Curated OER
String Telephones and Musical Straws
Fourth graders investigate pitches of sound. In this physical science lesson, 4th graders participate in two activities that help them explore pitch--one activity has them working with string telephones and the amount of tension applied...
Curated OER
Terrific Telephones
In this telephones worksheet, students follow directions and answer questions about making telephones out of paper cups, paper clips, and string. Students answer 2 questions.
Curated OER
String Telephone
Students construct a string telephone. In this communications lesson, students use a cup, lead pencil, and a piece of string to construct a string telephone. The students test their telephone with a classmate.
Science 4 Inquiry
Battle of the Waves
Which travels faster, light or sound? Scholars work in groups to simulate the ability for waves to travel through solids, liquids, gases, and through a vacuum. Then, they learn about the properties of a mystery wave and must determine...
Curated OER
Science: The Age of the Redwoods
Students discover how to estimate the age of redwood trees. They measure the trees' diameters by using string to calculate the circumferences. Students conclude by discussing the science of dendrochronolgy.
Curated OER
Listening Devices
Students design and construct a listening device that will allow them to listen to the sound generated by specific object inside a box.
American Museum of Natural History
DNA Detective
DNA is like the fingerprint of genetics. A quick lesson introduces the topic of DNA sequences with a mystery about an endangered species. The lesson shows how DNA extraction, replication, and sequencing often provide undeniable evidence...
American Museum of Natural History
DNA Detective
Match up the DNA code. Pupils read the website from the American Museum of Natural History about how DNA can determine whether a skin is from a particular type of reptile. Using the same technique, learners match up products with the...
Chymist
Landfills and Recycling
Examine the nature of landfills through experimentation. Scholars build miniature landfills and monitor changes over a six-week period. Observations allow individuals to draw conclusions about the different types of trash and their...
Virginia Department of Education
Electricity and Circuits
Electrify your classroom as you lead pupils through a series of steps to demonstrate basic principles of electricity and magnetism. They design a simple circuit and test this for static electricity and current electricity. Next, they...
Curated OER
Sound
Students identify sources of sound, explain why people can't see sound waves and change the tone and volume of sound waves.
Curated OER
Spuds in Space
Students explore the effects of velocity on an object when it collides with another object. They design and outfit a potato astronaut in a spacesuit to withstand the hazards of high velocity impacts from space debris and meteoroids.
Curated OER
Spear Point Production
Students explore that prehistoric people had to have a good knowledge of the physical world around them in order to choose the best material for spear production. They also explore that prehistoric people were intelligent beings who...
Curated OER
Magnetic Discovery Bottle
Students examine how to conduct simple investigations and use simple equipment to gather data. In this magnet activity students decide what types of objects are attracted to magnets.
Curated OER
Find It!
Students analyze the basic concept of Global Positioning Systems using triangulation and measurement on a small scale in the classroom. They describe a satellite and how it helps in locating a person on Earth. They explain how...
Curated OER
2 x 2
Students work together to grid a 2 x 2 meter unit using the formula for the Pythagorean Theorem. After creating the grid, they identify the location of artifacts and create a map of their location. They develop a graph and table of their...
Curated OER
Redwood Trees: How Tall?
High schoolers practice measuring the height of redwood trees. On a group walk, they observe the height of various trees and identify the species. In groups, they use their geometry skills and other techniques to measure the tree and...
Curated OER
Upcycled Garment or Art Work
Students explain the importance of recycling waste products. In this art lesson, students research different upcycled fashion designs and accessories. They design their own product and present it in class.
Curated OER
Old Telephone Books: A Recycling Journey
Students read about old telephone books are being recycled to make new objects and then answer short answer questions about it. In this recycling lesson plan, students also look into their books to find information.