Virginia Department of Education
Atomic Structure: Elements
It's all relevant, really. Individuals use the scientific method to learn more about elements, atoms, and their placement on the periodic table. They conduct experiments using materials common in nature to explore how elements affect our...
Curated OER
Detective Fiction: Focus On Critical Thinking
Turn your 6th graders into detectives while growing their love of reading. Using critical thinking skills, they will be able to describe the five basic elements of detective fiction, read detective novels, make predictions, use the...
Utah Education Network (UEN)
Microwave Magic
The microwave is a staple in many American households, but how exactly does it work? Approach this question from a scientific and practical standpoint, and discover cooking strategies, recipes, and methodologies for the standard...
Curated OER
Journal Introductions
Learners explore the idea of scientific observation and the use of a journal to record their observations. They examine the proper vocabulary used when describing scientific inquiry. Students observe a science experiment and they discuss...
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Composting
Using 2-liter bottles, junior ecologists create composting tubes in which they place nitrogen-rich and carbon-rich materials. They observe what changes occur over two weeks' time. Provide more specific direction to your class as to what...
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What Can You Make of It?
Students investigate the various uses of a paper cup. In this scientific inquiry lesson, students investigate various ways to use a paper cup by identifying its characteristics. Students sketch their discovery.
EngageNY
Mid-Unit Assessment: Analyzing Visual Elements in a Graphic Novel
Can I get a visual? Scholars work on their mid-unit assessments by analyzing vocabulary and discussing visual elements in Investigating the Scientific Method with Max
Axiom Super Scientist. They then reflect on their learning by...
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What Do Parts Do?
Learners review the components of the scientific inquiry method. In groups, they identify and describe the components and functions of all of the parts of a plant. Using a diagram, they label the parts of the plant chosen and share...
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Gravity Lesson
Fifth graders study the effects of mass on gravity. In this gravity lesson, 5th graders make model parachutes and helicopters in order to apply the scientific process and find out the effects of mass on drops of the 2 objects.
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What Living Things Need
Learners apply the process of scientific inquiry to explore how living things are dependent on one another for survival. They match animals with their generalized food source. Students predict what happens to the organisms when their...
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Focusing on Lenses
Students explore scientific observations by examining the parts of a microscope. In this optics lesson, students discuss the importance of a focal point and focal distance when utilizing an optical device such as a microscope. Students...
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Time Conceptualization
Students use this activity to establish a new mode of reference to the conceptualization of time. To present hominid evolution in terms of millions of years and endosymbiosis of eukaryotes in billions of years carries little meaning to...
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Magnetism
Students explore physical science by participating in a class science activity. In this magnet attribute lesson plan, students define a list of scientific vocabulary terms associated with magnets and participate in hands on magnet...
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Introduction to Magnetism and Electronics
Learners are introduced to the concepts of magnetism and electronics. As a class, they walk through the steps of the scientific method and define new vocabulary. In groups, they are given a bag of objects and they are to separate them...
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Sound Observations
Young scholars explore sound waves by conducting an experiment in class. In this sound frequency lesson, students utilize a tuning fork in class and identify which objects in class create different sound pitches on the fork. Young...
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She Sells Sea Shells in Illinois??
Second graders sorted shells first by methods they thought appropriate and then were instructed on the scientific method of classification by univalve and bivalve. Students then sorted paper shells as a method of assessing knowledge. It...
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Nitrogen Fixation, OR What a Gas!
Students gain skill in the design, implementation, and reporting of a scientific research project using the scientific method. They set up an experiment to determine the effect of adding the Rhizobium bacteria to one group of legume...
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Climate And the Greenhouse Effect
Learners demonstrate the greenhouse effect. They recognize that relatively small changes to our environment can stimulate significant climate changes. They determine that the "scientific method" is a process of testing hypotheses and...
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The Bouncing Ball
Learners use the scientific method to conduct an experiment to test how a ball bounces. In this inquiry-based physical science and scientific method activity, students drop a ball from specified heights and record the rebound, then...
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Plants 'n' Bugs
Second graders experiment to find if pollinators have color preferences. In this plant and bug lesson, 2nd graders gather information about how flowers pollinate. Students participate in a pollination experiment using the...
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Human Anatomy - How Do We Move?
Fifth graders discover how blood moves around the body. In this circulatory system lesson, 5th graders feel their pulse before and after exercise. Students count their heart rate. Students use the scientific method to record...
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Weathering
Second graders explore weathering and how the water cycle plays a part in weathering. For this weathering lesson, 2nd graders put gravel and sugar cubes in a jar and shake, simulating weathering. Students use the scientific method...
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States of Water
Students investigate the 3 states of matter. In this physical science "matter" lesson plan, students observe and participate in a number of demonstrations involving melting and freezing water. Students observe the effect heat has on...
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Lab Experiments in Nutrition
Looking for authentic hands-on nutritional experiments? High schoolers will perform experiments to test for the presence of vitamin C in several solutions as well as the effect of caffeine on Daphnia. They will also consider the...