activity, students collect and interpret data from government agencies. They discuss how industrial...
Curated OER
Genetic Engineering
Students examine the advantages and disadvantages of genetic engineering. In this genetics lesson students simulate the genetic engineering of a human insulin gene.
Curated OER
Model Rockets
Students study the basics of a model rocket and its classifications. In this rocket instructional activity students determine the flight duration of a model rocket.
Curated OER
Paper Airplane Scientific Method
Students explain the steps of the scientific method. In this paper airplane lesson students design and test their own paper airplane.
Science and Mathematics Initiative for Learning Enhancement (SMILE)
Smile: Science Fair Information
A straightforward set of criteria for judging science fairs. No point system, just the criteria. Ideas to consider. Possibly too wordy.
Science and Mathematics Initiative for Learning Enhancement (SMILE)
Smile: Sample Science Fair Judging Forms
Two nice examples of documents you can use for judging science fair projects, one for judge registration, etc. and the other for actual project judging. This particular form comes from the Chicago public schools. Adapt it to your own...