Curated OER
How Sedimentary Rocks are Formed
Learners investigate the stripes in sedimentary rocks, using a structure at Petra, Jordan, as an example, and then do a hands-on activity using mixed nuts to illustrate the layering of sedimentary rocks.
Curated OER
Series or Parallel?
Emerging electricians extend mental models of light bulbs and resistors in series and or in parallel circuits to include the connection of photovoltaic cells in arrays. They investigate open circuits, using a DC voltmeter, a light...
It's About Time
Monitoring Active Volcanoes
The fastest growing volcano in recorded history grew more than 150 meters in less than a week and to more than 424 meters in less than a decade. How do we safely monitor active volcanoes? Young scientists design an...
Curated OER
Mixtures of Matter
Students experiment with solids and liquids. In this mixtures of matter lesson, students combine matter to form solutions. Students hypothesize, test, and analyze the data to draw conclusions. The lesson can be extended by having...
Curated OER
Comparing Deciduous and Evergreen Trees
Students investigate nature by identifying different plants and trees. In this environmental field trip, students participate in a British Columbia expedition in which they identify cedar, pine, hemlock and Douglas fir trees. Students...
Curated OER
Classification: Dichotomous Key
Students investigate the classification process and nomenclatures used for classifying organisms. They study dichotomous keys to identify organisms with 90% accuracy. Students organize information regarding the relatedness of species.
Curated OER
Motion Lotion
Students view a video to explain the meaning of friction. In a hands-on experiment using gelatin, students test the effects of lubrication on friction. They complete a worksheet imbedded in the instructional activity to describe their...
Mary Pope Osborne, Classroom Adventures Program
Mummies in the Morning Egyptian pyramids, hieroglyphics
Visit the Magic Treehouse and take your class on a trip through time with a reading of the children's book Mummies in the Morning. Using the story to spark an investigation into Egyptian culture, this literature unit engages...
Curated OER
Creatures of the Ocean
Second graders examine the characteristics of a specific ocean creature. In pairs, 2nd graders create a graphic organizer to list categories and supporting details of the ocean creature. Students review data and use it to write a report...
Curated OER
Reaction Time 2: Zap!
Learners show how skills can improve through practice and awareness, using a reaction-time activity that focuses on both visual and auditory responsiveness.
Curated OER
Singing in the H2O
Students compose new lyrics to the tune of a popular song in order to teach and explain a challenging science concept being studied in class.
Curated OER
Identification of Wildfire/Structure Interfaces, Risk Assessment of Structures, and Risk Management
Young scholars participate in a class discussion about wildfire and urban interfaces as well as risk of wildfire in the area in which they live. After reviewing a wildfire/urban interface fire safety checklist, a walking field trip is...
Curated OER
Evolution
High schoolers investigate the concept of evolution and its implications upon the origin and development of life. They conduct research using a variety of resources while focusing upon cross-over and mutations. The information is used to...
Curated OER
Improving the Quality of Life
Students examine the contributions to medicine, science, and technology by individuals of diverse backgrounds.
Curated OER
Best of the Solar System
Young scholars visit a site which provides images to be analyzed. Notes are taken and planets are named based on observed features and observations. Using peer review, they try to determine the identity of the planets. They are free to...
Curated OER
Kidney and Related Concepts
In this kidneys learning exercise, high schoolers review the function of the kidneys including what happens when the kidneys stop working. Students also compare kidney function in fish, frogs, and kangaroo rats. This learning exercise...
Curated OER
PUBLIC POLICY AND THE GOVERNMENT
Learners analyze the pros and cons of public policies. They analyze how public policy issues are influenced by government actions (e.g., transportation, the environment). They research the elements and requirements of the...
Curated OER
"Dr. Xargle's Book of Earthlets"
Young scholars examine the expressive and descriptive language used in the books "Dr. Xargle's Book of Earthlets" and "Planet of the Robots." In pairs they take notes about each other's physical appearance and conduct interviews,...
Teach Engineering
Restriction Enzymes and DNA Fingerprinting
Show your class why restrictions aren't always a bad thing. In the third segment of a four-part series, the instructor develops the idea of restriction enzymes. Pupils learn how scientists use restriction enzymes in DNA analysis and DNA...
Curated OER
How Temperature Affects Density
Students examine the effects of temperature and density in ocean currents. For this density lesson, students explain how coastal climates are impacted by ocean currents. They investigate how the ocean currents are affected by temperature...
Curated OER
Lesson one
Students study waves and how it erodes a beach. In this energy instructional activity students complete a lab activity on waves and tides.
Curated OER
Let's Make a Meal: A Study of Oats
Young scholars investigate the history and health benefits of oats. In this food history and nutrition lesson, students describe the origin of oats in America, define nutrition related vocabulary, and read and follow recipes for making...
Curated OER
Learning About Animal Shelters for Earth Day
Students explore habitats. in this ecology and animal habitat lesson, students listen to the book A House is a House for Me by Mary Ann Hoberman. Students discuss the basic needs of animals and go on a nature walk to observe animal...
Curated OER
Food Chains & Food Webs
Tenth graders examine how energy is lost through different trophic levels. For this trophism lesson students construct a food web and view a video.