Pulitzer Center
Extractive Industries
Here is a chance for environmental studies classes to take a critical look at crises occurring around the globe by reading articles and viewing video clips. The human activities under scrutiny are the extraction of oil, logging, and...
It's About Time
Color
How can a hand puppet's shadow look like a dog? The lesson explains the science behind shadows, combining paint colors and the colors used in old televisions. Scholars use white, red, blue, and green lights to experiment with colors...
It's About Time
Refraction of Light
Don't shine like a diamond, refract light like a diamond. Young scientists use an acrylic block and a laser light to observe refraction. Advanced scholars figure the sine of the angles of reflection and incidence as well as mastering...
It's About Time
Chemical Names and Formulas
Abracadabra! Provide your class with the tools to perform a chemical "magic show" as they predict the charges of various ions, determine ionic compound formulas, and make observations to determine when a chemical reaction between...
Nuffield Foundation
Monitoring the Body's Reaction to Stress
When stressed, do you prefer the fight or flight response? Scholars observe, measure, and identify the body's response to stress using a well-researched methodology. They learn about the autonomic nervous system, hormones, and more.
Physics Classroom
Case Studies: Impulse and Force
Why are gym walls padded and cars required to have air bags? Scholars observe two similar situations, such as those listed above, with only one variable altered. They identify the different variable and determine how the variation...
Curated OER
Keeping a Daily Weather Log
Students create their own daily log books for recording and keeping track of the weather.
Curated OER
Observing and Predicting Weather from a Weather Station
Fourth graders us a Weather Log data chart to record the date, time, day, and weather. They discuss different instruments and charts needed to record the information. Students turn in their weather logs at the end of two weeks and...
Curated OER
Surface Meteorological Observation System (SMOS)
Young scholars investigate local surface weather conditions. They log weather conditions for thirty days, develop a graph, plot cloud cover, and compare/contrast the graphed lines of various weather factors.
Curated OER
"SMART" Science
Seventh graders explore science topics using a SMART board. In this respiration lesson, 7th graders see how and why cells use cellular respiration. They see a cellular respiration recipe on the SMART board and watch as the cells produce...
Curated OER
Charles Darwin
High schoolers research Charles Darwin and the process he used to develop his theory of evolution. They keep a journal about the skill of observation and make a newspaper of their learning.
Curated OER
Moon Journal
In this astronomy activity, students draw the shape of the moon as it appears in the sky each night for three weeks. With their drawings they include the moon phase and any unusual characteristics they observe.
Curated OER
Change Agents
Third graders experiment with three erosive change agents. They do an observation log, which they present to the class through a song, poem or skit.
Curated OER
Life Science: Heavy Weight
High schoolers investigate adolescent obesity and its health impact. In this health and obesity instructional activity, students research the problem, develop a survey regarding eating habits, then analyze the nutritional information on...
Curated OER
Life Science: My Pyramid
Students examine how the school food program compares to the food pyramid recommendations. For this food pyramid lesson, students compile data regarding the food choices available in the school through the lunch program and vending...
Curated OER
Daily Weather Log
In this weather worksheet, students keep track of the temperature, precipitation, air pressure, humidity, and wind throughout the day using either provided weather instruments or ones they have created.
Curated OER
Life Science 2c- From Parents to Young -Traits Bulletin Board
Students recognize what traits are inherited. In this inherited traits bulletin board lesson plan, students complete a chart showing what traits they have inherited and from whom.
Curated OER
Toting the Log and Lifting the Babe
Students use simple machines that demonstrate force, friction, work and power. They investigate and explain simple machines.
Physics Classroom
Waves - Case Studies
What can your class tell about a wave just by looking at it? Using a simulation, physics pupils work through a series of case studies to determine the effects of speed, frequency, and density on waves. Part of a larger playlist on waves...
Physics Classroom
What's Up (and Down) with KE and PE
Physics class has its ups and downs ... especially when it involves energy concepts! Scholars analyze information to determine changes in kinetic and potential energy using an interactive resource. Realistic scenarios make connecting...
Curated OER
Weather Lesson
Students discuss the weather conditions. They read thermometer, rain gauge, barometer, and wind direction and speed. They record observations of weather conditions and enter information into data base on the computer.
Curated OER
The Alphabet Garden
Third graders transplant, tend and observe a plant for each letter of the alphabet in a school garden. They work individually to research and select a plant that will grow in their local climate. Students then care for and observe the...
Curated OER
Bird Interdisciplinary Possibilities
Students explore birds, their territory, breeding, and seasonal movement. They research and collect information on birds through writing letters to ornithologists, reading in books, comparing web sites, and observing pictures. Students...
Curated OER
Weather Watchers
Students watch the weather. In this science observation lesson, students collect data regarding the local weather and create their own weather forecasting video.