Sometimes it appears that a bowling ball slides down the alley rather than rolling, while other times it appears to switch rolling directions at some point. Scholars control the bowling ball size, initial rotation, initial speed, and...

What is the fastest way to get from point A to point B if you are going through two different mediums, such as air then water? Scholars explore the way light travels through air, water, acrylic, glass, and diamond as they answer this...

How does a direct current run a motor? Pupils control five variables in an electric motor and observe how the force diagram changes. The force, magnetic field, and current vary based on the changes in the design of the magnet and...

Why are there launch windows when traveling to outer space? Scholars explore the trajectory of traveling from one planet to another. By adjusting the departure and destination planets, as well as the launch date, they observe the ideal...

Students, in teams, use different colored paper chips to represent prey and a piece of fabric as the environment.

Eighth graders engage inn role-playing activities as families caring for babies with genetic defects. A partial list of activities include: dressing the babies ( raw eggs), designing birth certificates, and recording a log of care,...

Tenth graders explore the issues in the Middle East.  In this World History activity, 10th graders research the problems between Palestine and Israel.  Students write a speech on their point of view of the peace process.

High schoolers examine the role of the 'Salon'. In this historic communications lesson plan, students role play and use discussion to enhance their understanding of the role the Salon played in 18th century Europe. High schoolers will...

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.

Biology buffs simulate how genetic markers are passed among populations in order to understand how these markers can help anthropologists map human migration. A couple of volunteers leave the room while you walk the remaining learners...

Neurons send electrical signals throughout a body based on chemical communication. Individuals stimulate a neuron to see the effects. They notice the sodium-potassium channels along with ions, concentrations, and a membrane potential...

People might be able to breath there. Learners view a simulation of a planet passing in front of a star. Using data from occultations of planets with known types of atmospheres, scholars determine whether the simulated planet has an...

Students 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 an...

Clean, but captivating, two online simulations demonstrate probability for middle schoolers. They can choose the number of coins and tosses and watch as the results pile up. They can choose from a variety of spinner types and the number...

Students get a first hand look at the benefit of a "blubber layer" in cold climates through a simulation using vegetable shortening and icy water. Through this simulation, students examine how adaptations help organisms survive.

Explore the difference between stochastic and deterministic modeling through programming. First have the class write algorithms for relatively simple tasks using pseudocode. Use the Python 2.7 program app to simulate Mendel's Pea Pod...

Open with a discussion on weather and climate and then explain how tree rings can provide scientists with information about the earth's past climate. Pupils analyze graphics of simulated tree rings from various US locations for the...

Here is a unique activity in which learners simulate operations of a fractional reserve banking system, ultimately gaining a better understanding of how banks work and process money creation through lending. It includes a Story of Banks...

An auction simulation, PowerPoint presentation, and candy M&Ms® are the perfect tools to help your learners understand the concept of supply, demand, and diminishing marginal utility. Here you'll find a thorough lesson plan that...

Teams of six to eight players imagine that they are driving in a vehicle and collect balls that represent carbon dioxide emissions based on their different activities. "Greenhouse Gas Guzzler" cards tell teams how many balls to collect...

Use mathematics and simulations to investigate car crashes. IScholars test hypotheses involving car crashes. They collect, analyze, and display data from computer simulations to support or refute their hypotheses.

Develop probability distributions from simulations. Young mathematicians use simulations to collect data. They use the data to draw graphs of probability distributions for the random variable in question.

Show learners how to use simulations and random sampling to reach conclusions with the last resource in a 25-part series. The assessment contains three scenarios, each with several parts, and covers comparing populations using...

Create your own solar system using a simulation. Young scientists explore the components of a stable solar system through trial and error. Using the simulation, they place planets and watch as they orbit safely or cause fatal collisions.