Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Investigating Bean Pods and How They Grow

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders observe and create a record of seed growth over time. After planting a seed, 3rd graders record their observations of the seed's growth over a three week period. Upon conclusion of the experiment, they write a paragraph...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What Does the Inside of a Seed Look Like?

For Teachers 1st
First graders study seeds. For this biology lesson, 1st graders observe the differences between dry and wet seeds and draw what is inside a seed after peeling off the outer coat of one of the seeds.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Plant Growth

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders keep a journal and record the growth of their plant everyday over a two week period. With an observation written down for everyday of the week, they draw a picture of their plant in their journal on Monday and Friday...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

How Can We Make a Model of Lungs?

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders examine the function of the lungs and create a model of the lungs. Using a plastic cup, drinking straw, plastic bag, small balloon, and a rubber band, they follow step-by-step directions to construct simulated lungs. ...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What is an Earthworm Like?

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders study earthworms. In this science lesson plan, 2nd graders observe an earthworm using a magnifying lens, draw pictures of the earthworm, and record their observations.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Insects

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students observe and identify insects in their local. They record their observations by drawing a picture of the insect and writing a description.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Food Safety Lab

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students use the scientific method to investigate the role of temperature in microbial growth. In this food preservation lesson, students set up an experiment with fruit in room temperature and in a refrigerator. They record the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Sources of Heat

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders conduct an experiment related to heat sources, and participate in a heat source hunt. They identify sources of heat, then compare the melting rate of ice cubes, illustrating the results in their science journal. Students...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Fun With Adhesives

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students observe, measure, and record the properties in making objects stick together using science tools. In this science lesson, students explore with their senses while mixing flour and water. Additionally, students share their...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Heat Energy

For Teachers 1st - 4th
Students study how matter changes from solids to liquids or liquids to solids. In this physical science lesson, students discuss heat energy and experiment with heat by changing a candle into a liquid using a hot plate.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Sea Urchin Embryology

For Teachers 11th - Higher Ed
Young scholars explore the process of evolution. They examine examples of how homeotic genes may work and obtain gametes. Using a microscope, students observe the fertilization of sea urchins. They video tape the process and write a...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mammals: Mammals and Their Ways

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students, in groups, observe, collect data, and analyze mammal behaviors.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Food Safety Lab-Part 3 Cross Contamination andHygiene

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students observe the effect of croos contamination as they inoculate orange juice with penicillin mold from the refrigeration lab and active yeast solution from the sterilization lab. They experience a simulation of passing bacteria...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Bacterial growth

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students explore the exponential growth and decay of microbial populations in relation to the organism tolerance ranges in their environment, They observe the impact of changing variables which can affect microbial populations.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Yummy Plant Parts

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers examine plant parts. For this botany lesson, students examine various edible plants and how their adaptations help them to grow. They observe stems, leaves, roots and flowers of plants and discuss the relationship...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Plant Pollution

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students study the different parts of a flower and their functions.  In this pollination lesson students study a flower under a microscope. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Celebrate Our Favorite Authors

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students read and compare and contrast a variety of books by their favorite authors. They sort books from various authors and identify themes and patterns in writing and drawings. They also create their own book in the style of their...
Lesson Plan
Discovery Science Center

Kindergarten Observing, Comparing and Contrasting

For Teachers K Standards
Although this is a science instructional activity, it can be adapted to help meet Common Core standards in math as well. Starting scientists describe physical properties of objects and explore three forms of water. To address the Common...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Stomata: Microscopic Openings that Let Plants Breathe

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Young scholars participate in a lab experiment to observe and measure the opening and closing of stomata. They focus on photoperiod, locate and identify stomata on a leaf and explain the role of stomata in the daily functioning of a plant.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Dynamic Earth

For Teachers K - 5th
Young scholars show how earthquakes affect sea waves. In this tidal waves instructional activity students use a rubber mallet on a table to create waves in a box on top of the table. They experiment with striking the mallet in different...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Electricity and Magnetism: Ben Franklin and His Influence

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders explore electricity by examining the life of Benjamin Franklin.  In this biographical lesson, 4th graders listen to the teacher read facts of Benjamin Franklin's life and analyze his contributions to our current...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Elements Of Chemistry: When Carbon Combines

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers create a polymer using Borax and Elmer's Glue. In this chemistry lesson, students identify monomers made of hydrocarbons and then brainstorm a list of polymers and their uses.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Understanding Oceans

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students investigate how ocean currents affect our world. In this ocean currents lesson, students perform an experiment to show how cold water is near the poles and warm water is near the equator. Students use water, food coloring,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Gymnastic Skills

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd
Students compete in a variety of games. In this gymnastic skills lesson plan, students play tag, participate in a challenge course, and practice gymnastics moves to increase physical fitness.