Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Observing Fruits and Seeds

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders discuss what they think the word "observation" means and discover different ways that we observe. They observe as the teacher demonstrates how to use a hand lens as a tool for observing tiny details. They then use hand...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Scientists at Work: What'll they think of next?

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Young scholars explore scientific discovery while watching a video. They, in groups, are to research a scientific invention and present their findings to the class.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Math and Science in a Wetland

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students describe safe practice when doing field and lab investigations in a estuary or wetland. They create a model of an estuary and describe their value and function. They participate in field study in which they collect and analyze...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Discovering The Oasis

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students participate in a lesson that is concerned with the ecosystem of a local pond. The teacher makes arrangements for students to take a field trip. Time is spent in class for preparation and afterward for debriefing of lab...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Whose DNA Is That?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers investigate the use of technology in order to identify different sequences of amino acids by using online web tools. They enhance problem solving skills with amino acid identification skills and strengthening comfort with...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Making Big Cats' Web Pages

For Teachers 1st - 2nd
Students investigate the lives of big cats by creating a website.  In this web design lesson, students examine web authoring software in pairs as they read books on big cats.  Students share their web page creations with the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Project Geode

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students predict the appearance of a geode's internal structure based on its mass and density. They form a hypothesis based on the data they collect. They also identify common minerals found in Illinois.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Hands Off

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers perform a handwashing experiment to see if a difference can be detected in the number and types of microbes on our hands after various types of cleaning. They will also demonstrate that they have learned the whys and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Big Cat Classification

For Teachers 1st
First graders discover the different names and classifications of big cats by using word processing applications.  In this animal life lesson, 1st graders investigate one big cat and create a database of facts about it using an word...
Lesson Plan
Virginia Department of Education

DNA Structure, Nucleic Acids, and Proteins

For Teachers 9th - 12th
What is in that double helix? Explain intricate concepts with a variety of creative activities in a lesson that incorporates multiple steps to cover DNA structure, nucleic acids, and proteins. Pupils explore the history of DNA structure,...
Activity
DiscoverE

Rubber Band Rovers

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Get your learners interested in space exploration. Groups design space rovers using design software and then build prototypes of their designs. The farther the rovers can travel, the better. The catch? The rovers must be powered by...
Lesson Plan
LABScI

Catapult: Flight of the Marshmallows

For Students 6th - 12th
Watch your marshmallows fly. The engaging STEM activity has groups create a catapult to launch marshmallows. After testing their prototypes, they consider improvements and redesign their catapults.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Investigative Case - "Swampeast Missouri"

For Teachers 12th - Higher Ed
Students explore wetland hydrology and biology and decide whether or not to restore a wetland or retain dams and drainage systems. They examine the complexity of decisions regarding wetland restoration as well as investigate viewpoints...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Changing Planet: Fading Corals

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Show the six-minute video, "Changing Planet: Fading Corals," and then demonstrate how calcium carbonate forms a precipitate in the presence of carbon dioxide. Separate your scientists into small groups to gather information about coral...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Breathtaking Nature of the Urban Explosion, Part 4

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars explore the respiratory system. They use a computer to monitor the respiratory rate of an individual. They determine residual oxygen levels in exhaled air. Students evaluate how internal 02 and C02 concentrations...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Module 1, Unit 2, Lesson Plan 2: PCR and DNA Diagnosis

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students discuss the importance of the Polymerase Chain Reaction for biologists. They explain what factors make the Polymerase Chain Reaction possible. Students explain the steps in thermocycling and what happens during each step.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Water Pressure Experiments

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Learners perform experiments measuring water pressure. They record their observations after poking holes in plastic bottles filled with water with the lids on and then off. They discover the role gravity plays in the water flow.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Are You a Trend Setter?

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Young scholars are introduced to the periodic table of elements. They devise and perform and experiment in which they determine the density of specific elements. They use their results to predict the density of other elements in the same...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Simple Machines - Graphics, Experiments, Animation

For Teachers 12th
Twelfth graders display simple machines through the use of graphics, experiments, and animation. They apply problem solving and design and skills.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Beaks of the Finches

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars become birds and are given "beak-types". After completing the simulation, students relate results to adaptations and natural selection. Extensions of the simulation allow for comparative results and include population...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Magnetic Testing

For Teachers 2nd - 4th
Students explore magnetism. They make observations of everyday items regarding their magnetic attraction and use their experiences to make a prediction.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What's the Matter?

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Learners explore the components of matter. They discover what matter is, the states of matter, and how heat and cold cause it to change states in an online format. In addition, they complete internet-based lessons, activities, and quizzes.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Simulating the Greenhouse Effect in a Terrarium

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students identify what factors effect global warming and how the greenhouse effect occurs.  In this environmental lesson students view videos then complete an experiment using a terrarium to observe greenhouse gas.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Science Safety is Elementary

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders are introduced to the importance of science safety. As a class, they role play through different safety procedures and decide which senses need to be protected for different scenerios. They discuss how to avoid hazardous...