Unit Plan
Intel

Cell-to-Cell

For Teachers 9th Standards
The third in a series of 10 STEM project-based lessons focuses on cells types, functions, and physiology. Through research, discussions, writings, and presentations, groups learn about the difference between plant and animal cells, the...
Lesson Plan
NASA

Gravitational Waves

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Young scientists participate in a hands-on experiment to explore Einstein's theory of relativity in a creative manner. They investigate various waves and compare their characteristics as they discuss how each wave is created....
Lesson Plan
Monroe City Schools

Clouds! Clouds! Clouds!

For Teachers 1st
Here is a beautiful lesson on clouds designed for your 1st graders. Learners study three different types of clouds. They construct drawings of cumulus, cirrus, and stratus clouds. The Cloud Book, by Tommie dePaola is used to...
Lesson Plan
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NOAA

Vertebrates II

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Mammals of the ocean unite! Or not. The 20th installment of a 23-part NOAA Enrichment in Marine sciences and Oceanography (NEMO) program investigates how warm-blooded marine mammals survive in water. In the class activity, learners use...
Lesson Plan
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NOAA

Ocean Layers II

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Now that you know the ocean has layers, let's name them. The seventh installment of a 23-part NOAA Enrichment in Marine sciences and Oceanography (NEMO) program covers terminology associated with ocean layers, such as thermocline and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Sea Water Mixing and Sinking

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Learners investigate the role of temperature and salinity in determining seawater density. They use a Temperature-Salinity Diagram to examine the effects of mixing on density.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Dead Zones: Why Are the Waters Dying?

For Teachers 9th - Higher Ed
Learners investigate the effects of pollution on marine ecosystems. They read and discuss an article, identify the effects of pollution on marine life, conduct research on local nutrient pollution, and conduct local water quality studies.
Activity
US Department of Energy

Bringing Climate Change Into the Classroom

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers investigate the greenhouse effect and examine the potential effects of climate change in the Arctic. They construct a mini-greenhouse and test its effect on temperature, analyze historical climate statistics, and conduct...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Moo-Velous Butter!

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders investigate how temperature and motion (energy) create a chemical change that turns cream ( a liquid) into butter (a solid). They create a class pictograph of their favorite mils choices (white, chocolate, or strawberry)...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

HAIL STONE IMPACT

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students explore how and why local convective, possibly severe, storms develop. They examine how hailstones form and the conditions under which they form. They test mock hailstones of varying sizes to investigate the impact and damage...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Rocks and Minerals

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Students investigate the properties and uses of rocks and minerals. They build towers using only one material from a pile of stones, tiles, wood, etc. provided by the teacher. Students test the hardness of rocks by scratching them with...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Ocean Life

For Teachers 5th - 7th
Mini-marine biologists use Scholastic Explorers website to learn about declining numbers of leatherback sea turtles and dusky dolphins. They fill out a K-W-L chart and observation journal worksheet, which are both provided in the lesson...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Voyage: A Journey Through Our Solar System

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Thoroughly written, this plan walks you through every detail of having your high school astronomers design scale models of the solar system. Complete instructions on building to scale, lesson procedures, and associated worksheets are all...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Amazing Triangles

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Student scientists investigate triangle structures. In this building lesson plan, learners explore how to design triangle braces in the construction of structures in order to build a stronger base.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Be "Sun-sible" about Heating Water

For Teachers K - 4th
Learners create a solar water heater. In this solar energy lesson, students conduct an experiment to determine which colors absorb more radiant heat. Learners investigate the relationship of heat loss to insulation. Students then create...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Carbon Dioxide - Sources and Sinks

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Where does all of the carbon dioxide come from that is supposedly leading to climate change? Earth science pupils test animal, plant, and fossil fuels as sources in this investigation. Using an indicator, BTB, they are able to detect the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Thermal Expansion and Sea Level Rise

For Teachers 5th - 9th
Placing a thermometer and a glass tube into a flask of cold water and sealing it, you can expose it to heat and very visually demonstrate thermal expansion to your earth science class. Follow it with a discussion about how the increasing...
Lesson Plan
Alabama Learning Exchange

Float or Sink?

For Teachers 5th - 8th Standards
Experiment with mass and density as scholars figure out what makes things float or sink. First, they watch a podcast introducing these concepts. Be sure to use the comprehension question to test their understanding. Young scientists...
Lesson Plan
Physics Classroom

Action at a Distance Lab

For Teachers 4th - 8th
The concepts involved with static electricity are typically taught in upper elementary physical science units. The lab described in this resource has pupils examine the behavior of small pieces of paper and a balloon when a charged piece...
Activity
It's About Time

Factors Affecting Population Size

For Teachers 7th - 12th
How do we predict future population growth? Young researchers investigate various factors affecting the size of our population. As they calculate and interpret graphs to determine factors that could potentially affect increases...
Lesson Plan
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American Chemical Society

Molecules Matter

For Teachers 6th - 8th Standards
Did you know that jumping spiders sometimes wear water droplets as hats? A seventh grade science lesson plan introduces the concept of what makes up water: tiny molecules that are attracted to each other. Starting with a...
Unit Plan
Intel

Lights, Camera, Reaction!

For Teachers 9th - 10th Standards
Excite classes with a STEM project-based learning lesson covering chemical reactions. Groups study the different types through simulations and hands-on activities. They pick one type (synthesis, decomposition, single displacement, double...
Lesson Plan
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Chicago Botanic Garden

Climate Change Around the World

For Teachers 10th - 12th Standards
You know climate change is happening when you see a bee take off its yellow jacket. Part four in a series of five lessons explores all factors affecting climate change: temperature, cloud cover, precipitation, and carbon dioxide. By...
Lesson Plan
Cornell University

Predicting Chemical Reactions

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Prove the Law of Conservation of Mass through a lab investigation. A well-designed activity asks groups to combine materials and monitor indicators for chemical reactions. Measuring the mass of the reactants and products allows...