Students place different subspecies of a CA salamander are placed on grid map of CA according to where samples were collected. Then discuss patterns of their distribution, their likely evolutionary relationships, and probable sequence of...

Students use a dichotomous key to identify unknown fictitious organisms in an assessment designed to be used after a discussion on the use of a dichotomous keys has occurred. Follow up questions about key included.

Students predict if the height of a ramp affect how far an object travels. They design and conduct an experiment to test their predictions. The results are recorded and a graph is created to show the relationship between ramp height and...

Students, through a series of lessons, study the various processes of treating wastewater. They participate in discussion and complete various worksheets and a hands-on activity, in which they observe the processes of filtration and...

Third graders read a thermometer with accuracy, record observations and data, and infer conceptual meaning. They integrate mathematical charting and graphing skills to organize their data. They explore what happens when they touch or use...

Students list the morphological characters used to identify the cacti in the field, and describe the associated problems in using these characters for identification. They draw the geographical ranges of the varieties of species...

Students analyze an apple. In this instructional activity about developing inquiry skills, students do an experiment with an apple. Students make several observations about the apple. Students answer questions to help them improve and...

Students determine the angle of launch that will give a projectile its greatest range. For this projectile motion lesson, students recognize that the motion of a projectile results from the combined horizontal and vertical velocities....

Learners participate in a hands on activity simulating an oil spill. In this oil spill lesson plan, students conduct an experiment about an oil spill, discuss how it would affect the environment and provide solutions to prevent oil spills.

Students differentiate between insects and non-insects. In this insects lesson, students review the attributes of insects and take a nature walk to look for insect homes. Students use resource books to identify the names of insects seen...

Students conduct research. In this lighting lesson, students define bottled lights. Students research and answer questions about buying bottled light, create a poster to increase the sales of bottled light, write a sales pitch for...

Sixth graders examine various habitats and record the living creatures they found.  In this biodiversity lesson plan, 6th graders complete a worksheet recording their observations. Students draw conclusions about the climate and its...

Students study how weather is measured. In this climate lesson plan, students research how samples of the ocean floor reveal facts about the climate thousands of years ago. Students use clay samples to create layers that simulate real...

Students discover the uniqueness of deep sea hydrothermal vent organisms through an exploration of the NOAA Galapagos Rift Expedition. They study the genetics and evolution of a shrimp species that lives near the vents then they...

Students construct and maintain model of natural habitat, suggest improvements to the model of the natural habitat to make it more realistic and habitable, and demonstrate careful observation and recording of how animals survive in their...

Students explore the migratory movements of animals as they monitor their own movements throughout the school day. Climatic and feeding conditions are examined as cues for the movement.

Fifth graders observe and identify the differences between chemical and physical changes. In small groups they mix different substances together in glass beakers, and identify which had a chemical change, supporting their statements...

Pupils research controversial statements about biological applications and write a persuasive essay. In this biology lesson plan, students are assigned a controversial statement as a research topic, then they use this topic to create a...

Students read all about dinosaurs. In this biology lesson plan, students  examine how to use library research as integral part of scientific research.

Learners play games to learn about the life stages and metamorphosis of different insects. In this insects lesson plan, students discuss the life of insects, and then play matching, vocabulary, and memory games.

Learners complete a research project  In this endangered species lesson, students use the "Think, Puzzle, Explore" method to learn about endangered species. Learners research and write a report on the red-cockaded woodpecker.

Fifth graders move a variety of objects in different ways to observe the different forces. In this physics instructional activity, 5th graders observe pushing, pulling, gravity, and friction. The hands-on component, and teamwork...

Learners use a simple model of the Earth and Sun as seen from space to explore the sun's apparent movement across the sky over the course of a day and year. They consider the apparent direction of movement and changes in the sun's angle.

Students receive a basis for understanding the three main classifications of rock: igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic. They engage in a hands-on activity designed to give them an appreciation for rocks and minerals.