Young scholars study the HIV virus and how it has impacted the hispanic community.  In this infectious disease lesson students discover how HIV/Aids is found all over the world, what misconceptions are out there and what kinds of...

Students explore what tornados are, how they are created and measured, and what their effects are on communities. They keep a journal of their activities and explorations as part of an ongoing process of learning.

Students become aware of the differences between ocean water and lake water by smelling, tasting and seeing. They distinguish between land and bodies of water on a globe and gain increased awareness of oceans and life.

Young scholars conduct a debate. In this wildfire and controlled burning lesson, students watch the video "Legacy of Fire" and discuss the topic of wildland fires and controlled burns. Half of the class researches the arguments for...

Fourth graders identify the different types of renewable and nonrenewable energy sources. In this ecology instructional activity, 4th graders create models of wind mills and hydropower. They discuss the pros and cons of using alternative...

Students explore the adaptations that birds have.  For this adaptations lesson students view a video and create a concept map of birds and their adaptive traits.

Students investigate the creatures of intertidal zones. They explore the adaptations species make to survive .

Students research specific answers to questions about air pollution. In this air pollution instructional activity, students share information to fully understand the causes of air pollution. Students role play individuals from different...

Students examine pop culture of the 1980s.  In this historical time period lesson, students view a Smurfs cartoon from the 1980s and discuss its similarities and differences to cartoons today.  Students work in groups to...

Third graders experiment with chemical reactions and examine what happens to the atoms when different reactions occur.  For this matter lesson students divide into groups and complete a lab experiment. 

The intent of this lesson plan is to introduce young scientists to the steps of the scientific method. To this end, they consider the question, "Which brand of battery lasts longest?" In this case, the experiment is carried out as a...

First graders perform experiments to investigate property changes that occur in materials or matter. In the science lab, they use heat to explore changes in rice, sand, gelatin, baking soda and more. Learners observe and record the...

Tenth graders study how cells and organisms acquire and release energy through photosynthesis and cellular respiration. They explain that living organisms use matter and energy to synthesize a variety of organic molecules and they will...

Students examine the differences between elements, compounds and mixtures. Using diagrams, they compare and contrast atoms and molecules and describe various chemical reactions. They distinguish the differences between ionic and...

Fourth graders conduct a lab activity that measures the factors that change the swing rate of a pendulum. They create a hypothesis and test it during the experiment. They record their observations using the recording sheets and journal...

Ninth graders explore the relationship between heat and temperature. After performing experiments, 9th graders record their observations and discuss the results. They investigate the properties of heat and explore how energy possessed...

Young scholars explore the water cycle. In this water cycle lesson, students complete a hands-on activity that replicates the water cycle. Young scholars record their observations.

Pupils participate in hands-on acticities to understand how native plants and animals arrived on Hawaii from long distances without the assistance of man. They then identify what characterizes a plant or animal as native vs. non-native.

High schoolers relate the presence of nanofibers in clothing to its ability to repel stains. They observe and contrast the characteristics of nanofiber, Scotchguard treated, and regular fabric then test the stain resistance of each...

Students develop a concept of the relative size of objects in the nanoscale. They complete an internet assignment using the website,"Scaling the Universe to Your Desktop". Using analogies to common objects they get an appreciation for...

Students investigate how dirty air is outside. They read and discuss the book, The Lorax, by Dr. Seuss. They investigate using jars and lids to compare the dirt left each day as they remove the lids. They observe the lids and discuss if...

Students investigate asthma and air quality, and then map or graph the incidence of asthma by county and air quality information by county in the state of Maryland. They attempt to see any correlations and note any limitations of the data.

Elementary schoolers take part in a very good lesson which has them watch video, conduct experiments, complete hands-on activities, and work in cooperative groups. The educationally-rich activities are clearly-explained, and the group...

Students study immigration, Ellis Island, and tenement life from 1890 to 1924. Each student create an identity of an immigrant and write an essay in the first person. Essays describe what they found when they arrived in New York City.