Biology Junction
Evolution – Diversity of Life
Scientists noticed animals with backbones share similar bone structure despite having different forms, such as fins, arms, and wings. Young scientists gain an appreciation for evolution by understanding the history of the theory. They...
Curated OER
Cartoons for the Classroom: Grinding to a Halt- The U.S. Economy
Using gears as a visual metaphor, this political cartoon analysis worksheet gives a clear picture of one artist's perspective on the U.S. economy. Background information helps give pupils access to the cartoon's context, and 3 talking...
Broward County Public Schools
Force and Motion
Get the ball rolling with this upper-elementary science unit on forces and motion. Offering over three weeks of physical science lessons, this resource is a great way to engage the class in learning about simple machines, friction,...
Curated OER
Prairie Plant Investigation
Students carefully observe prairie plants and record their observations in a science journal. They examine the root systems of grasses and flowers and surmise how these plants can grow together on the prairie.
Curated OER
Water
Third graders study different bodies of water and how they fit into the water cycle. They explain that materials exist in different states (solid, liquid and gas) and change from one to another, that there are systems, order, and...
Curated OER
Rocks
Rocks rock! Humans use them for many things like tile, chalk, counter tops, and brick. Introduce young geologists to the many uses of rock with this presentation. Each slide shows a photo of a rock in its natural state alongside a photo...
Discovery Education
Sonar & Echolocation
A well-designed, comprehensive, and attractive slide show supports direct instruction on how sonar and echolocation work. Contained within the slides are links to interactive websites and instructions for using apps on a mobile device to...
Curated OER
Merely Players
Disguises and role playing are the focus of a resource that uses Shakespeare’s As You Like It, Twelfth Night, and Henry IV, Part I, to demonstrate how we all play many parts in our lives; how we all are “merely players.” The many...
Texas State Energy Conservation Office
Investigation: Oil Recovery
Energy conservers investigate gravel size to discover if it impacts the amount of oil recovered in the extraction process.
Centers for Ocean Sciences
Ocean and Great Lakes Literacy: Principle 1
Is your current lesson plan for salt and freshwater literacy leaving you high and dry? If so, dive into part one of a seven-part series that explores the physical features of Earth's salt and freshwater sources. Junior hydrologists...
Curated OER
Congruent Rectangles
Very simply, geometers examine a pair of rectangles on graph paper and find a translation and rotation to demonstrate their congruence. A couple of questions follow to stimulate critical thinking about other possibilities.
Cornell University
Fibers, Dyes, and the Environment
Nanofibers can be made through electrospinning or force spinning in order to reduce the negative impact on the environment. Pupils study the role of fibers and dye on the environment through a series of five hands-on activities. Then,...
Curated OER
California's Resources
Students research the natural resources of the state of California. They read a chapter of their social studies text, write and answer questions for the chapter, and create illustrations for five vocabulary terms.
Curated OER
Measuring Citizenship
Twelfth graders explore citizenship. They discuss what makes a person a citizen of a country. Students examine the differences between resident aliens and naturalized citizens. They discuss the process for becoming a citizen and decide...
Curated OER
Fire and Fire Suppression
Students explore forest fires and forest service's new stategies. They study a case of natural burn and the impact of lowering the intensity of a larger forest fire.
Curated OER
Natural Hazards Research Paper and Oral Presenation
High schoolers use the internet and look at a list of the world's countries and the natural hazards that impact them. They comprehend that it is sometimes called "Nature's Fury," each natural hazard has a heartbeat, a locational pattern,...
Curated OER
Science: Life Out of Balance
Students examine the state of the environment by viewing the film, Koyaanisqatsi." The film has no dialogue and presents contrasting images of nature and the modern world. After completing a homework assignment about the film, students...
Curated OER
Desert Xeriscaping
Seventh graders identify native species of desert vegetation, plan a xeriscape landscape, and recognize the importance of water conservation.
Curated OER
Taxonomy
Students work together to identify groups of endangered animals. Using a pamphlet, they group the pictures according to specific criteria and cut the pictures out and color them. They place the animals in the correct habitat and share...
Curated OER
Make a Rain Stick
Young scholars create a rain stick to imitate the nature sounds in a rainforest habitat. In this rainforest habitat lesson, students create a rain stick to mimic the cultural tools used in the South American rainforest. Young scholars...
Curated OER
A Biome to Call Home
Students research, present, and compare information about the features of seven biomes that exist in the U.S. They view and discuss the images on the Arkansas state quarter, conduct research on the biomes, and create a poster of the...
Curated OER
Quarter Conservation
Students participate in a demonstration of what it means to "conserve" using a snack provided to them. They examine the California state quarter, John Muir, and the "conservation". They identify other things they can conserve.
Curated OER
Geography and Culture in South Carolina
Students explore South Carolina. In this cultural heritage lesson, students investigate the topography of South Carolina using maps. Students are engaged in identifying the different regions of the state and examine the cultural heritage...