Learners will collect and analyze a sample of rocks from the schoolyard. They will array the collected rocks by characteristics such as size, weight, and color, to see if any generalizations can be made about the types of rocks that can...

Students examine current news stories and from them develop "BIG" questions related to individual and group rights. They then relate their questions to the U.S. Constitution and supreme court decisions.

Third graders watch a demonstration on how craters were formed on the moon. Individually, they care given a set of materials that represent the moon surface and make their own craters. To end the lesson plan, they measure the size of...

Students calculate the diameter of planets and their relative distances.  In this space science lesson, students discover how small or big the planets are in comparison to each other. Students use cross multiplying fractions to find...

Students explore how idling vehicles contribute to the greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. They conduct a survey of idling in their community. Students calculate and develop corresponding graphs of the carbon dioxide produced...

Young scholars tear paper into very small pieces and follow a formula to make recycled paper. They follow up with a discussion about the quality of their paper and its benefits.

Students investigate the Tiananmen Square demonstration and massacre in China. They watch a video clip, in small groups conduct Internet research, present their findings to the class, simulate a demonstration, and create an art project.

Scholars go on a hunt to locate objects that best fit the measurements to create an eye-catching scale model of the solar system. 

Here is an online teaching tool that you can use to help fourth graders understand the proper ordering of adjectives. An explanation is given for eight different types of adjectives in addition to guidelines about how to order them. This...

Learners read a script that helps them understand the ins and outs of consumerism. They watch a video (not included), and engage in two additional activities. The lesson engages critical thinking skills and brings awareness to the...

Here is a fabulous set of teacher's notes that will make your next hands-on gravity and force lab fun and interesting. These notes provide you with three activities that allow children to make and test hypothesis regarding force,...

First graders study Newton's Second Law of Motion before demonstrating the concept with a simple machine. They sing a song about speed, force, mass, and acceleration. They use simple machines to demonstrate how objects that have a higher...

This science presentation focuses on the elements in the periodic table. It begins with the parts of an atom, explaining atomic mass and atomic number, valence electrons, and isotopes. Then it moves on to discuss various ways of...

Students use a database to gather facts about dinosaurs. They practice searching about specific dinosaurs that are of interest to them. To end the activity, they write a story describing the behaviors, eating habits, and environments of...

Students examine seeds from various plants. In this science lesson, students cut open fruits and vegetables in order to see the seeds. Students describe each type of seed and classify the seeds.

Learners complete five center activities that in order to determine the attributes of length and area. They study the vocabulary associated with measurement of length and area. They use blocks, play dough, wrapping paper, and footprints...

In this perimeter and area worksheet, learners first read a one page information text and study the examples. Students solve 7 problems in which area and perimeter are calculated.

Students discuss the many different types of animal signs that can be used to identify and track animals. They participate in an hands-on activity in which they examine tracks, trails, homes, territory markings, and even "scat" left by...

Students investigate the properties of force and gravity and their effects on everyday life. In groups, they test various balls by bouncing them on different surfaces and observe the properties. In another activity, they test marbles and...

First graders explore the days of the week.  For this days of the week lesson, 1st graders listen to the story The Billy Goats Gruff, then act out the events by stepping on "rocks" that name the days of the week.  Students must...

Youngsters test magnetic strength by measuring the mass of paper clips that they "hook" with a magnet. Your first and second graders should love the hands-on activities associated with this plan. The reproducible materials are quite good...

Three simple activities kick off a unit investigation of density. Your physical scientists make observations on the volume and mass of wood, water, and rocks, and make comparisons. Though this is written for grades three through eight,...

Capillary action is the frugal chemist's dream ... the less liquid used, the more tests they can run! Learners experiment with the best design to maximize the benefits of capillary action. Using a liquid sample, they design a capillary...

With instructions to adapt the activities for any grade K-12, any teacher can incorporate the concept of scale into the classroom with a simple, yet effective lesson.